Letters 
Letter Tags
Stats
In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
Writing to Tolkien, C. A. Furth of GA&U asks him to return the approved binding for The Hobbit. He agrees that the 'wavy line' will be removed, but says...
C. S. Lewis recieves an unbound copy of The Hobbit from GA&U.
C. A. writes, informing Tolkien that GA&U will send him a new binding for The Hobbit. It will have have different lettering without the lines under the ...
Tolkien writes to Furth of GA&U. He agrees that the revised binding would do. He had hoped that the 'wavy line' would be transformed into something and ...
GA&U send Russell Meiggs, editor of the Oxford Magazine, an unbound copy of The Hobbit per Tolkien's request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
GA&U send a copy of The Hobbit to Elaine Griffiths. Elaine was a family friend, and recalls reading the story from a "beautifully typed copy". It is ass...
GA&U send C. L. Wrenn a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover l...
At Tolkien's request, GA&U sends Helen Buckhurst a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cove...
Robert Rattenbury is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is not known specifically who sent it to him, be that Tolkien himself or through GA&U. No other detai...
A. H. Smith from the Early English Text Society is sent a copy of The Hobbit by GA&U as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
Russell Meiggs (editor of the Oxford Magazine) writes to Tolkien with thanks for a copy of The Hobbit. The letter was described by Meiggs himself as an ...
Please note that we do not believe any letter exists for this entry but rather that Tolkien hand-delivered a copy of The Hobbit for family friends, the ...
Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth asking that copies of The Hobbit be sent to R. W. Chambers and George S. Gordon. He says that GA&U can use the colour illu...
As requested by Tolkien, C. A. Furth sends a copy of The Hobbit to R. W. Chambers. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent...
George S. Gordon receives a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cov...
Chambers writes to Tolkien thanking him for a copy of The Hobbit. It is this letter which is forwarded by Tolkien with a letter to GA&U. He updates Tolk...
Tolkien sends the last two colour drawings for the American edition of The Hobbit and asks GA&U to send it on to Houghton Mifflin. he also asks about a ...
Writing to C.A. Furth, and apologizes for his lengthy letter regarding the dustcover blurb. Tolkien believes he is still waiting on five copies of The H...
Chambers writes again offering thanks for a copy of The Hobbit, and presumably, criticism on it. He gives Tolkien an update on his recovery after a bout...
C. A. Firth informs Tolkien that he is sending a complimentary copy of The Hobbit to W. R. Childe and that his remaining author copies will be sent to h...
Childe is sent a copy of The Hobbit which had been requested by Tolkien. Childe writes to thank Tolkien and offer his congratulations on the publication...
A short note enclosed with a copy of The Hobbit which was published on the same day. It was sent to Simonne d'Ardenne as a gift. This letter is held amo...
Tolkien sends a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit, to his friend E. V. Gordon.
GA&U sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien's cousin, Marjorie Incledon at his request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books ...
GA&U send Mary Incledon, Tolkien's cousin, a copy of The Hobbit as requested by him. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books se...
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien family friend and former student, Katharine Kilbride, with a dedication and a four-line original inscripti...
Tolkien sent a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Mabel, but it is not known if it arrived before her death. John D. Rateliff notes in his History of The Ho...
Edith's cousin, Jennie Grove is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
On or around publication day of The Hobbit, Tolkien sends an inscribed copy to his former student and friend Stella Mills. It is assumed that with any m...
Tolkien sends family friends, Charles and Dorothy Moore a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit. Their copy of the book was put up for auction on...
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his brother, Hilary. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
Tolkien wrote to his Aunt, Jane Neave enclosing a signed copy of The Hobbit. This letter and the book were described with some short quotes and an image...
Kilbride writes to Tolkien from Bradford offering praise for The Hobbit. This letter is held among the Tolkien Papers at the Bodleian Library.
E. V. Gordon replies to Tolkien to thank him for a copy of The Hobbit and offers comments on the story. The letter is held at the Bodleian Library archive.
Helen Buckhurst writes to Tolkien to thank him for arranging for a copy of The Hobbit to be sent to her. She says the book is delightful, though she wis...
Jennie Grove writes to Tolkien thanking him for the copy of The Hobbit she has recieved. She is "delighted" by it and hopes that it is a huge success fo...
Hilary writes to Tolkien thanking him for sending a copy of The Hobbit. He will read it soon and then will read it with Gabriel, his eldest son. He also...
Tolkien had arranged that a copy of The Hobbit be sent to Childe, and Childe writes to congratulate Tolkien on its publication and offers thanks for his...
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to the Jennings family. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
Tolkien's Aunt Jane (Neave) writes to Tolkien demanding to know more about his new book, The Hobbit. Tolkien had written to her, and signed a copy of th...
Dorothy Moore writes to Tolkien. Christopher Tolkien had spent some time with them on holiday and she makes mention of this and remarks on The Hobbit. T...
Tolkien had written to his aunt, Jane Neave on 22 September and signed a copy of The Hobbit. It turned out that he had mislaid the letter and book and t...
Aunt Jane writes again to Tolkien now that she has recieved a copy of The Hobbit. She is delighted with it and says that "the origin of golf" finished h...
Following his previous letter offering Tolkien thanks and congratulations on The Hobbit, Childe sends a postcard with congratulations on the positive re...
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Florence who had emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, possibly with a letter or note (not seen).
When The Hobbit was published back in September, 1937, Tolkien had sent a signed first edition to his family friend, Katherine Mary. She had lent the bo...
G.B. Smith's mother, Ruth Smith, writes to Tolkien with thanks for the copy of The Hobbit he sent her. She also touches on Christopher Tolkien. This let...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
The Hobbit author/advance/proof copies
(49 letters match)1937
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#14
Carpenter #14
In this three-page handwritten letter, Tolkien writes to his publisher about the release date for The Hobbit, going on at length about how it would be b...
1 June 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1919
Writing to Tolkien, C. A. Furth of GA&U asks him to return the approved binding for The Hobbit. He agrees that the 'wavy line' will be removed, but says...
c. July 1937 - August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to C. S. Lewis
#1978
C. S. Lewis recieves an unbound copy of The Hobbit from GA&U.
8 July 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1944
C. A. writes, informing Tolkien that GA&U will send him a new binding for The Hobbit. It will have have different lettering without the lines under the ...
?9 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1945
Tolkien writes to Furth of GA&U. He agrees that the revised binding would do. He had hoped that the 'wavy line' would be transformed into something and ...
14 July 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Russell Meiggs
#2015
GA&U send Russell Meiggs, editor of the Oxford Magazine, an unbound copy of The Hobbit per Tolkien's request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Elaine Griffiths
#1979
GA&U send a copy of The Hobbit to Elaine Griffiths. Elaine was a family friend, and recalls reading the story from a "beautifully typed copy". It is ass...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to C. L. (Charles Leslie) Wrenn
#1996
GA&U send C. L. Wrenn a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover l...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Helen Buckhurst
#1997
At Tolkien's request, GA&U sends Helen Buckhurst a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cove...
c. August 1937 - September 1937
?J.R.R. Tolkien ?George Allen & Unwin to Robert (Robert Mantle) Rattenbury
#2006
Robert Rattenbury is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is not known specifically who sent it to him, be that Tolkien himself or through GA&U. No other detai...
August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to A. H. Smith
#2007
A. H. Smith from the Early English Text Society is sent a copy of The Hobbit by GA&U as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/pro...
August 1937
Russell Meiggs (for Oxford Magazine) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2016
Russell Meiggs (editor of the Oxford Magazine) writes to Tolkien with thanks for a copy of The Hobbit. The letter was described by Meiggs himself as an ...
circa 7 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. and Mrs. Livesey
#2031
Please note that we do not believe any letter exists for this entry but rather that Tolkien hand-delivered a copy of The Hobbit for family friends, the ...
13 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1966
Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth asking that copies of The Hobbit be sent to R. W. Chambers and George S. Gordon. He says that GA&U can use the colour illu...
c. 14 August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to R.W. Chambers
#1984
As requested by Tolkien, C. A. Furth sends a copy of The Hobbit to R. W. Chambers. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent...
c. 14 August 1937
George Allen & Unwin to George S. Gordon
#2017
George S. Gordon receives a copy of The Hobbit as requested by Tolkien. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cov...
c. 15-31 August 1937 (undated)
R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1985
Chambers writes to Tolkien thanking him for a copy of The Hobbit. It is this letter which is forwarded by Tolkien with a letter to GA&U. He updates Tolk...
31 August 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin)
#15
Carpenter #15
Tolkien sends the last two colour drawings for the American edition of The Hobbit and asks GA&U to send it on to Houghton Mifflin. he also asks about a ...
5-7 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (of George Allen and Unwin)
#81
Writing to C.A. Furth, and apologizes for his lengthy letter regarding the dustcover blurb. Tolkien believes he is still waiting on five copies of The H...
7 September 1937 (postmarked)
R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1986
Chambers writes again offering thanks for a copy of The Hobbit, and presumably, criticism on it. He gives Tolkien an update on his recovery after a bout...
8 September 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1975
C. A. Firth informs Tolkien that he is sending a complimentary copy of The Hobbit to W. R. Childe and that his remaining author copies will be sent to h...
c. 8 - 26 September 1937*
George Allen & Unwin to W.R. Childe
#2032
Childe is sent a copy of The Hobbit which had been requested by Tolkien. Childe writes to thank Tolkien and offer his congratulations on the publication...
21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Simonne d'Ardenne
#82
A short note enclosed with a copy of The Hobbit which was published on the same day. It was sent to Simonne d'Ardenne as a gift. This letter is held amo...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to E.V. Gordon
#1976
Tolkien sends a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit, to his friend E. V. Gordon.
c. 21 September 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Marjorie Incledon
#1982
GA&U sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien's cousin, Marjorie Incledon at his request. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books ...
c. 21 September 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Mary Incledon
#1983
GA&U send Mary Incledon, Tolkien's cousin, a copy of The Hobbit as requested by him. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books se...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride
#1980
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to Tolkien family friend and former student, Katharine Kilbride, with a dedication and a four-line original inscripti...
c. 21 September 1937 - end of 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mabel Tolkien (Mitton)
#1993
Tolkien sent a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Mabel, but it is not known if it arrived before her death. John D. Rateliff notes in his History of The Ho...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennie Grove
#2008
Edith's cousin, Jennie Grove is sent a copy of The Hobbit. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stella Mills
#2011
On or around publication day of The Hobbit, Tolkien sends an inscribed copy to his former student and friend Stella Mills. It is assumed that with any m...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles and Dorothy Moore
#2029
Tolkien sends family friends, Charles and Dorothy Moore a copy of his newly published book, The Hobbit. Their copy of the book was put up for auction on...
c. 21 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hilary Tolkien
#2033
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his brother, Hilary. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
22 September 1937 (unsent)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#112
Tolkien wrote to his Aunt, Jane Neave enclosing a signed copy of The Hobbit. This letter and the book were described with some short quotes and an image...
22 September 1937
K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2019
Kilbride writes to Tolkien from Bradford offering praise for The Hobbit. This letter is held among the Tolkien Papers at the Bodleian Library.
23 September 1937
E. V. Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1977
E. V. Gordon replies to Tolkien to thank him for a copy of The Hobbit and offers comments on the story. The letter is held at the Bodleian Library archive.
23 September 1937
Helen Buckhurst to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1998
Helen Buckhurst writes to Tolkien to thank him for arranging for a copy of The Hobbit to be sent to her. She says the book is delightful, though she wis...
23 September 1937
Jennie Grove to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2009
Jennie Grove writes to Tolkien thanking him for the copy of The Hobbit she has recieved. She is "delighted" by it and hopes that it is a huge success fo...
24 September 1937
Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2018
Hilary writes to Tolkien thanking him for sending a copy of The Hobbit. He will read it soon and then will read it with Gabriel, his eldest son. He also...
27 September 1937
W.R. Childe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2012
Tolkien had arranged that a copy of The Hobbit be sent to Childe, and Childe writes to congratulate Tolkien on its publication and offers thanks for his...
October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Henry, Mary and also Aileen and Elizabeth Jennings
#1992
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to the Jennings family. It is assumed that with any manuscript/proofs or copies of books sent that a cover letter or ...
1 October 1937
Jane Neave to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2002
Tolkien's Aunt Jane (Neave) writes to Tolkien demanding to know more about his new book, The Hobbit. Tolkien had written to her, and signed a copy of th...
3 October 1937
Dorothy Moore to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2030
Dorothy Moore writes to Tolkien. Christopher Tolkien had spent some time with them on holiday and she makes mention of this and remarks on The Hobbit. T...
6 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#2003
Tolkien had written to his aunt, Jane Neave on 22 September and signed a copy of The Hobbit. It turned out that he had mislaid the letter and book and t...
9 October 1937
Jane Neave to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2004
Aunt Jane writes again to Tolkien now that she has recieved a copy of The Hobbit. She is delighted with it and says that "the origin of golf" finished h...
9 October 1937
W.R. Childe to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2013
Following his previous letter offering Tolkien thanks and congratulations on The Hobbit, Childe sends a postcard with congratulations on the positive re...
c. end of 1937 - early 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Florence Hadley
#1994
Tolkien sends a copy of The Hobbit to his Aunt Florence who had emigrated to British Columbia, Canada, possibly with a letter or note (not seen).
22 December 1937
K. M. (Katherine Mary) Kilbride to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2126
When The Hobbit was published back in September, 1937, Tolkien had sent a signed first edition to his family friend, Katherine Mary. She had lent the bo...
27 December 1937
R.A. [Ruth] Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2040
G.B. Smith's mother, Ruth Smith, writes to Tolkien with thanks for the copy of The Hobbit he sent her. She also touches on Christopher Tolkien. This let...
109
16582