Letters 
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Tolkien is asked by GA&U if he wishes to working on a revision to John R. Clark Hall's Modern English transaltion of Beowulf and The Fight at Finnesburg...
C. A. Furth writes to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark-Hall edition of Beowulf. GA&U are keen for Tolkien to edit a new edition, or suggest a likely c...
Writing to, Christopher, Tolkien says he misses his son but that he is glad Christopher’s little holiday has begun with fine weather. He discusses the...
Tolkien sends the completed typescipt for the Hobbit and one illustration, likely one of his maps. Allen and Unwin will receive them two days later on 5...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to acknowledge receipt of the typescripts for the Hobbit. He also asks Tolkien to see his translation of Pearl, which th...
Sir Stanley Unwin's son Rayner was paid to write a review of a book that was being considered for publication, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Stanley Unwin sends to Tolkien the contract duplicate. This is noted by Hammond/Scull as the final step for accepting the Hobbit for publication and on ...
Further to her visit to see Tolkien, Susan Dagnall sends Tolkien a revised specimen page of The Hobbit and asks him to write a short blurb for GA&U to u...
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall's letter. He includes the blurb for publicity on the Hobbit. He does not like the star ornament at the beginning of the...
Susan Dagnall writes again to Tolkien on the matter of the Hobbit. His maps will require redrawing as there are too many colours. She suggests red and b...
Susan Dagnall, at George Allen & Unwin, gives Tolkien feedback from the production department about adjustments that will need to be made to the five pr...
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that ther...
Tolkien returns a slip to GA&U, likely the publicity piece for The Hobbit.
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced....
Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
Susan Dagnall of GA&U writes to Tolkien asking if he can keep one day free, either 13 or 14 February, for her and C. A. Furth to visit Tolkien to discus...
Tolkien in reply to Susan Dagnall's letter sent that morning, , notes that he can keep either 13 or 14 February free. He includes the original drawing o...
Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien, correcting a misstatement in her previous letter . Thror's Map will have to be used as an endpaper due to costs, but no...
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. In the 2023 revised edition of Lett...
Tolkien makes mention of the new volume on Buckingham by P.N. Tolkien also promises to send Chambers a copy of his book, written for his children and oc...
GA&U send to Tolkien a set of proofs for the Hobbit.
Tolkien writes to GA&U noting that he has corrected the first proofs for The Hobbit but says that he wants to keep hold of them until the complete set h...
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that the 'fine lines' in The Trolls illustration have broken when reproduced, but that there is no r...
GA&U sends to Tolkien the remaining proofs of The Hobbit and ask that he restricts any corrections to those unavoidable. They further ask that he try to...
Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth of GA&U acknowledging the two drawings which were “safely received”, he has placed them in the correct positions among...
Tolkien returns to GA&U the remaining proofs, end-papers, and suggestions for them of The Hobbit.
Replying to Tolkien's letter, Furth confirms that Tolkien will receive proofs of the corrected portions for The Hobbit. Tolkien is warned that the corre...
Writing to C. A. Furth of GA&U, Tolkien hopes that the proofs for The Hobbit will arrive with him during his vacation. He also notes that he will attemp...
In reply to Tolkien's letter, C.A. Furth writes to say that the printers have decided to revise the whole of The Hobbit. Tolkien should receive some of ...
In two batches, Tolkien receives the proofs for The Hobbit. Exact dates are not known but does follow approximately to C. A. Furth's letter of 31 March ...
Concerning Tolkien's corrections to the text of The Hobbit, the cost of those corrections, and who would incur that cost, as well as details of his subm...
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien. He makes mention that the margins around the Hobbit illustrations will be adjusted before the final printing and apologize...
Tolkien writes back to Furth in regards to the dustjacket design for The Hobbit. Furth wrote on April 15th that the pink hue that Tolkien put on the mou...
Furth writes to Tolkien to say that the red will have to be removed from The Hobbit jacket and the sun will have an outline to highlight it. This letter...
C. A. Furth informs Tolkien that a US publisher is interested in publishing The Hobbit and they would like to add four colour illustrations to the book....
This two-page handwritten letter contains some of Tolkien's thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA. Tolkien can make illustratio...
In reply to Tolkien's letter asking about the US publisher interested in The Hobbit, C. A. Furth gives details. It is the Houghton Mifflin Company (HMC)...
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) proof copies of The Hobbit dust-jacket.
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) sample bindings for The Hobbit.
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...
Tolkien, writing to GA&U approves the dust-jacket for The Hobbit but feels the sun would be better with a finer outline. He prefers the green binding an...
Tolkien writes to Lionel Salt, the Bursar at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge to apologise that he must miss a play as Christopher, his son was...
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...
Noted in their letter to Tolkien of 1 June 1937, C. A. Furth says that they have written to Houghton Mifflin in regard of Tolkien's letter to them of 28...
C. S. Lewis recieves an unbound copy of The Hobbit from GA&U.
Furth sends a new sample case of The Hobbit to Tolkien with changes to the lettering and decorations after Tolkien's feedback sent on 28 May.
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...
Tolkien writes to GA&U and encloses the most recent photograph of himself as requested by Susan Dagnall. By letter or in person? He asks them again abou...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of his visit to London to meet with him and C. A. Furth on 28 July. He notes that if they have heard from ...
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's letter. He will meet him at the GA&U office around 12.30pm on 28 July. He is unsure of the copyright status of the ph...
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 ...
C. A. Furth writes to let Tolkien know that he is sending to him an advance copy of The Hobbit and asks if he would like more. He notes that Houghton Mi...
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...
Furth confirms that he has sent the copies of the Hobbit to the people Tolkien requested. He includes the drawing of a dragon that Tolkien had produced ...
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 ...
In a letter to Tolkien, C. A. Furth notes that he has written to Houghton Mifflin asking that Tolkien's specimen drawings be returned and asks them to c...
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...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien an advance of £25 for The Hobbit.
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...
Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth of GA&U. He needs five outstanding author's copies and seven copies for giving to a few people who cannot buy a of The Hobb...
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, apologizes for sounding ungrateful to him. Unwin had sent Tolkien a much welcomed cheque. He hopes that the Hobbit ea...
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 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 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 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...
C.A. Furth informs Tolkien that Houghton Mifflin Co. will pay him $100 for use of his illustrations for their edition of The Hobbit, due to be (and ulti...
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...
Writing to his son Christopher, Tolkien says how delighted he is to have received his letter, although he doesn't expect them. He, Edith, and Priscilla ...
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...
Allen & Unwin had sent copies of The Hobbit to various authors in order to solicit reviews. Hughes's response was used for publicity materials to advert...
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...
Mary writes to Tolkien asking if he would send her a presentation copy of The Hobbit. In return she will send him prayers. This letter is found among th...
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...
G.E.K. Braunholtz, a colleague from Oxford writes to Tolkien. He has read the positive review in The Times and quotes from it in his letter. This letter...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien telling him that The Hobbit is selling well, and had good reviews in the Times Literary Supplement and The Times itself....
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that he has no doubt that Tolkien will do well from his first publication. He describes Tolkien as a genius ...
Tolkien replies to Mlle Tardivel's letter on a French translation of The Hobbit. He says that he will forward this to his publisher, George Allen & Unwi...
F.E. Harmer, a colleague from Manchester writes to Tolkien to ask advice on the meaning of various Old English words and if Tolkien could present any ci...
Mlle Tardivel writes to Tolkien asking about the possibility of her translating The Hobbit into French.
Hilary's Aunt Mabel writes in reply to his letter. She has been unwell for quite some time and is only able to travel short distances. She hopes to be w...
Tolkien's aunt, Grace, writes to him offering thoughts on The Hobbit. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library archives with the Tolkien Papers.
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, including a letter he received from a Mlle Tardivel who had written asking about a possible French translation of The H...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in reply to his letter on foreign translations of The Hobbit. He mentions that GA&U are working to arrange German, Scand...
Selby writes to Tolkien on various matters related to The Hobbit. He asks about discrepancies between the text of The Hobbit and 'Thror's Map'. Tolkien ...
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).
Arthur Ransome, best known for his Swallows and Amazons series of childrens books wrote to Tolkien in 1937 after The Hobbit had been published, firstly ...
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in replying to Selby's November letter due to his poor health. He remarks that he prefers his own mythology which The H...
Replying to Arthur Ransome's letter of 13th December Tolkien opens with exclamations of honour at receiving a letter from Ransome. Tolkien apologizes fo...
Stanley writes to Tolkien with news that the first edition of The Hobbit has sold and a new printing will be issued almost immediately. He notes that To...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in connection to a competition ran by W.G. Le Tall of Geoffrey Tyndale’s Bookshop in Bath. They are offering prizes to...
Arthur Ransome writes to Tolkien with further thoughts about The Hobbit. He says that he had recently had an operation and the book had turned that time...
Following a letter the previous day from Stanley Unwin, Le Fall of Geoffrey Tyndale’s Bookshop in Bath writes to Tolkien with details on the competiti...
C.A. Furth writes to update Tolkien on their efforts to get the reprint of The Hobbit out for the Christmas rush. The demand for it is high, GA&U had to...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and includes colour plates of illustrations for The Hobbit along with a report from Rayner on The Adventures of Tom Bomb...
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a typescript of Tolkien's story, The Lost Road to him, as promised. He says that its possible publishing success is hard to ...
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...
Tolkien's Aunt Lily congratulates him on the publication of a second printing of The Hobbit. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library among their Tol...
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...
W.G. Le Tall again writes to Tolkien about the competition his bookshop is running on The Hobbit. The letter is held with the Tolkien Papers at the Bodl...
A reader had written to the Observer newspaper asking various questions on The Hobbit and Beowulf. White sends a clipping of that letter to Tolkien and ...
Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised 2023 editi...
Le Tall sends his personal copy of The Hobbit for Tolkien to sign for him. He updates Tolkien on the competition, noting that it has not gone as well as...
Stanley Unwin writes that his son Rayner is delighted with the sample chapter from the new book about hobbits. Rayner does wonder if a child who hasn't ...
Tolkien's Aunt Florence (Hadley) writes to thank him the copy of The Hobbit which he sent to her in British Columbia, Canada. She notes that had her sis...
Tolkien informs his publisher that Houghton Mifflin are yet to return to him the five orginal watercolour paintings for The Hobbit.
Tolkien responds to a request, likely from a researcher or enthusiast, regarding the origins and inspirations behind his work, particularly The Hobbit. ...
Houghton Mifflin Co. send the five colour illustrations to GA&U discussed late in 1937.
GA&U send the five colour illustrations (sent from Houghton Mifflin Co.) to Tolkien. In their Companion and Guide, Chronology, p. 223, Wayne Hammond and...
Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note on their 'Addenda and Corrigenda to The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide Revised and Enlarged Edition (2017) Vo...
Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
B.S. Harvey of the National Provincial Bank writes to Tolkien acknowledging payment of some cheques and as a post script asks Tolkien if he would mind s...
Houghton Mifflin, the American publisher of The Hobbit, notified Tolkien that he has won a $250 award for the best children's book published that Spring.
Tolkien forwards the cablegram he received from Houghton Mifflin notifying him of The Hobbit's win as best Children's Book for Spring.
Tolkien had sent a Cablegram from Houghton Mifflin to him onto GA&U and Stanley Unwin replies that they will that for publicity purposes. He also asks T...
Stanley writes a short cover letter to Tolkien explaining that Rayner has had little time (going to boarding school on this day), but has scribbled down...
M. Williams, a former student at Oxford, now of the Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, New York, writes to Tolkien offering memories of her tim...
Houghton Mifflin Co. send Tolkien a cheque for $250 for being awarded first prize in the New York Herald Tribune book awards. The Hobbit had won first p...
Stanley Unwin writes that Houghton Mifflin (the American publisher) reports having sold approximately 3000 copies of The Hobbit, and will re-announce it...
Tolkien thanks Stanley Unwin for the excellent news from America, where The Hobbit is selling well and it has won a prize of $250. Rayner's review of th...
Francis P. Magoun of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA writes to Tolkien in praise of The Hobbit. He notes his growing interest in Gothic. Magoun had visite...
A German publisher is interested in The Hobbit but needs Tolkien to confirm his Aryan descent before proceeding.
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
In reply to Tolkien's letter, Furth sends an update on the matter of translations of The Hobbit. GA&U have not progressed with translations into French ...
Catherine Lambert, a writer from London writes to Tolkien on The Hobbit and mentions her own publications. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library a...
In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
Furth writes to Tolkien again on the German publishers edition of The Hobbit. They will not publish until the autumn, and have agreed that they will pro...
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
Writing to Christopher, Tolkien remarks on the work of typing up "Hobbit" and how Edith and Priscilla are getting along. He then promises to write more.
Tolkien notes his pleasure at receiveing letters from readers. He mentions his mythology and remarks that he has nearly finished a second book on hobbit...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien remarking that the London bookseller, Foyles, will publish The Hobbit as part of its Children's Book Club. He notes furt...
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 7 December remarking that he is looking to see what corrections have been included in the reprint of The Ho...
Tolkien wrote this long letter to two schoolgirls, Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke who were both very enthusiastic about hobbits, in reply to their quest...
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien asking of he could meet his son Rayner who is serving as a Cadet in the Navy at Oxford. He also encloses a cheque for £...
Stanley writes to tell Tolkien that if paper were available they would immediately reprint The Hobbit as it would sell well. Stanley apologizes for not ...
Tolkien sends the last two chapters of the fourth book of The Lord of the Rings, and quotes from a letter he has received from a fan who has read The Ho...
Writing to Charles Brady, C. S. Lewis makes mention of Tolkien and his Hobbit books. He mentions that a sequel to the Hobbit will soon be finished. He d...
Tolkien writes to Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke, he discusses his progress with The Lord of the Rings, and the fortunes of his family. The letter was a...
Stephen Bone, the writer and painter, writes to Tolkien. He remarks on his children's enjoyment of The Hobbit and asks Tolkien if he would send him a ma...
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a translator...
Tolkien notes to Stanley Unwin that he has received the agreement for Farmer Giles of Ham, he would also send revised manuscripts for it in July and he ...
Tolkien provides information about the origin and authorship of the riddles included in their work. He clarifies that most of the riddles are their orig...
Tolkien writes to Jennifer with some advice on an Oxford College, and errors in The Hobbit. A description of the letter appeared in The J.R.R. Tolkien C...
In response to Tolkien's letter from the prior week Unwin lets Tolkien know that the Hobbit corrections have been passed on to the production department...
Writing to a young fan, Rosemary, Tolkien says he is yet to finish his new book about Bilbo and his nephew. . He worries that it is so long that the pub...
Katharine Farrer had written to Tolkien, in runes, asking if he would sign her copy of The Hobbit. Tolkien replies to her letter in runes. He says that ...
Farrer replies to Tolkien, again in runes and says that she would welcome a key to the Dwarvish alphabet. This was written on a postcard that accompanie...
Mother M. Agnes, a former pupil from Leeds and now at Maryfield College, Dublin, writes to Tolkien asking if he recalls her from that time at Leeds. She...
In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
Tolkien expresses pleasure that Brogan enjoyed "The Hobbit" and mentions his ongoing work on a longer piece set in the same world, providing details abo...
In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
Tolkien opens this letter with apologies for his delayed reply. He says that he must have appeared ungrateful, but not only was he grateful, he was exci...
Henry Willink, a colleague from Magdalene College, Cambridge, writes to Tolkien giving him an update on his wife's ill-health and to offer his admiratio...
Tolkien had "dumped" the manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on Milton Waldman just as he was going on holiday, and Tolkien felt bad burdoning him with ...
Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit and remarks on how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are interlinked. He was not expecting hi...
Writing to Hugh Brogan, Tolkien notes that he does not know what is happening with The Lord of the Rings which he had hoped would be published this year...
Tolkien writes about the new revised edition of The Hobbit.
C.S. Lewis writes to the 'Grittletonians' recommending Tolkien's The Hobbit.
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient'...
Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin asking if there will be opportunity for the book to be reviewed. He wants C.S. Lewis especially to be able to review the...
Tolkien writes to Rayner, he has been struggling with ill-health through the term and only recently has he been able to deal with “many strands” of ...
Writing to Miss Perry, Tolkien discusses the Lord of the Rings, hoping it will be published in the coming year. He has had ill health and has been very ...
Tolkien was delighted to receive a letter from Mr. John Staniforth referring to himself as a "sexagenarian". Tolkien cites his noticing of the songs in ...
Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
Replying to Rosemary Summers, believed to be a teacher, Tolkien says that some critics argued the Hobbit was too frightening for children. Her school ch...
Tolkien responded to a request as to what makes him 'tick'. Quotes from this letter were printed in the 5 June 1955 New York Times Book Review article '...
Tolkien responds to a reviewer's questions about The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses that the story is meant to be enjoyed as a fairy tale. He ment...
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his 'specialist...
In reply to a letter from a boy who had read The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he is pleased that his work is bringing enjoyment to readers. He says t...
A letter to a young fan named Charles Blackwood. Discusses runes, Tolkien remarks that he did not invent the runes in The Hobbit. See for more details.
Tolkien apologises for not replying earlier. He has been overworked, noting that he has not the aid of an assistant in his role. He would be delighted t...
Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Children's writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.
Tolkien writes to Benjamin, and thanks him for buying The Lord of the Rings and answers a question on the height of Amon Hen, he doubts it was much over...
A fascinating letter on the labors of producing his iconic work, concluding with a humorous aside on real-life namesakes of his famous characters. A pho...
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 172 items, not all of which concern Tolkien. Among the subjects disc...
Of this letter, a large portion was published as Letter #227 in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. In the opening portion of this letter to Madam Ossendrijv...
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien with news that Miss Pamela Chandler wants to photograph him. He impresses upon Tolkien that they could use the photograph...
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
Tolkien sends some poems that he is considering for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. A lecture he gave on fairy stories at St Andrews consolidated his vi...
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...
Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies" of the transl...
Cin Calabi of Arnoldo Mondadori writes to George Allen & Unwin asking if they could have more time to consider The Lord of the Rings as holidays, etc ha...
In reply to a request for more time to consider the Lord of the Rings, Alina Dadlez replies that the end of September will be fine and asks if they may ...
Tolkien writes explaining that "I prefer hobitos since it preserves to the eye more relationship to the original word. I do not much mind the h being 'm...
An internal memo noting that they are considering once again the Lord of the Rings after having turned it down in 1955. Various translations are noted, ...
Tolkien writes to Miss Allen and notes that the Mewlips of his poem are mere legend, and that although the Hobbits are treated in his work as 'historica...
Tolkien writes to Julie Cape thanking her for her letter of appreciation. She has enjoyed The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien hopes that sh...
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings, comparisons to The Hobbit, some discussion of the material being worked on for The Silmarillion, and a lengt...
Tolkien opens this letter stating that an earlier reply was delayed by ill-health and pressures of work. He cannot answer questions sent by her son, say...
A typed letter of thanks to Mrs A. Mountfield of Eltham Green School, thanking her for sending the letter by one of her class children which gave him gr...
Tolkien thanks 'Master' Clements for his appreciation of The Hobbit and suggests that "the other books I have written which you might enjoy, Farmer Gile...
Tolkien thanks Miss Sibley for her letter and "close scrutiny" of his books. He says that any mystery regarding his runes are easily solved: The runes i...
Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
Tolkien discusses the serialisation of The Hobbit in The Princess. Tolkien notes that dwarves is used throughout in his book, but it would be ok for thi...
Blyton had asked Tolkien’s permission to compose a Hobbit Overture.
Tolkien apologizes once again for being late in getting work to Rayner, this time revisions on the 3rd edition of The Hobbit. He says that many revision...
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first ‘authorized’ American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien’s revisions to the...
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrains wi...
Tolkien writes to explain that the second edition of The Hobbit is different to the original. Charles Calleja gave some insights about the letter and hi...
Tolkien offers advice on finding first editions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
Tolkien writes about living near the school in his youth. He tells the class that a cheap paperback is available in the US but not currently in the UK. ...
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of 'hobbit'. ...
Tolkien sends an inscribed copy of the Japanese Hobbit, it reads "With best wishes to Fr Hugh Maycock and Pusey House | Dec. 14. 1966" Tolkien inserted ...
Joy has sent Tolkien a copy of The Children's Treasury of Literature, which includes a chapter from The Hobbit.
Tolkien writes about his essay "On Fairy Stories" and says that The Lord of the Rings was meant as a large-scale adult fairy story. Quoted in C. N. Manl...
Tolkien writes to Humphrey to give permission for a play based on The Hobbit.
In this letter Tolkien replies that he has received David's Tom Bombadil Part 1 in English runes and remarks that it is "very correct". This letter was ...
A partial view of this letter was featured on the BBC's Repair Shop broadcast on 25th January 2023 (see reference). In the letter, Tolkien remarks on ru...
Tolkien receives a letter from Lynda Johnson Robb (from the White House) asking if he would possible be able to sign her book (The Hobbit). Robb had tak...
Tolkien writes to Michael about his trip to Switzerland and writes about his own trip in 1911. He also talks about 'trends' in the Catholic Church and h...
Writing to son Michael, Tolkien says he hopes he is doing better and has recovered from overwork. He says that he and Edith spent Christmas with daughte...
Tolkien sends some autographs for the McCall children to put in their books.
Tolkien offers profuse thanks for her gift of five bottles. He says that his health and his wife Edith's are not good. They are looking forward to Sprin...
Tolkien signs the dust-jacket of The Hobbit for Mr Burrows. Sold for £1300 at Bloomsbury Auctions Sale 614, 24th May 2007. Auction listing included a f...
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes writes that A Map of Middle-earth is selling well, and they already plan a reprint. They are now thinking of a poster map...
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes says that GA&U are very happy to commission the Hobbit map, entitled There and Back Again] as soon as she can fit it in, ...
Rayner Unwin comments that they are delighted that Baynes will do the Hobbit map entitled 'There and Back Again'. There is no urgency and a few months d...
Tolkien writes to Roger about his thoughts on the origin of the word Hobbit.
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blowups from the The Lord of the Rings of area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has much some det...
Rayner Unwin notes that GA&U are delighted with There and Back Again map and that Tolkien is unqualified in his praise. ‘He loved your visit . . . des...
Tolkien's desk where he wrote parts of The Lord of the Rings and entirety of The Hobbit, so said by Tolkien himself. A photocopy of the letter with a co...
Tolkien details his thoughts on a recent article about him in a paper, and what he thought should have been written about. He then tells the respondent ...
Tolkien is pleased that The Hobbit is being translated into Icelandic.
Tolkien was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh. Tolkien writes to Doctor Campbell about how much he enjoyed his visit to Edinbu...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
the hobbit
(261 letters match)1936
?Early 1936 (?sometime between January and April)
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1805
Tolkien is asked by GA&U if he wishes to working on a revision to John R. Clark Hall's Modern English transaltion of Beowulf and The Fight at Finnesburg...
30 March 1936
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1809
C. A. Furth writes to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark-Hall edition of Beowulf. GA&U are keen for Tolkien to edit a new edition, or suggest a likely c...
10 August 1936
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1367
Carpenter #8b
Writing to, Christopher, Tolkien says he misses his son but that he is glad Christopher’s little holiday has begun with fine weather. He discusses the...
3 October 1936 (received 5 October)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1832
Tolkien sends the completed typescipt for the Hobbit and one illustration, likely one of his maps. Allen and Unwin will receive them two days later on 5...
5 October 1936
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1833
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien to acknowledge receipt of the typescripts for the Hobbit. He also asks Tolkien to see his translation of Pearl, which th...
30 October 1936
Rayner Unwin to Sir Stanley Unwin
#1176
Sir Stanley Unwin's son Rayner was paid to write a review of a book that was being considered for publication, The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
2 December 1936
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1839
Stanley Unwin sends to Tolkien the contract duplicate. This is noted by Hammond/Scull as the final step for accepting the Hobbit for publication and on ...
4 December 1936
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1840
Further to her visit to see Tolkien, Susan Dagnall sends Tolkien a revised specimen page of The Hobbit and asks him to write a short blurb for GA&U to u...
8 December 1936
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#1841
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall's letter. He includes the blurb for publicity on the Hobbit. He does not like the star ornament at the beginning of the...
10 December 1936
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1842
Susan Dagnall writes again to Tolkien on the matter of the Hobbit. His maps will require redrawing as there are too many colours. She suggests red and b...
December 10 1936
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2242
Susan Dagnall, at George Allen & Unwin, gives Tolkien feedback from the production department about adjustments that will need to be made to the five pr...
1937
4 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#9
Carpenter #9
Tolkien details work he has recently completed on maps for The Hobbit, as well as other suggestions. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that ther...
7 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1844
Tolkien returns a slip to GA&U, likely the publicity piece for The Hobbit.
7 January 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1845
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien on matters of his illustrations for The Hobbit. His drawings are admirable and blocks for them are being produced....
17 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#10
Carpenter #10
Tolkien discusses the details of, and placement within the text, some of his illustrations in The Hobbit, as well as potential changes to his illustrati...
23 January 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1846
Susan Dagnall of GA&U writes to Tolkien asking if he can keep one day free, either 13 or 14 February, for her and C. A. Furth to visit Tolkien to discus...
23 January 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#1847
Tolkien in reply to Susan Dagnall's letter sent that morning, , notes that he can keep either 13 or 14 February free. He includes the original drawing o...
1 February 1937
Susan Dagnall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1848
Susan Dagnall writes to Tolkien, correcting a misstatement in her previous letter . Thror's Map will have to be used as an endpaper due to costs, but no...
5 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Susan Dagnall
#11
Carpenter #11
Tolkien replies to Susan Dagnall of GA&U on matters of the reproductions of some of his illustrations in The Hobbit. In the 2023 revised edition of Lett...
8 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to R.W. Chambers
#139
Tolkien makes mention of the new volume on Buckingham by P.N. Tolkien also promises to send Chambers a copy of his book, written for his children and oc...
20 February 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1849
GA&U send to Tolkien a set of proofs for the Hobbit.
21 February 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1850
Tolkien writes to GA&U noting that he has corrected the first proofs for The Hobbit but says that he wants to keep hold of them until the complete set h...
24 February 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1851
C. A. Furth of GA&U writes to Tolkien to inform him that the 'fine lines' in The Trolls illustration have broken when reproduced, but that there is no r...
24 February 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1852
GA&U sends to Tolkien the remaining proofs of The Hobbit and ask that he restricts any corrections to those unavoidable. They further ask that he try to...
?10 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1370
Carpenter #11b
Tolkien writes to C. A. Furth of GA&U acknowledging the two drawings which were “safely received”, he has placed them in the correct positions among...
?10 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1854
Tolkien returns to GA&U the remaining proofs, end-papers, and suggestions for them of The Hobbit.
23 March 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1855
Replying to Tolkien's letter, Furth confirms that Tolkien will receive proofs of the corrected portions for The Hobbit. Tolkien is warned that the corre...
30 March 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1866
Writing to C. A. Furth of GA&U, Tolkien hopes that the proofs for The Hobbit will arrive with him during his vacation. He also notes that he will attemp...
31 March 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1867
In reply to Tolkien's letter, C.A. Furth writes to say that the printers have decided to revise the whole of The Hobbit. Tolkien should receive some of ...
c. 3-4 and 7 April 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1869
In two batches, Tolkien receives the proofs for The Hobbit. Exact dates are not known but does follow approximately to C. A. Furth's letter of 31 March ...
13 April 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#12
Carpenter #12
Concerning Tolkien's corrections to the text of The Hobbit, the cost of those corrections, and who would incur that cost, as well as details of his subm...
15 April 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1870
C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien. He makes mention that the margins around the Hobbit illustrations will be adjusted before the final printing and apologize...
25 April 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Furth
#137
Tolkien writes back to Furth in regards to the dustjacket design for The Hobbit. Furth wrote on April 15th that the pink hue that Tolkien put on the mou...
28 April 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1871
Furth writes to Tolkien to say that the red will have to be removed from The Hobbit jacket and the sun will have an outline to highlight it. This letter...
11 May 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1872
C. A. Furth informs Tolkien that a US publisher is interested in publishing The Hobbit and they would like to add four colour illustrations to the book....
13 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#13
Carpenter #13
This two-page handwritten letter contains some of Tolkien's thoughts on the potential publication of The Hobbit in the USA. Tolkien can make illustratio...
14 May 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1873
In reply to Tolkien's letter asking about the US publisher interested in The Hobbit, C. A. Furth gives details. It is the Houghton Mifflin Company (HMC)...
22 May 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1874
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) proof copies of The Hobbit dust-jacket.
26 May 1937
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1875
GA&U send to Tolkien (for his approval) sample bindings for The Hobbit.
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...
28 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#475
Tolkien, writing to GA&U approves the dust-jacket for The Hobbit but feels the sun would be better with a finer outline. He prefers the green binding an...
31 May 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Lionel Salt
#80
Tolkien writes to Lionel Salt, the Bursar at Pembroke College, University of Cambridge to apologise that he must miss a play as Christopher, his son was...
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. 1 June 1937
George Allen & Unwin to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#1920
Noted in their letter to Tolkien of 1 June 1937, C. A. Furth says that they have written to Houghton Mifflin in regard of Tolkien's letter to them of 28...
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.
3 July 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2243
Furth sends a new sample case of The Hobbit to Tolkien with changes to the lettering and decorations after Tolkien's feedback sent on 28 May.
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...
?22 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin
#1946
Tolkien writes to GA&U and encloses the most recent photograph of himself as requested by Susan Dagnall. By letter or in person? He asks them again abou...
24 July 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1948
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien on the matter of his visit to London to meet with him and C. A. Furth on 28 July. He notes that if they have heard from ...
25 July 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1949
Tolkien replies to Stanley Unwin's letter. He will meet him at the GA&U office around 12.30pm on 28 July. He is unsure of the copyright status of the ph...
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 ...
10 August 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1951
C. A. Furth writes to let Tolkien know that he is sending to him an advance copy of The Hobbit and asks if he would like more. He notes that Houghton Mi...
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...
16 August 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1968
Furth confirms that he has sent the copies of the Hobbit to the people Tolkien requested. He includes the drawing of a dragon that Tolkien had produced ...
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 ...
4 September 1937
C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1973
In a letter to Tolkien, C. A. Furth notes that he has written to Houghton Mifflin asking that Tolkien's specimen drawings be returned and asks them to c...
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...
6 September 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1974
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien an advance of £25 for The Hobbit.
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...
17 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#1333
Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth of GA&U. He needs five outstanding author's copies and seven copies for giving to a few people who cannot buy a of The Hobb...
17 September 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1372
Carpenter #15a
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, apologizes for sounding ungrateful to him. Unwin had sent Tolkien a much welcomed cheque. He hopes that the Hobbit ea...
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 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 ...
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...
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...
27 September 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2090
C.A. Furth informs Tolkien that Houghton Mifflin Co. will pay him $100 for use of his illustrations for their edition of The Hobbit, due to be (and ulti...
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...
2 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1373
Carpenter #15b
Writing to his son Christopher, Tolkien says how delighted he is to have received his letter, although he doesn't expect them. He, Edith, and Priscilla ...
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...
5 October 1937
Richard Hughes to Allen & Unwin
#1861
Allen & Unwin had sent copies of The Hobbit to various authors in order to solicit reviews. Hughes's response was used for publicity materials to advert...
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...
7 October 1937
Mary St John [Wiseman] to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2034
Mary writes to Tolkien asking if he would send her a presentation copy of The Hobbit. In return she will send him prayers. This letter is found among th...
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...
10 October 1937
G.E.K. Braunholtz to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2035
G.E.K. Braunholtz, a colleague from Oxford writes to Tolkien. He has read the positive review in The Times and quotes from it in his letter. This letter...
11 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1987
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien telling him that The Hobbit is selling well, and had good reviews in the Times Literary Supplement and The Times itself....
15 October 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#19
Carpenter #17
Tolkien was pleased that The Hobbit was being well received, though he knows that the two glowing, unsigned reviews in The Times and the Times Literary ...
19 October 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2087
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. he remarks that he has no doubt that Tolkien will do well from his first publication. He describes Tolkien as a genius ...
c. First half of November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mlle Tardivel
#2108
Tolkien replies to Mlle Tardivel's letter on a French translation of The Hobbit. He says that he will forward this to his publisher, George Allen & Unwi...
5 November 1937
F.E. Harmer to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2036
F.E. Harmer, a colleague from Manchester writes to Tolkien to ask advice on the meaning of various Old English words and if Tolkien could present any ci...
c. First week of November 1937
Mlle Tardivel to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2107
Mlle Tardivel writes to Tolkien asking about the possibility of her translating The Hobbit into French.
12 November 1937
Mabel Milton to Hilary Tolkien
#1889
Hilary's Aunt Mabel writes in reply to his letter. She has been unwell for quite some time and is only able to travel short distances. She hopes to be w...
16 November 1937
G.B. [Grace Bindley] Mountain to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2037
Tolkien's aunt, Grace, writes to him offering thoughts on The Hobbit. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library archives with the Tolkien Papers.
17 November 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1009
Tolkien writes to Stanley Unwin, including a letter he received from a Mlle Tardivel who had written asking about a possible French translation of The H...
20 November 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2109
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in reply to his letter on foreign translations of The Hobbit. He mentions that GA&U are working to arrange German, Scand...
28 November 1937
Geoffrey E. Selby to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2038
Selby writes to Tolkien on various matters related to The Hobbit. He asks about discrepancies between the text of The Hobbit and 'Thror's Map'. Tolkien ...
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).
13 December 1937
Arthur Ransome to J.R.R. Tolkien
#106
Arthur Ransome, best known for his Swallows and Amazons series of childrens books wrote to Tolkien in 1937 after The Hobbit had been published, firstly ...
14 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Geoffrey E. Selby
#84
Tolkien apologizes for the delay in replying to Selby's November letter due to his poor health. He remarks that he prefers his own mythology which The H...
15 December 1937
J.R.R. Tolkien to Arthur Ransome
#105
Replying to Arthur Ransome's letter of 13th December Tolkien opens with exclamations of honour at receiving a letter from Ransome. Tolkien apologizes fo...
15 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1109
Stanley writes to Tolkien with news that the first edition of The Hobbit has sold and a new printing will be issued almost immediately. He notes that To...
16 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2020
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien in connection to a competition ran by W.G. Le Tall of Geoffrey Tyndale’s Bookshop in Bath. They are offering prizes to...
17 December 1937
Arthur Ransome to J.R.R. Tolkien
#890
Arthur Ransome writes to Tolkien with further thoughts about The Hobbit. He says that he had recently had an operation and the book had turned that time...
17 December 1937
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2021
Following a letter the previous day from Stanley Unwin, Le Fall of Geoffrey Tyndale’s Bookshop in Bath writes to Tolkien with details on the competiti...
17 December 1937
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2121
C.A. Furth writes to update Tolkien on their efforts to get the reprint of The Hobbit out for the Christmas rush. The demand for it is high, GA&U had to...
20 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2124
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and includes colour plates of illustrations for The Hobbit along with a report from Rayner on The Adventures of Tom Bomb...
20 December 1937
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2125
Stanley Unwin sends Tolkien a typescript of Tolkien's story, The Lost Road to him, as promised. He says that its possible publishing success is hard to ...
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...
24 December 1937
Gladys Lillian Tilly (Faulconbridge) [Aunt Lily] to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2039
Tolkien's Aunt Lily congratulates him on the publication of a second printing of The Hobbit. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library among their Tol...
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...
29 December 1937
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2022
W.G. Le Tall again writes to Tolkien about the competition his bookshop is running on The Hobbit. The letter is held with the Tolkien Papers at the Bodl...
1938
18 January 1938
G.H. White to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2024
A reader had written to the Observer newspaper asking various questions on The Hobbit and Beowulf. White sends a clipping of that letter to Tolkien and ...
1 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth (Allen & Unwin Ltd.)
#24
Carpenter #21
Originally published as just a fragment of a letter, asking if Rayner Unwin was interested to read the "sequel to The Hobbit". In the revised 2023 editi...
8 February 1938
W.G. Le Tall to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2023
Le Tall sends his personal copy of The Hobbit for Tolkien to sign for him. He updates Tolkien on the competition, noting that it has not gone as well as...
11th February 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1988
Stanley Unwin writes that his son Rayner is delighted with the sample chapter from the new book about hobbits. Rayner does wonder if a child who hasn't ...
13 February 1938
Florence Hadley to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2001
Tolkien's Aunt Florence (Hadley) writes to thank him the copy of The Hobbit which he sent to her in British Columbia, Canada. She notes that had her sis...
17 February 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#589
Tolkien informs his publisher that Houghton Mifflin are yet to return to him the five orginal watercolour paintings for The Hobbit.
20 February 1938*
J.R.R. Tolkien to Editor of the Observer
#28
Carpenter #25
Tolkien responds to a request, likely from a researcher or enthusiast, regarding the origins and inspirations behind his work, particularly The Hobbit. ...
Late February - early March, no later than 5 March
Houghton Mifflin Co. to George Allen & Unwin
#2138
Houghton Mifflin Co. send the five colour illustrations to GA&U discussed late in 1937.
5 March 1938
George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2139
GA&U send the five colour illustrations (sent from Houghton Mifflin Co.) to Tolkien. In their Companion and Guide, Chronology, p. 223, Wayne Hammond and...
5 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ferris Greenslet
#2144
Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull note on their 'Addenda and Corrigenda to The J.R.R. Tolkien Companion and Guide Revised and Enlarged Edition (2017) Vo...
12 March 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Houghton Mifflin Co.
#31
Carpenter #27
Tolkien expresses reluctance to create drawings of hobbits and suggests leaving such tasks to someone with artistic skills. He provides a description of...
22 March 1938
B.S. Harvey to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2041
B.S. Harvey of the National Provincial Bank writes to Tolkien acknowledging payment of some cheques and as a post script asks Tolkien if he would mind s...
25 April 1938
Houghton Mifflin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1860
Houghton Mifflin, the American publisher of The Hobbit, notified Tolkien that he has won a $250 award for the best children's book published that Spring.
?26 April 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#2147
Tolkien forwards the cablegram he received from Houghton Mifflin notifying him of The Hobbit's win as best Children's Book for Spring.
29 April 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2148
Tolkien had sent a Cablegram from Houghton Mifflin to him onto GA&U and Stanley Unwin replies that they will that for publicity purposes. He also asks T...
3rd May, 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1989
Stanley writes a short cover letter to Tolkien explaining that Rayner has had little time (going to boarding school on this day), but has scribbled down...
13 May 1938
M. Williams to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2042
M. Williams, a former student at Oxford, now of the Manhattanville College of the Sacred Heart, New York, writes to Tolkien offering memories of her tim...
17 May 1938
Houghton Mifflin Co. to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2152
Houghton Mifflin Co. send Tolkien a cheque for $250 for being awarded first prize in the New York Herald Tribune book awards. The Hobbit had won first p...
1 June 1938
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1991
Stanley Unwin writes that Houghton Mifflin (the American publisher) reports having sold approximately 3000 copies of The Hobbit, and will re-announce it...
June 4th 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#32
Carpenter #28
Tolkien thanks Stanley Unwin for the excellent news from America, where The Hobbit is selling well and it has won a prize of $250. Rayner's review of th...
6 June 1938
Francis P. Magoun to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2043
Francis P. Magoun of Cambridge, Massachusetts, USA writes to Tolkien in praise of The Hobbit. He notes his growing interest in Gothic. Magoun had visite...
22 July 1938
Rütten & Loening Verlag, Potsdam to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1981
A German publisher is interested in The Hobbit but needs Tolkien to confirm his Aryan descent before proceeding.
24 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#35
Carpenter #31
Tolkien bemoans The Hobbit being published in 1937 over 1938. His work pressure has left him hard-pressed to get into actions on the sequel. Tolkien has...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#33
Carpenter #29
Tolkien wrote to Stanley Unwin in response to a letter from a German publisher, Rütten & Loening Verlag. They wanted to publish a German translation of...
25 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rütten & Loening Verlag
#34
Carpenter #30
Rütten & Loening Verlag, the German publisher enquired about publishing a German translation of The Hobbit. As part of their conditions they wanted to ...
31 August 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#37
Carpenter #33
Tolkien writes to Mr. Furth, expressing his current state of being oppressed and unwell due to recent troubles. He submits Farmer Giles for consideratio...
3 September 1938
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2162
In reply to Tolkien's letter, Furth sends an update on the matter of translations of The Hobbit. GA&U have not progressed with translations into French ...
4 September 1938
Catherine Lambert to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2045
Catherine Lambert, a writer from London writes to Tolkien on The Hobbit and mentions her own publications. This letter is held at the Bodleian Library a...
13 October 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#38
Carpenter #34
In this letter to Stanley Unwin, J.R.R. Tolkien discusses his recent intense work on a sequel to The Hobbit, which has reached Chapter XI. He expresses ...
1939
2 February 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth
#39
Carpenter #35
Writing to C.A. Furth, Tolkien offers an update with his work on The Lord of the Rings. He has not worked on since December but feels it is a better wor...
18 February 1939
C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2177
Furth writes to Tolkien again on the German publishers edition of The Hobbit. They will not publish until the autumn, and have agreed that they will pro...
19 December 1939
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#52
Carpenter #37
Tolkien, writing to Stanley Unwin, expresses gratitude for the kind note and apologizes for his neglectful correspondence due to personal and health iss...
1941
1 February 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#1380
Carpenter #42b
Writing to Christopher, Tolkien remarks on the work of typing up "Hobbit" and how Edith and Priscilla are getting along. He then promises to write more.
1942
15 March 1942
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Kettle
#116
Tolkien notes his pleasure at receiveing letters from readers. He mentions his mythology and remarks that he has nearly finished a second book on hobbit...
4 December 1942
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2364
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien remarking that the London bookseller, Foyles, will publish The Hobbit as part of its Children's Book Club. He notes furt...
16 December 1942
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2365
Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 7 December remarking that he is looking to see what corrections have been included in the reprint of The Ho...
1943
3 August 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Leila Keene and Pat Kirke
#119
Tolkien wrote this long letter to two schoolgirls, Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke who were both very enthusiastic about hobbits, in reply to their quest...
1944
22 June 1944
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#1342
Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien asking of he could meet his son Rayner who is serving as a Cadet in the Navy at Oxford. He also encloses a cheque for £...
7 July 1944
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2245
Stanley writes to tell Tolkien that if paper were available they would immediately reprint The Hobbit as it would sell well. Stanley apologizes for not ...
25 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#176
Carpenter #87
Tolkien sends the last two chapters of the fourth book of The Lord of the Rings, and quotes from a letter he has received from a fan who has read The Ho...
29 October 1944
C.S. Lewis to Charles A. Brady
#1924
Writing to Charles Brady, C. S. Lewis makes mention of Tolkien and his Hobbit books. He mentions that a sequel to the Hobbit will soon be finished. He d...
1945
9 January 1945
J.R.R. Tolkien to Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke
#572
Tolkien writes to Leila Keane and Patricia Kirke, he discusses his progress with The Lord of the Rings, and the fortunes of his family. The letter was a...
22 May 1945
Stephen Bone to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2046
Stephen Bone, the writer and painter, writes to Tolkien. He remarks on his children's enjoyment of The Hobbit and asks Tolkien if he would send him a ma...
1946
21 July 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#251
Carpenter #105
Tolkien writes to Sir Stanley Unwin, who had just been knighted. He asked about Farmer Giles. And remarks on his progress to The Hobbit sequel among oth...
7 December 1946
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#253
Carpenter #107
Tolkien mentions receiving letters from Horus Engels regarding a German translation, and while Engels doesn't explicitly propose himself as a translator...
1947
5 May 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#1412
Carpenter #107a
Tolkien notes to Stanley Unwin that he has received the agreement for Farmer Giles of Ham, he would also send revised manuscripts for it in July and he ...
20 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#256
Carpenter #110
Tolkien provides information about the origin and authorship of the riddles included in their work. He clarifies that most of the riddles are their orig...
26 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jennifer Paxman
#128
Tolkien writes to Jennifer with some advice on an Oxford College, and errors in The Hobbit. A description of the letter appeared in The J.R.R. Tolkien C...
27 September 1947
Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2246
In response to Tolkien's letter from the prior week Unwin lets Tolkien know that the Hobbit corrections have been passed on to the production department...
30 September 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rosemary
#129
Writing to a young fan, Rosemary, Tolkien says he is yet to finish his new book about Bilbo and his nephew. . He worries that it is so long that the pub...
30 November 1947
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#140
Carpenter #112
Katharine Farrer had written to Tolkien, in runes, asking if he would sign her copy of The Hobbit. Tolkien replies to her letter in runes. He says that ...
15 December 1947
Katherine Farrer to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2048
Farrer replies to Tolkien, again in runes and says that she would welcome a key to the Dwarvish alphabet. This was written on a postcard that accompanie...
1948
5 January 1948
Mother M. Agnes to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2049
Mother M. Agnes, a former pupil from Leeds and now at Maryfield College, Dublin, writes to Tolkien asking if he recalls her from that time at Leeds. She...
31 March 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2050
In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
7 April 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#266
Carpenter #114
Tolkien expresses pleasure that Brogan enjoyed "The Hobbit" and mentions his ongoing work on a longer piece set in the same world, providing details abo...
8 April 1948
Hugh Brogan to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2051
In a series of seven letters, a young reader, Hugh Brogan, writes to Tolkien on the matter of his "thirst for more information about Middle-earth" and r...
15 June [?1948]
J.R.R. Tolkien to Katharine Farrer
#267
Carpenter #115
Tolkien opens this letter with apologies for his delayed reply. He says that he must have appeared ungrateful, but not only was he grateful, he was exci...
1949
18 May 1949
Henry Willink to J.R.R. Tolkien
#2065
Henry Willink, a colleague from Magdalene College, Cambridge, writes to Tolkien giving him an update on his wife's ill-health and to offer his admiratio...
1950
5 February 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Milton Waldman
#275
Carpenter #123
Tolkien had "dumped" the manuscript of The Lord of the Rings on Milton Waldman just as he was going on holiday, and Tolkien felt bad burdoning him with ...
1 August 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin Ltd.
#295
Carpenter #128
Tolkien was sent proofs for a new edition of The Hobbit and remarks on how The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are interlinked. He was not expecting hi...
4 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#1415
Carpenter #128a
Writing to Hugh Brogan, Tolkien notes that he does not know what is happening with The Lord of the Rings which he had hoped would be published this year...
10 September 1950
J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin
#296
Carpenter #129
Tolkien writes about the new revised edition of The Hobbit.
1952
22 May 1952
C.S. Lewis to Dear Grittletonians
#1008
C.S. Lewis writes to the 'Grittletonians' recommending Tolkien's The Hobbit.
24 October 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#351
Carpenter #135
Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient'...
1953
5 June 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Allen & Unwin
#1425
Carpenter #137c
Tolkien writes to Allen & Unwin asking if there will be opportunity for the book to be reviewed. He wants C.S. Lewis especially to be able to review the...
19 November 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1432
Carpenter #141b
Tolkien writes to Rayner, he has been struggling with ill-health through the term and only recently has he been able to deal with “many strands” of ...
2 December 1953
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Perry
#1088
Writing to Miss Perry, Tolkien discusses the Lord of the Rings, hoping it will be published in the coming year. He has had ill health and has been very ...
1954
13 October 1954
J.R.R. Tolkien to John Staniforth
#193
Tolkien was delighted to receive a letter from Mr. John Staniforth referring to himself as a "sexagenarian". Tolkien cites his noticing of the songs in ...
1955
12 May 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#201
Tolkien replies to Rayner Unwin concerning his approval of Tolkien's map, which Christopher Tolkien reproduced.
2 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rosemary Summers
#1166
Replying to Rosemary Summers, believed to be a teacher, Tolkien says that some critics argued the Hobbit was too frightening for children. Her school ch...
5 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to The New York Times Book Review
#1016
Tolkien responded to a request as to what makes him 'tick'. Quotes from this letter were printed in the 5 June 1955 New York Times Book Review article '...
?December 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Straight
#530
Carpenter #181
Tolkien responds to a reviewer's questions about The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien discusses that the story is meant to be enjoyed as a fairy tale. He ment...
1956
16 April 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to H [Humphrey]. Cotton Minchin
#243
Carpenter #187
Tolkien describes himself as a philologist, and sometime calligrapher. An index of Elvish names was intended to be produced, noting that his 'specialist...
1957
9 April 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Haywood
#286
In reply to a letter from a boy who had read The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien says he is pleased that his work is bringing enjoyment to readers. He says t...
3 May 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Blackwood
#288
A letter to a young fan named Charles Blackwood. Discusses runes, Tolkien remarks that he did not invent the runes in The Hobbit. See for more details.
9 June 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to William Ready
#322
Tolkien apologises for not replying earlier. He has been overworked, noting that he has not the aid of an assistant in his role. He would be delighted t...
1959
17 April 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Walter Allen
#590
Carpenter #215
Tolkien declines to take part in a symposium on Children's writing in draft form, but ends up sending just a short note.
19 June 1959
J.R.R. Tolkien to Benjamin Knights
#1064
Tolkien writes to Benjamin, and thanks him for buying The Lord of the Rings and answers a question on the height of Amon Hen, he doubts it was much over...
1960
7 January 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. K.F. Mawson
#452
A fascinating letter on the labors of producing his iconic work, concluding with a humorous aside on real-life namesakes of his famous characters. A pho...
10 December 1960
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#601
Carpenter #225
Puffin Books, via Margaret S. Clark, had requested the rights to publish a paperback edition of The Hobbit on 30 November. After hearing of this from Ra...
1961
1961
George Allen & Unwin to Penguin Books
#1720
A series of letters found at the University of Reading GA&U archives. Consisting of 172 items, not all of which concern Tolkien. Among the subjects disc...
5 January 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs E. C. Ossendrijver
#465
Carpenter #227
Of this letter, a large portion was published as Letter #227 in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. In the opening portion of this letter to Madam Ossendrijv...
12 July 1961
Rayner Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien
#778
Rayner Unwin writes to Tolkien with news that Miss Pamela Chandler wants to photograph him. He impresses upon Tolkien that they could use the photograph...
4 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joyce Reeves
#607
Carpenter #232
Tolkien talks about his pre-WWI trip to the Alps.
22 November 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane Neave
#609
Carpenter #234
Tolkien sends some poems that he is considering for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. A lecture he gave on fairy stories at St Andrews consolidated his vi...
30 December 1961
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#611
Carpenter #236
Tolkien has read the Puffin Hobbit and was not impressed with changes made to the book. Chronology contains additional quoted material beyond what appea...
1962
20 July 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#614
Carpenter #239
Writing to Alina Dadlez, Tolkien explains his displeasure at the Spanish translation of 'Hobbit' and remarks back to the "private fancies" of the transl...
13 August 1962
Miss Calabi (ARNOLDO MONDADORI EDITORE) to Alina Dadlez (George Allen & Unwin)
#1781
Cin Calabi of Arnoldo Mondadori writes to George Allen & Unwin asking if they could have more time to consider The Lord of the Rings as holidays, etc ha...
17 August 1962
Alina Dadlez (for GA&U) to Miss Calabi (Arnoldo Mondadori Editore)
#1782
In reply to a request for more time to consider the Lord of the Rings, Alina Dadlez replies that the end of September will be fine and asks if they may ...
19 September 1962
J.R.R. Tolkien to Alina Dadlez
#498
Tolkien writes explaining that "I prefer hobitos since it preserves to the eye more relationship to the original word. I do not much mind the h being 'm...
28 September 1962
Arnoldo Mondadori Editors (internal memo) to Arnoldo Mondadori Editors
#1764
An internal memo noting that they are considering once again the Lord of the Rings after having turned it down in 1955. Various translations are noted, ...
1963
13 February 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Allen
#1063
Tolkien writes to Miss Allen and notes that the Mewlips of his poem are mere legend, and that although the Hobbits are treated in his work as 'historica...
17 February 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Julie Cape
#502
Tolkien writes to Julie Cape thanking her for her letter of appreciation. She has enjoyed The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien hopes that sh...
20 September 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colonel Worskett
#622
Carpenter #247
Tolkien writes about The Lord of the Rings, comparisons to The Hobbit, some discussion of the material being worked on for The Silmarillion, and a lengt...
21 October 1963
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Munby
#508
Tolkien opens this letter stating that an earlier reply was delayed by ill-health and pressures of work. He cannot answer questions sent by her son, say...
1964
17 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. A. Mountfield
#540
A typed letter of thanks to Mrs A. Mountfield of Eltham Green School, thanking her for sending the letter by one of her class children which gave him gr...
17 January 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Master Clements* (see note)
#541
Tolkien thanks 'Master' Clements for his appreciation of The Hobbit and suggests that "the other books I have written which you might enjoy, Farmer Gile...
30 May 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jane T. Sibley
#546
Tolkien thanks Miss Sibley for her letter and "close scrutiny" of his books. He says that any mystery regarding his runes are easily solved: The runes i...
16 July 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Bretherton
#631
Carpenter #257
Tolkien wrote that he usually typed letters because of his handwriting (which can be very difficult to read at times). He talks about the invention of h...
14 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#565
Tolkien discusses the serialisation of The Hobbit in The Princess. Tolkien notes that dwarves is used throughout in his book, but it would be ok for thi...
16 August 1964
J.R.R. Tolkien to Carey Blyton
#634
Carpenter #260
Blyton had asked Tolkien’s permission to compose a Hobbit Overture.
1965
24 August 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#1484
Carpenter #275a
Tolkien apologizes once again for being late in getting work to Rayner, this time revisions on the 3rd edition of The Hobbit. He says that many revision...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#650
Carpenter #276
Tolkien writes about The Silmarillion, the Númenórean legends, and his friendship with C.S. Lewis. He discusses the formation of the Tolkien Society o...
12 September 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#651
Carpenter #277
In August 1965 Ballantine Books produced the first ‘authorized’ American paperback of The Hobbit, without incorporating Tolkien’s revisions to the...
15 December 1965
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rayner Unwin
#654
Carpenter #281
Tolkien writes about a new UK paperback edition of The Hobbit. He comments on replacing the note explaining Bilbo's changed story and the two Thrains wi...
1966
1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Charles Calleja
#717
Tolkien writes to explain that the second edition of The Hobbit is different to the original. Charles Calleja gave some insights about the letter and hi...
29 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Max Rouslin
#767
Tolkien offers advice on finding first editions of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
17 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Class II G (of Acocks Green, Primary School)
#770
Tolkien writes about living near the school in his youth. He tells the class that a cheap paperback is available in the US but not currently in the UK. ...
24 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Professor [Harry C.] Bauer
#771
Professor Bauer had written asking Tolkien about Sinclair Lewis's Babbitt. Tolkien wonders if the name had some influence on the invention of 'hobbit'. ...
14 December 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father [Hugh] Maycock
#791
Tolkien sends an inscribed copy of the Japanese Hobbit, it reads "With best wishes to Fr Hugh Maycock and Pusey House | Dec. 14. 1966" Tolkien inserted ...
1967
5 January 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#740
Joy has sent Tolkien a copy of The Children's Treasury of Literature, which includes a chapter from The Hobbit.
8 February 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Colin Manlove
#748
Tolkien writes about his essay "On Fairy Stories" and says that The Lord of the Rings was meant as a large-scale adult fairy story. Quoted in C. N. Manl...
21 March 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to Humphrey Carpenter
#749
Tolkien writes to Humphrey to give permission for a play based on The Hobbit.
17 May 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to David Best
#996
In this letter Tolkien replies that he has received David's Tom Bombadil Part 1 in English runes and remarks that it is "very correct". This letter was ...
September 1967
J.R.R. Tolkien to David Best
#997
A partial view of this letter was featured on the BBC's Repair Shop broadcast on 25th January 2023 (see reference). In the letter, Tolkien remarks on ru...
1968
2 August 1968
Lynda Johnson Robb to J.R.R. Tolkien
#906
Tolkien receives a letter from Lynda Johnson Robb (from the White House) asking if he would possible be able to sign her book (The Hobbit). Robb had tak...
11 October 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#679
Carpenter #306
Tolkien writes to Michael about his trip to Switzerland and writes about his own trip in 1911. He also talks about 'trends' in the Catholic Church and h...
29 December 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#1501
Carpenter #307a
Writing to son Michael, Tolkien says he hopes he is doing better and has recovered from overwork. He says that he and Edith spent Christmas with daughte...
1969
3 January 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Niall, David and Catherine McCall
#725
Tolkien sends some autographs for the McCall children to put in their books.
15 March 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald
#458
Tolkien offers profuse thanks for her gift of five bottles. He says that his health and his wife Edith's are not good. They are looking forward to Sprin...
1 August 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr Burrows
#729
Tolkien signs the dust-jacket of The Hobbit for Mr Burrows. Sold for £1300 at Bloomsbury Auctions Sale 614, 24th May 2007. Auction listing included a f...
1970
10 September 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1257
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes writes that A Map of Middle-earth is selling well, and they already plan a reprint. They are now thinking of a poster map...
4 November 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1258
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes says that GA&U are very happy to commission the Hobbit map, entitled There and Back Again] as soon as she can fit it in, ...
27 November 1970
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1259
Rayner Unwin comments that they are delighted that Baynes will do the Hobbit map entitled 'There and Back Again'. There is no urgency and a few months d...
1971
8 January 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Lancelyn Green
#414
Carpenter #319
Tolkien writes to Roger about his thoughts on the origin of the word Hobbit.
9 August 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1260
Rayner Unwin has sent via Joy Hill blowups from the The Lord of the Rings of area the There and Back Again map would need to cover. It has much some det...
15 September 1971
Rayner Unwin to Pauline Baynes
#1261
Rayner Unwin notes that GA&U are delighted with There and Back Again map and that Tolkien is unqualified in his praise. ‘He loved your visit . . . des...
1972
27 July 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Help the Aged Housing Association (Tolkien's Desk)
#833
Tolkien's desk where he wrote parts of The Lord of the Rings and entirety of The Hobbit, so said by Tolkien himself. A photocopy of the letter with a co...
1973
Not dated (January 1973)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss T.R.C.
#1503
Carpenter #347a
Tolkien details his thoughts on a recent article about him in a paper, and what he thought should have been written about. He then tells the respondent ...
5 June 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ungfrú Aðalsteinsdottir
#381
Carpenter #352
Tolkien is pleased that The Hobbit is being translated into Icelandic.
28 July 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Professor Campbell
#348
Tolkien was awarded an honorary degree from the University of Edinburgh. Tolkien writes to Doctor Campbell about how much he enjoyed his visit to Edinbu...
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