1920

17 March 1920

J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Duncan

#47

A two page letter sent from 1 Alfred Street, St. Giles, Oxford, 17 March 1920, to Miss Duncan, enclosing a "mixed bag" of 50 possible examination questi...

1923

14 December 1923

E. V. Gordon to Kenneth Sisam

#1626

Gordon sends to Sisam a clean copy of the Sir Gawain text and notes that Tolkien has been able to purchase a copy of Thorkelin's Beowulf.

1925

Unknown

Dr. Cyril Jackson to Unknown

#869

From a Bloomsbury auction the following was detailed: Songs for the Philologists, with the book comes a typed letter from Dr. Cyril Jackson, who studied...

1926

?26 April 1926

J.R.R. Tolkien to Kenneth Sisam

#1013

Tolkien writes to Kenneth Sisam with news that he has finished his modern prose translation of Beowulf. Much of the letter remains unpublished but a por...

1931

22 November 1931

C.S. Lewis to Warren H. Lewis

#1742

Writing to his brother, C. S. Lewis gives updates on his life and work. he makes a brief mention to Tolkien visiting him on Monday mornings to "drink a ...

1932

25 October 1932

J.R.R. Tolkien to Robert Chapman

#1701

Tolkien writes to Robert Chapman saying that he must finish the Clarendon Chaucer or else he will lose his good will with the Clarendon Press. Tolkien s...

27 October 1932

Robert Chapman to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1754

Writing to Tolkien, Chapman offers to help with typing and urges Tolkien to get the Clarendon Chaucer off his mind. He believes that a Beowulf edition, ...

18 December 1932

J.R.R. Tolkien to Kenneth Sisam

#1768

Writing to Kenneth Sisam, Tolkien informs him that Sigelwara Land will be published over three volumes of Medium Ævum. He thanks Sisam, likely for the ...

1934

9 December 1934

R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1015

Little is known of this letter to Tolkien from his friend and supporter R.W. (Raymond Wilson) Chambers but a fragment found in The Fall of Arthur is of ...

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...

?Early 1936 (?sometime between January and April)

J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin

#1806

Tolkien replies to the early 1936 letter from GA&U that is is too busy to work on a new Beowulf publication but suggests Elaine Griffiths for the task a...

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...

25 September 1936

Simonne d'Ardenne to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1829

Simonne d'Ardenne writes to Tolkien to say that once she has finished her latest article, on the Brussels Cross, she will send it on to him to read. She...

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 ...

1937

2 February 1937

R. W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1159

Chambers writing to Tolkien tells him that he must not "delete a single word from" his Beowulf lecture. The letter from Chambers is found in Oxford, Bod...

7 April 1937

Oxford University Press to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1868

Oxford University Press provide Tolkien with proofs for his essay Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics. Tolkien delivered the lecture on 25 November 19...

2 June 1937

R. W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1160

Chmabers writes telling Tolkien that he is relieved that the Beowulf lecture retained all the text Tolkien had shown him. This followed a letter from Fe...

1 July 1937

R.W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1932

R. W. Chambers writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his cong...

1 July 1937

Allen Mawer to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1933

Allen Mawer writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his congrat...

4 July 1937

David Nichol Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1934

David Nichol Smith writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his ...

5 July 1937

F.E. Harmer to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1935

F. E. Harmer writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his congra...

8 July 1937

George S. Gordon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1936

George S. Gordon writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his co...

29 July 1937

F. Molina to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1937

F. Molina writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his congratul...

3 August 1937

Oliver Elton to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1938

Oliver Elton writes to Tolkien on the publication of his Sir Israel Gollancz Memorial Lecture, Beowulf: The Monsters and the Critics to offer his congra...

13 August 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin

#1967

Writing to Stanley Unwin, Tolkien hopes that they can lunch together when he visits London next, most likely in November. He has not as yet had time to ...

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...

16 November 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2105

C.V. Salmon from the BBC writes to Tolkien to ask if he would like to discuss a project. Salmon wants to give a broadcast on Beowulf including a reading...

17 November 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2106

Tolkien replies to Salmon of the BBC who had written asking about Tolkien's interest in a BBC Radio programme on Beowulf. Tolkien would be very interest...

23 November 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2110

Salmon writes to Tolkien and asks if they can meet in Oxford on 29 November, a Monday.

26 November 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2111

Tolkien replies to Salmon. He can meet him any time on Monday 29 November. Hammond/Scull note that C.V. Salmon will visit Tolkien in Oxford on 29 Novemb...

30 November 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2114

Salmon had visited Tolkien in Oxford the previous day and they had organised a date for their Beowulf broadcast but he writes to say that the date is no...

3 December 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2118

Tolkien replies to C.V. Salmon of the BBC. He is available on 14 January for the broadcast of the Beowulf reading but objects to the loss of five minute...

7 December 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2119

Salmon replies to Tolkien's letter agreeing that it better to cut down the reading, retaining the introductory reading for their Beowulf broadcast.

14 December 1937

R. W. Chambers to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1161

Further to his earlier letters to Tolkien Chambers had recently finished writing a review (see reference below) of Tolkien's Beowulf: The Monsters and t...

15 December 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2120

C.V. Salmon writes asking Tolkien if he is free after 3 January (1938) to rehearse the reading of their Beowulf broadcast.

17 December 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2122

Salmon writes to ask Tolkien how he would like to be described in the Radio Times for their Beowulf broadcast.

18 December 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2123

Tolkien writes to C.V. Salmon explaining that he has been ill and has not yet written the broadcast for 14 January on Beowulf. he will get it to him as ...

24 December 1937

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2127

C.V. Salmon writes to Tolkien to suggest that they set 12 January 1938 for their rehearsal of the Beowulf broadcast on BBC Radio.

27 December 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2128

Tolkien replies to C.V. Salmon. He says that he is in London on 10 January, which would work better for him. He explains that he is still unwell but tha...

1938

3 January 1938

C.V. Salmon to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2130

C.V. Salmon writes to Tolkien to confirm that he has secured a studio for their rehearsal of the Beowulf broadcast which will take place on 14 January. ...

?6 January 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2131

Tolkien writes to C.V. Salmon to confirm that he should be at the BBC studio by 11am if the 9.12am train to London is on time. He remarks that he has st...

?7 January 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2132

Tolkien sends his script to C.V. Salmon for their BBC Radio Beowulf broadcast. He hopes that he has managed to time it correctly for the fifteen minute ...

13 January 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.V. Salmon

#2133

Tolkien sends a revised script for the Beowulf broadcast. He mentions that one of his children has "suddenly developed a bad heart" and he has been deal...

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 ...

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. ...

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...

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...

10 June 1938

Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2153

Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien and notes his regret that Tolkien does not have much time to write. He will write directly to Elaine Griffiths on matter...

29 June 1938

C.A. Furth (GA&U) to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2154

C.A. Furth writes to Tolkien informing him that Elaine Griffiths has asked to be released from her contract to deliver the revised edition of the Clark ...

24 July 1938

J.R.R. Tolkien to C.A. Furth

#2155

Tolkien writes to C.A. Furth. He is struggling to suggest anyone who can fulfill the work for GA&U's Clark Hall Beowulf. He in fact now believes that it...

3 August 1938

C.A. Furth to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2157

C.A. Furth replies to Tolkien remarking that he would be happy for Tolkien to work on the Clark Hall Beowulf volume. He suggests a fee payable to Tolkie...

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...

18 October 1938

Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2167

Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien offering his sympathies for his current problems with health and various matters of work. He says that GA&U have written...

22 November 1938

F.E. Harmer to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2168

F.E. Harmer from the University of Manchester writes to Tolkien and encloses her article ‘Anglo Saxon Charters and the Historian’. She remarks that ...

1939

4 January 1939

C.L. Wrenn to George Allen & Unwin

#2169

Writing to GA&U, Wrenn notes the chaotic nature of the Clark Hall Beowulf volume and asks for more time to complete the work. He includes the introducti...

6 January 1939

C.A. Furth to C.L. Wrenn

#2170

Replying to Wrenn's letter, C.A. Furth agrees to Wrenn having more time to sort and edit the Clark Hall Beowulf. He asks if it would be cheaper to reset...

7 January 1939

C.L. Wrenn to C.A. Furth

#2171

In reply to Furth's letter questioning whether Tolkien has made progress with the preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf, Wrenn says he will mention this to...

8 September 1939

Phillip Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2181

Writing to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf, Philip Unwin asks Tolkien's opinion on the likely demand for the volume in current times (th...

15 September 1939

J.R.R. Tolkien to Phillip Unwin

#1376

 Carpenter #36b

Tolkien updates Phillip Unwin on the current situation at universities given the news of war with Germany. He says there will be a reduced demand, but s...

6 October 1939

W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2183

W.N. Beard from GA&U's production department writes to Tolkien informing him that C.L. Wrenn has completed his revisions of the Clark Hall Beowulf. Bear...

14 November 1939

W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2186

Tolkien has not replied to Beard on the matter of his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf and Beard reminds Tolkien that a reply is still required.

11 December 1939

W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2187

Having still not heard from Tolkien, a month after his last reminder, Beard again writes to Tolkien. He now tells Tolkien that the Clark Hall Beowulf is...

18 December 1939

J.R.R. Tolkien to W.N. Beard

#2189

Tolkien finally replies to W.N. Beard's letters reminding him that his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf is due. He says that he hopes to have time ove...

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...

28 December 1939

Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2191

Stanley Unwin replies to Tolkien's letter of 19 December. He says that it would be a relief to receive Tolkien's work on the Clark Hall Beowulf, remarki...

1940

5 February 1940

George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2193

GA&U write to Tolkien, reminding him that the Clark Hall Beowulf is awaiting his preface before going to print.

5 March 1940

W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2194

Writing again to Tolkien, Beard reminds him that GA&U are still waiting for his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf.

27 March 1940

Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2195

Stanley Unwin writes to Tolkien. GA&U are still waiting for Tolkien's preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf and Stanley Unwin asks when it will be finished....

30 March 1940

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin

#53

 Carpenter #38

Tolkien apologizes for his previous behavior and explains that he misunderstood the nature of the requested contribution for the book Beowulf. He expres...

2 April 1940

Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2196

Stanley Unwin writes again to Tolkien on the matter of the Clark Hall Beowulf. They intend to include the whole of Tolkien's preface as they feel his na...

5 April 1940

Stanley Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2197

Stanley Unwin writes again on the Clark Hall Beowulf. He says that Tolkien's preface will require 36 pages and if Tolkien agrees, GA&U will begin typese...

6 April 1940

J.R.R. Tolkien to George Allen & Unwin

#2198

Tolkien returns the telegram (provided by Stanley Unwin) confirming his agreement for his preface to the Clark Hall Beowulf to be used, and the renumera...

8 April 1940

George Allen & Unwin to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2199

George Allen & Unwin send Tolkien a cheque for his preface for the Clark Hall Beowulf. They remark that he will receive proofs once they are sent from t...

19 April 1940

W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2200

W.N. Beard sends the proofs for the Clark Hall Beowulf for his approval and asks that Tolkien returns them as soon as he can.

24 April 1940

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin

#2202

Writing to Stanley Unwin on the Clark Hall Beowulf, Tolkien returns the proofs, marked with corrections, noting many errors, most notably with the Old E...

25 April 1940

W.N. Beard to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2203

W. N. Beard of GA&U writes to Tolkien assuring him that any corrections to the Clark Hall Beowulf will be handled carefully.

25 April 1940

W.N. Beard to C.L. Wrenn

#2204

W.N. Beard writes to Wrenn. Tolkien has suggested that 'Finnsburg', be changed to 'Finnesburg' in the title of the book, Beowulf and the Finnesburg Frag...

1942

7 December 1942

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin

#62

 Carpenter #47

Tolkien expresses gratitude for the note from Stanley Unwin and discusses the progress of the sequel to The Hobbit that he has been working on since 193...

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...

1944

4 December 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#1402

 Carpenter #91b

Tolkien opens with the news that he has finished his Beowulf lectures . He has neglected academic matters in favour of working out the time-schemes and ...

1945

17 February 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#1407

 Carpenter #97a

Tolkien says that he is finding lectures hard work, and that he is tired. He is surprised that he does not have written notes for Beowulf beyond approx....

1951

9 May 1951

J.R.R. Tolkien to Henry Bosley Woolf

#40

Touching on poems about dragons, Beowulf, and fellow Inkling C. S. Lewis. This letter to Prof. Henry Bosley Woolf thanks him for sending a copy of a pap...

1963

18 April - 6 May 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. and Mrs. Kloos

#523

In this letter, a reply to the Kloos's letter from March, Tolkien writes about his inspirations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It was started...

23 May 1963

J.R.R. Tolkien to Bruce Mitchell

#814

Tolkien discusses various matters on Beowulf. Extracts were published in Bruce Mitchell's book On Old English: Selected Papers and in The J.R.R. Tolkien...

1964

7 August 1964

J.R.R. Tolkien to Anne Barrett (Houghton Mifflin)

#633

 Carpenter #259

Tolkien discusses Charles Williams and then explains why Tree and Leaf is called Tree and Leaf.

1966

29 July 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien

#662

 Carpenter #289

Tolkien discusses the etymology of Mirkwood. Brief quotes from this letter included in Chronology show that he also talked about the typewriters he uses...

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.