1910

'long after' the summer of 1909

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#991

This undated letter from Tolkien to his wife Edith mentions their first kiss.

26 March 1910

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#993

Tolkien writes to Edith on Easter Sunday, with permission from Father Francis, and includes a poem. From Chronology: "He encloses two devotional pamphle...

Christmas 1910

Edith Bratt to J.R.R. Tolkien

#2069

Edith sends an unsigned, printed Christmas card to Tolkien. It will be one of the last times they communicate before he turns 21 when he will write aski...

1913

January 1913 (after 3 January but no later than 7 January)

Edith Bratt to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1133

Edith replies to Tolkiens letter of January 3rd telling him she is engaged to a George Field, the brother of a school friend. She had accepted this prop...

3 January 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#44

This letter from Tolkien was began at midnight on his 21st birthday. He writes that his love for Edith remains and that he wants to marry her. He was no...

January 1913 (after 3 January but no later than 7 January)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Tolkien

#1134

Tolkien replies to Edith's letter and they arrange to meet on 8 January. This letter, although not dated, was written shortly after Tolkien's letter at ...

15 January 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#998

Tolkien writes to Edith, making mention of the amount of kisses she will owe him for the work he does each week.

17 January 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#999

Tolkien, now reunited with Edith, writes that he will focus more on his studies.

24 January 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1000

Tolkien writes to Edith, saying he is very tempted to slacking off.

26 January 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1135

Writing to Edith, Tolkien says that she is a figure he is waiting for and says he would recognise her even in twilight.

1 February 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#45

Tolkien has marked his place on this postcard, showing where he sits for meals at Exeter College. He attended Holy Communion in the morning and is due t...

10 October 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1152

Upon his return to Oxford, Tolkien writes a letter to Edith who he had visited in Warwick before he visited Birmingham.

?17 - ?19 December 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman

#1184

Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that "Tolkien informs his T.C.B.S. friends" of his engagement to Edith, though he does not give any details of...

?17 - ?19 December 1913

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rob Gilson

#1185

Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull note that "Tolkien informs his T.C.B.S. friends" of his engagement to Edith, though he does not give any details of...

20 December 1913

Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1117

Wiseman sends Tolkien a postcard congratulating him on his engagement, but is worried that this will pull Tolkien away from the T.C.B.S.

1914

4 January 1914

Rob Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1183

Writing to Tolkien to offer his congratulations, Rob Gilson also asks Tolkien to attend a meeting of the T.C.B.S. next week. Tolkien would not attend th...

14 January 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1186

Writing to Edith, Tolkien remarks that the life they can look forward to will be made all the more joyful given they are both orphans.

5 August 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1189

Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Oratory. The two were visiting the Lizard Peninsula from...

8 August 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1119

Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Oratory. The two were visiting the Lizard Peninsula from...

11 August 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1190

Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Oratory. The two were visiting the Lizard Peninsula from...

14 August 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1191

Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Oratory. The two were visiting the Lizard Peninsula from...

August 16 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1120

Tolkien looks forward to seeing Edith in three days. Tolkien writes to Edith about his hikes in Cornwall with Father Vincent Reade of the Birmingham Ora...

11 October 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1194

Writing to Edith on the first day of Michaelmas Full Term, Tolkien describes the situation at Oxford. His college is empty and the Examinations School h...

13 October 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1195

Writing to Edith, Tolkien mentions that Oxford is a place of gloom.

16 November 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman

#1110

Writing to his friend, after reading parts of Wiseman's letter to G.B. Smith, Tolkien agrees that the group (T.C.B.S.) has drifted apart but that it is ...

29 November 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#141

Tolkien opens by saying he has to write after reading Edith's letter again. He describes various things he has been doing in the military, school and ch...

29 November 1914

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1199

Tolkien describes his evening manoeuvres with the cadets to Edith in this letter. The cadets fall in near the Bodleian Library. Tolkien describes the we...

1915

26 July 1915

Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1280

Christopher Wiseman replies to a postcard from Tolkien (date currently unknown) and suggests he and Edith join him in London at their family home in Aug...

14 September 1915

Edith Bratt to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1283

Edith writes to Tolkien saying that 'A Song of Aryador' is her favourite poem. She wonders how h can write at camp.

17 November 1915

Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson

#2341

Robert describes to his stepmother a frosty week that Tolkien and Edith spent in Warwick. The 'Salford Pals are due to depart Salisbury Plain along with...

21 November 1915

Rob Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1298

Rob Gilson writes saying that he had last heard from Tolkien was the letter shown him by G.B. Smith in London and he hopes that both he and Edith were f...

21 November 1915

Robert Quilter Gilson to Marianne Cary Gilson

#2343

Robert describes to his stepmother a frosty week that Tolkien and Edith spent in Warwick.

1916

26 January 1916

J.R.R. Tolkien to Rob Gilson

#1311

Tolkien writes to Rob Gilson informing him that he and Edith's have set a date to marry, it will be on 22 March in Warwick.

26 January 1916

J.R.R. Tolkien to G.B. Smith

#1317

Tolkien writes to Smith with news of his and Edith's wedding day which will take place on 22 March in Warwick. He also notes that he has sent his book o...

9 February 1916

G.B. Smith to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1316

G.B. Smith writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp, he talks about what friendship with the other T.C.B.S. means to him. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull not...

12 February 1916

J.R.R. Tolkien to Edith Bratt

#1318

Tolkien writes to Edith, commenting that he wants to return England to Roman Catholicism.

c. 8 March 1916

J.R.R. Tolkien to Father Francis Morgan

#1312

Tolkien writes to Father Francis Morgan giving him the news that he and Edith will marry on 22 March in Warwick. He had not mentioned this fact when he ...

c. 8-12 March 1916

Father Francis Morgan to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1313

Father Francis replies to Tolkien's letter congratulating him and Edith of their upcoming wedding. He says he should like to do the ceremony himself at ...

9 March 1916

Rob Gilson to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1323

Rob Gilson writes to Tolkien at Brocton Camp, offering his best wishes, prayers, and blessings for his and Edith's impending marriage.

7 April 1916

Hilary Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1877

Tolkien's brother Hilary writes to him with news from his own part of the war effort in France. He mentions that in the England they have had terrible w...

16 April 1916

Christopher Wiseman to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1325

Christopher writes Tolkien a long letter, said by Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull to be a "long letter written in stages" from 14, 17, 26 March and 16...

1917

c. March 1917 (no later than the morning of 4 March)

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Wiseman

#1584

Tolkien writes to Wiseman saying that Edith is now with him at Harrogate.

1918

c. 25 July 1918

Edith Tolkien to J.R.R. Tolkien

#1599

From 25 July, Edith writes to Tolkien from 1 Blenheim, Parade, Pittsville. No details are known of how many letters but we can be fairly certain that sh...

1937

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 ...

5 November 1937

J.R.R. Tolkien to Stanley Unwin

#2102

Tolkien has received the proofs from Elliot & Fry of the photographs taken of him. Edith has chosen one to send to Stanley.

1941

26 January 1941

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#1379

 Carpenter #42a

Tolkien sends Christopher some money, and reminds him that it is important to remember birthdays, especially his mother’s. Tolkien then goes on to rem...

1944

6 May 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#100

 Carpenter #66

Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters and acknowledges the challenges and frustrations of life in the military camp during the war. He empathizes wi...

11 May 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#101

 Carpenter #67

Tolkien completed a fourth new chapter titled 'Faramir,' which received approval from C.S. Lewis and Charles Williams. He notes that he attended church ...

31 May 1944

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#143

 Carpenter #72

Writing to Christopher with an update on recent happenings. He had dinner in college and notes that "the three old gents" were very easy to talk to. Lew...

1945

7 January 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#1404

 Carpenter #94a

Tolkien says he is struggling with letters, many of which he should have written at Christmas. He complains that the weather is bitterly cold and he can...

9 January 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#1405

 Carpenter #94b

Tolkien continues to talk about the movie he and Edith saw remarking that his “mind and heart” are still thinking of it. He says that it has the qua...

15 January 1945

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#1406

 Carpenter #94c

Tolkien says that he is still “under the influence” of the movie he and Edith saw a week ago and continues to talk about religion, God, and other as...

1952

23 March 1952

J.R.R. Tolkien to John Tolkien

#1417

 Carpenter #132a

Tolkien says that Edith is much happier but for the terrible noise in the street. He says that they will move into the room he currently uses as an offi...

21 October 1952

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien

#1418

 Carpenter #134a

Tolkien writes to wish Michael a happy birthday for tomorrow. He is busy with work but offers his prayers and love to his son. He also mentions the arri...

1953

11 March 1953

J.R.R. Tolkien to Norman Davis

#1422

 Carpenter #135d

Tolkien notes how it has been some time since he wrote, he has been meaning to but has been getting his affairs in order with his house move. He says th...

1966

9 March 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann

#2271

Tolkien opens this letter to Donald Swann inviting him to his party and mentions Christopher having an accident which has damaged his leg. He remarks th...

29 August 1966

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann

#971

Tolkien replies to Donald Swann to wish him well for his and Flanders' tour of the U.S. and give shim an update on his and Edith's health. He explains t...

1967

20 March 1967

J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann

#974

 Carpenter #294b

Tolkien writes to Donald Swann including more material for his project. He thanks Swann for not cursing him. He has had long delays and while trying to ...

1968

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

20 March 1969

J.R.R. Tolkien to Amy Ronald

#459

Tolkien settles some confusion regarding an order of Courvoisier and gives some family news. He asks for her opinion of 'Le Hobbit'. He doesn't like the...

1971

29 November 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to William Cater

#425

 Carpenter #331

Tolkien writes to William Cater about the death of his wife, "Edith Tolkien" and his utter bereavement. In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, a brief ...

30 November 1971

Priscilla Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood

#444

Priscilla Tolkien informs Dorothy Wood that her mother, Edith, has passed away, to which Tolkien adds a post script.

1 December 1971

Priscilla Tolkien to Mrs Cowling

#1714

Priscilla writes to her mother's friend, Mollie Cowling, in Melbourne, Australia, with news of her mother's death, funeral and burial in Wolvercote Ceme...

24 December 1971

J.R.R. Tolkien to Eileen Elgar

#825

Tolkien is desolated by the death of Edith, and wonders if he shall ever write any more. He mentions his work with Simonne d'Ardenne and says it is ok t...

1972

11 July 1972

J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien

#433

 Carpenter #340

Tolkien writes to Christopher about Edith, her headstone, his thoughts of her as Lúthien and a visit to GA&U's headquarters.

1973

24 March 1973

J.R.R. Tolkien to Denis and Joyce Tolhurst

#320

A partial letter to Tolkien's doctor.

24 March 1973

J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien

#1517

 Carpenter #349a

Tolkien writes about the process of writing letters, a very relevant topic to be included.

1992

February 1992

Priscilla Tolkien to Nils Ivar Agoy

#1077

Priscilla had met some of the Norwegian participants at the Centenary Conference in Oxford, where they had presented to her a copy of Angerthas in Engli...