Letters 
Letter Tags
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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...
Tolkien sends his condolences to the wife of E.V. Gordon, who had recently died due to complications from an operation. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scul...
In a letter to his son Michael, Tolkien expresses his struggles with writing due to constant rain and increased responsibilities. He sympathizes with go...
Tolkien describes how trees look at this time of year, and mentions that he will be meeting C.E.B. Joad the next night for dinner, hosted by C.S. Lewis.
Tolkien reflects on the challenging and disheartening circumstances of the time, including the impact of war, propaganda, and the bleak conditions of li...
Tolkien offers Christopher advice on prayer and to remember his guardian angel. He reminds him to use "praises", and says of them "if you have these by ...
Tolkien had received an airletter from Christopher that morning and he read it while enjoying breakfast in bed. He describes the events of St. George's ...
Tolkien spent a morning writing The Lord of the Rings and is now in sight of Minas Morghul. He has been gardening in the midday heat. he expresses his r...
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters, encouraging openness about details of his life. He offers support for navigating challenges and express the n...
Tolkien has just seen a "skywide armada" fly overhead, but thinks he can mention it in his letter because it will be long gone before any risk of the ne...
A very short excerpt (three sentences) where Tolkien mentions the fading of the current year into "dull grey mournful darkness", and wonders what the ne...
Tolkien writes to Hugh Brogan using runes to wish him a happy Christmas. Hammond/Scull also note that Tolkien also sent Brogan another letter with menti...
Tolkien notes that he has a shory story to be published shortly, Farmer Giles of Ham and says that he has completed The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the 'ham-feast'.
A letter written to P. Tolkien and Edith had been to Ireland where they stayed with a Bridget MacCarthy in Cork. Tolkien says he will be at Oxford aroun...
Tolkien sends a short note with his greetings, and a reminder that he would like to see Deirdre again and asks her to let him know of a gift as he would...
A short note, arranging lunch with Sayer,
Tolkien discusses his hectic schedule, translations of the rcently published (in 3 volumes) Lord of the Rings. Tolkien states that he is "on leave now f...
A very brief note from Tolkien to his grandson on the occasion of his 15th birthday.
Tolkien sends a very short note confirming a dinner. In an annotation, the recipient notes in reference to Tolkien's indicated writing time of 12:45 am ...
Tolkien confirms that Tuesday will be fine for a visit, though he has a guest around 7pm. The guest will be Mr Jonathan Wordsworth.
Tolkien broaches a "difficult matter", he offers "his friend financial support, in the form of £30." The second letter was sent on the 11th March 1958 ...
Tolkien writes to his friend Przemyslaw Mroczkowski saying that he is relieved that Przemyslaw will allow Tolkien to share "a little of the proceeds of ...
Having met during the Graves's stay in Oxford, the Tolkiens send their thanks for parting gifts of flowers and wine. This letter is held within the Robe...
Tolkien thanks Lanier for sending a copy of S.F.W.A. January Bulletin, saying the campaign has worked and Ace has offered acceptable terms. Tolkien cong...
Tolkien suggests some days when the Scotts might visit him, as they are currently in London.
Tolkien had to leave Oxford for the day and is unable to meet with the Scotts. This letter is held at the Wade.
Tolkien thanks Nan Scott for sending a photograph of them from her visit. It is held at the Wade.
Tolkien invites her to visit next time she is in Oxford, and he will sign books for her. It is held at the Wade.
Tolkien writes says that his son will be out for lunch on Thursday and wonders if he would like to join them.
Tolkien sends his congratulations to Rose, who has become a nun. He mentions that his son Father John has said a Mass for Rose's father.
Tolkien discusses his and Edith's Mediterranean cruise and the bust of him at the English Faculty in Oxford. Excerpts from the letter have been publishe...
Tolkien writes to Clyde S. Kilby making mention that he is pleased that Kilby has finally received the correct medication and says that he is yet to con...
The BBC made a documentary programme, Tolkien in Oxford, which was filmed in early February and televised on 30 March 1968. Swann, whose musical setting...
Maple & Co were a furniture store in Bournemouth, Tolkien appears to have bought furniture from them but has not cleared out his library to allow the fu...
The letter is to Tolkien's insurance company, enclosing a cheque for policy renewal and inquiring if he has adequate cover particularly for the large gl...
Christopher apologizes for the length of time taken to reply to Mr Lobdell's letter.
A personal letter to Plotz. Also touches upon Tolkien's worries about his estate tax situation.
Tolkien and Edith send a telegram in honour of her eightieth birthday. Mrs Dorothy Grace Wood (née Mountain) and Tolkien were cousins. Her mother was G...
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 ...
Priscilla Tolkien informs Dorothy Wood that her mother, Edith, has passed away, to which Tolkien adds a post script.
Tolkien replies to his close friends George and Moira Sayer who had sent their condolences on Edith's death. The letter was briefly quotes in Christie's...
Tolkien mentions in his letter that he wore a gift from Joy on Christmas Day. Signing the letter "J.R.R.T" he notes that his contemporaries used to writ...
Tolkien writes to Mrs Roberston to arrange to visit her in Sidmouth, with his daughter and grandson Simon. He also talks about relatives in Canada.
Tolkien accepts an invitation to dine with the London Old Edwardians.
Tolkien writes to Dorothy Wood about family matters and his diminishing pension. He says that he has more work now than before retiring, and that he has...
Tolkien will be staying at the Hotel Miramar for three nights in October and he looks forward to seeing her. Tolkien indeed stays in October and they se...
Kilby writes to Bill, saying that he has copies of the letters from J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Verhulst.
Tolkien writes to inform Dorothy Wood that he is feeling much better.
Tolkien describes his health, regretting that he cannot accept an invitation to dine. Jonathan Fletcher Wordsworth (1932-2006) was an academic, literary...
A partial letter to Tolkien's doctor.
This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkien's death. Tolkien had a difficult day, losing his bank card and money, and having trouble m...
Letter Tags
Stats
Guide to Tolkien's Letters
Personal
(53 letters match)1914
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...
1938
31 July 1938
J.R.R. Tolkien to Ida Gordon
#1125
Tolkien sends his condolences to the wife of E.V. Gordon, who had recently died due to complications from an operation. Wayne Hammond and Christina Scul...
1941
9 June 1941
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael Tolkien
#60
Carpenter #45
In a letter to his son Michael, Tolkien expresses his struggles with writing due to constant rain and increased responsibilities. He sympathizes with go...
1943
25 October 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#65
Carpenter #50
Tolkien describes how trees look at this time of year, and mentions that he will be meeting C.E.B. Joad the next night for dinner, hosted by C.S. Lewis.
29 November 1943
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#86
Carpenter #52
Tolkien reflects on the challenging and disheartening circumstances of the time, including the impact of war, propaganda, and the bleak conditions of li...
1944
8 January 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#88
Carpenter #54
Tolkien offers Christopher advice on prayer and to remember his guardian angel. He reminds him to use "praises", and says of them "if you have these by ...
24 April 1944 (continued 26 April)
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#97
Carpenter #63
Tolkien had received an airletter from Christopher that morning and he read it while enjoying breakfast in bed. He describes the events of St. George's ...
12 May 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#102
Carpenter #68
Tolkien spent a morning writing The Lord of the Rings and is now in sight of Minas Morghul. He has been gardening in the midday heat. he expresses his r...
12 August 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#167
Carpenter #78
Tolkien responds to Christopher's letters, encouraging openness about details of his life. He offers support for navigating challenges and express the n...
23 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#175
Carpenter #86
Tolkien has just seen a "skywide armada" fly overhead, but thinks he can mention it in his letter because it will be long gone before any risk of the ne...
28 October 1944
J.R.R. Tolkien to Christopher Tolkien
#177
Carpenter #88
A very short excerpt (three sentences) where Tolkien mentions the fading of the current year into "dull grey mournful darkness", and wonders what the ne...
1948
25 December 1948
J.R.R. Tolkien to Hugh Brogan
#270
Carpenter #118
Tolkien writes to Hugh Brogan using runes to wish him a happy Christmas. Hammond/Scull also note that Tolkien also sent Brogan another letter with menti...
1949
11 March 1949
J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Turnbull
#133
Tolkien notes that he has a shory story to be published shortly, Farmer Giles of Ham and says that he has completed The Lord of the Rings.
1952
10 February 1952
J.R.R. Tolkien to Father John Tolkien
#314
Carpenter #132
Tolkien writes to his son John about a meal that he had with Lewis, which they called the 'ham-feast'.
1955
22 or 23 June 1955
J.R.R. Tolkien to Patricia Kirke
#883
A letter written to P. Tolkien and Edith had been to Ireland where they stayed with a Bridget MacCarthy in Cork. Tolkien says he will be at Oxford aroun...
1956
20 December 1956
J.R.R. Tolkien to Deirdre Levinson
#283
Tolkien sends a short note with his greetings, and a reminder that he would like to see Deirdre again and asks her to let him know of a gift as he would...
1957
25 April 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to George Sayer
#182
A short note, arranging lunch with Sayer,
19 December 1957
J.R.R. Tolkien to Patricia
#329
Tolkien discusses his hectic schedule, translations of the rcently published (in 3 volumes) Lord of the Rings. Tolkien states that he is "on leave now f...
1958
10 January 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Michael George Tolkien
#331
A very brief note from Tolkien to his grandson on the occasion of his 15th birthday.
17 February 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jonathan Wordsworth
#332
Tolkien sends a very short note confirming a dinner. In an annotation, the recipient notes in reference to Tolkien's indicated writing time of 12:45 am ...
22 February 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mr. Wood
#334
Tolkien confirms that Tuesday will be fine for a visit, though he has a guest around 7pm. The guest will be Mr Jonathan Wordsworth.
6 March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Przemyslaw Mroczkowski
#330
Tolkien broaches a "difficult matter", he offers "his friend financial support, in the form of £30." The second letter was sent on the 11th March 1958 ...
11 March 1958
J.R.R. Tolkien to Przemyslaw Mroczkowski
#148
Tolkien writes to his friend Przemyslaw Mroczkowski saying that he is relieved that Przemyslaw will allow Tolkien to share "a little of the proceeds of ...
1963
11 December 1963
Edith Tolkien to Robert Graves
#1002
Having met during the Graves's stay in Oxford, the Tolkiens send their thanks for parting gifts of flowers and wine. This letter is held within the Robe...
1966
14 February 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Sterling Lanier
#723
Tolkien thanks Lanier for sending a copy of S.F.W.A. January Bulletin, saying the campaign has worked and Ace has offered acceptable terms. Tolkien cong...
19 April 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#949
Tolkien suggests some days when the Scotts might visit him, as they are currently in London.
9 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#950
Tolkien had to leave Oxford for the day and is unable to meet with the Scotts. This letter is held at the Wade.
30 May 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#951
Tolkien thanks Nan Scott for sending a photograph of them from her visit. It is held at the Wade.
18 July 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Nan C. Scott
#952
Tolkien invites her to visit next time she is in Oxford, and he will sign books for her. It is held at the Wade.
1 August 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#819
Tolkien writes says that his son will be out for lunch on Thursday and wonders if he would like to join them.
12 September 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Rose MacNamara
#768
Tolkien sends his congratulations to Rose, who has become a nun. He mentions that his son Father John has said a Mass for Rose's father.
11 October 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#792
Carpenter #289b
Tolkien discusses his and Edith's Mediterranean cruise and the bust of him at the English Faculty in Oxford. Excerpts from the letter have been publishe...
28 November 1966
J.R.R. Tolkien to Clyde S. Kilby
#900
Tolkien writes to Clyde S. Kilby making mention that he is pleased that Kilby has finally received the correct medication and says that he is yet to con...
1968
29 February 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Donald Swann
#674
Carpenter #301
The BBC made a documentary programme, Tolkien in Oxford, which was filmed in early February and televised on 30 March 1968. Swann, whose musical setting...
25 September 1968
J.R.R. Tolkien to Maple & Co, Bournemouth
#737
Maple & Co were a furniture store in Bournemouth, Tolkien appears to have bought furniture from them but has not cleared out his library to allow the fu...
1969
Aug. 4 1969
J.R.R. Tolkien to Messrs. Goadsby and Harding
#1041
The letter is to Tolkien's insurance company, enclosing a cheque for policy renewal and inquiring if he has adequate cover particularly for the large gl...
2 October 1969
Christopher Tolkien to J.C. Lobdell
#1019
Christopher apologizes for the length of time taken to reply to Mr Lobdell's letter.
1971
8 January 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dick Plotz
#1028
A personal letter to Plotz. Also touches upon Tolkien's worries about his estate tax situation.
?4-?9 May 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien and Edith Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#442
Tolkien and Edith send a telegram in honour of her eightieth birthday. Mrs Dorothy Grace Wood (née Mountain) and Tolkien were cousins. Her mother was G...
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.
11 December 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to George and Moira Sayer
#826
Tolkien replies to his close friends George and Moira Sayer who had sent their condolences on Edith's death. The letter was briefly quotes in Christie's...
26 December 1971
J.R.R. Tolkien to Joy Hill
#827
Tolkien mentions in his letter that he wore a gift from Joy on Christmas Day. Signing the letter "J.R.R.T" he notes that his contemporaries used to writ...
1972
28 April 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Mrs. Robertson
#307
Tolkien writes to Mrs Roberston to arrange to visit her in Sidmouth, with his daughter and grandson Simon. He also talks about relatives in Canada.
3 May 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Graham Tayar
#1045
Tolkien accepts an invitation to dine with the London Old Edwardians.
3 August 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#446
Tolkien writes to Dorothy Wood about family matters and his diminishing pension. He says that he has more work now than before retiring, and that he has...
17 September 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#447
Tolkien will be staying at the Hotel Miramar for three nights in October and he looks forward to seeing her. Tolkien indeed stays in October and they se...
26 September 1972
Clyde S. Kilby to Bill
#887
Kilby writes to Bill, saying that he has copies of the letters from J.R.R. Tolkien to Roger Verhulst.
7 November 1972
J.R.R. Tolkien to Dorothy Wood
#448
Tolkien writes to inform Dorothy Wood that he is feeling much better.
1973
24 February 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Jonathan Wordsworth
#838
Tolkien describes his health, regretting that he cannot accept an invitation to dine. Jonathan Fletcher Wordsworth (1932-2006) was an academic, literary...
24 March 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Denis and Joyce Tolhurst
#320
A partial letter to Tolkien's doctor.
29 August 1973
J.R.R. Tolkien to Priscilla Tolkien
#316
Carpenter #354
This letter to Priscilla was written four days before Tolkien's death. Tolkien had a difficult day, losing his bank card and money, and having trouble m...
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