TCG Letter #394 / Carpenter Letter #149

Tolkien expresses his relief that the critiques were better than feared. He acknowledges the disadvantage of issuing the work in three parts, with criticism about the perceived "shapelessness" if The Fellowship of the Ring is considered as a standalone volume. He finds some of the commentary on the style of writing puzzling.

In the 2023 revised edition of Letters, Tolkien begins the letter with apologies for delay and descriptions of health issues he has had returning from Ireland. He ends the letter with a brief note that he will include a separate sheet with notes and queries about The Lord of the Rings.

Noted in Chronology, Tolkien asks for copies to be sent to various people.^{p. 462[1]}