Smith of Wootton Major

A charming new paperback edition of one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s major pieces of short fiction—and his only finished work dating from after the publication of The Lord of the Rings.

Origins of the Story

What began as a preface to The Golden Key by George MacDonald eventually grew into this delightful short story. Tolkien named it Smith of Wootton Major to suggest an early work by P.G. Wodehouse.

Composed nearly a decade after The Lord of the Rings, and during the winding down of his lifelong occupation with the ‘Silmarillion,’ this story reflects Tolkien’s ripened experience and deep reflection. First published in 1967 as a small hardback, it featured charming black-and-white illustrations by Pauline Baynes. Notably, this was the last work of fiction to be published in Tolkien’s lifetime.

A Timeless Tale Reimagined

Now, more than 50 years later, this enchanting tale of a wanderer venturing into the perilous realm of Faery is available once again in paperback.

Highlights of this new edition include:

• A facsimile of the illustrated first edition
• A manuscript of Tolkien’s early draft of the story
• Notes and an alternate ending
• A lengthy essay on the nature of Faery

Fans will also appreciate the intriguing links to the world of Middle-earth and Tolkien’s other tales woven throughout this story.