The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition

The comprehensive collection of letters spanning the adult life of one of the world’s greatest storytellers, now revised and expanded

This edition includes more than 150 previously unseen letters, offering revealing new insights into The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.

A Glimpse into Tolkien's World

J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of the languages and history of Middle-earth as recorded in The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, was one of the most prolific letter-writers of this century. Over the years, he penned an extensive collection of correspondence — to his publishers, family members, friends, and even fans of his books.

These letters often unveil the inner workings of his mind, documenting the history of his works' composition and his reactions to subsequent events.

The Original Collection

A selection of Tolkien's correspondence was first collected and edited by his official biographer, Humphrey Carpenter, with assistance from Christopher Tolkien, and published in 1981. This collection provided, in Tolkien's own words, an intricate and detailed portrait of the man in his many roles:

• Storyteller
• Scholar
• Catholic
• Parent
• Friend
• Observer of the world

What’s New in the Revised and Expanded Edition?

In this updated edition of The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, the editors have revisited their original typescripts and notes. This has allowed them to restore more than 150 letters that were previously excluded due to length constraints. The collection is now presented as it was originally intended.

What Readers Can Expect

• Fresh insights into Middle-earth:
  • Tolkien’s own plot summary of the entirety of The Lord of the Rings.
  • A vision for publishing his ‘Tales of the Three Ages’.
• A deeper understanding of the man behind the stories:
  • His personal thoughts, reflections, and observations.

This expanded selection is not only a treasure trove for enthusiasts of Tolkien’s writings but also a treat for anyone who appreciates the art of letter-writing, a craft that J.R.R. Tolkien mastered brilliantly.