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Review
‘So rich, it reads like an autobiography’
Product Description
A comprehensive collection of letters spanning the adult life (1914-1973) of one of the world’s most famous storytellers.
‘It is not possible even at great length to "pot" The Lord of the Rings in a paragraph or two. It was begun in 1936, and every part has been written many times… the labour has been colossal; and it must stand or fall, practically as it is.’
J.R.R. Tolkien was one of the most prolific letter writers of this century. Over the years he wrote to his publishers, his family, to friends (including C.S. Lewis, W.H. Auden and Naomi Mitchison) and to fans of his books. The letters present a fascinating and highly detailed portrait of the man in many of his aspects: as storyteller, scholar, Catholic, parent and observer of the world around him. They also shed much light on his creative genius and grand design for the creation of a whole new world – Middle-earth.
This collection will appeal not only to the legions of Tolkien fans, but will entertain anyone who appreciates the art of letter-writing, of which Tolkien was a master.
‘I am nearly always written to as Tolkein (not by you): I do not know why, since it is pronounced by me always -keen.’
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
31 of 33 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
One of the greatest literary figures of modern times, Tolkien is principally known as a novelist, scholar, mythologist, poet, essayist and philologist. However an element of the man that tends to go unnoticed is the fact that, on the basis of this volume at least, he was one of the greatest letter writers of the 20th century. Whether the reader is an avid consumer of all things Tolkien, or is just looking for an enjoyable book, this collection of letters will not fail to delight. There is much intriguing information on his writings to be gleaned from 'The Letters of JRR Tolkien' but there is a lot more besides. Even if one were to skip all letters refering to Middle Earth there would remain a large and fascinating chunk of the book to explore. We knew that Tolkien's literary imagination was remarkable, but what is revealed here is the staggering depth and breath of Tolkien's thought on all matters. The letters deal with an immense range of topics: religion, language, politics, art, literature, philosophy, current affairs, theology, history - the list is endless and wonderfully diverse. His style is lively and never bland or cumbersome to read. Original ideas and phrases that stick in the mind, seem to flow from his pen without effort.
The author that emerges from 'The Letters of JRR Tolkien' is a very human man, deeply religious, humble, affectionate and witty.
This is a delightful volume, relevant to anyone who has the remotest interest in literature or indeed any aspect of human affairs. It will provide enormous pleasure through many readings and re-readings
The author that emerges from 'The Letters of JRR Tolkien' is a very human man, deeply religious, humble, affectionate and witty.
This is a delightful volume, relevant to anyone who has the remotest interest in literature or indeed any aspect of human affairs. It will provide enormous pleasure through many readings and re-readings
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
To judge by these letters, Tolkien was the most incorrigible shop-talker there ever was. Although the editor says he wanted to `demonstrate the huge range of [T's] interests', about three-quarters of it is devoted to discussing every conceivable aspect of Lord of the Rings, from whether the orcs are heretical to whether Shadowfax went with Gandalf to the Blessed Realm (no and yes, if you're interested). Admittedly, many of the more arcane items, like the two mentioned, were in response to queries by over-enthusiastic readers; but it is evident that for the second half of his life, Tolkien's magnificent octopus engrossed most of his thought and permeated everything he did. In a couple of cases he even felt himself that he'd gone over the top, and didn't send what he'd written - though apparently he still kept hold of it.
I daresay his taking his own work too seriously is better than not taking it seriously enough, though; and the committed student of Middle Earth will find a wealth of material helpful to an appreciation of it. Though he vehemently disclaimed any intention of point-for-point allegory, and though he was happy for others to find their own meanings in his work, Tolkien did naturally develop his own ideas on `what it was all about'; and anyone who has enjoyed guessing what the models were for various aspects of his world will find quite a few clues. There are also a few interesting passages on linguistics and ancient literature - not as many as I'd expected - and a few on what he himself calls `deeper (and higher) matters'. His letter to his son about marriage is one of the most sensible, thoughtful things I've ever read on the subject.
The man's titanic pedantry, and his irritation at the modern world, come through loud and clear; but also his loyalty, sincerity, his endearing love of homely comforts, and determination to keep up the fight for decency. No-one need fear that, in these pages, they will discover someone with feet of clay.
I daresay his taking his own work too seriously is better than not taking it seriously enough, though; and the committed student of Middle Earth will find a wealth of material helpful to an appreciation of it. Though he vehemently disclaimed any intention of point-for-point allegory, and though he was happy for others to find their own meanings in his work, Tolkien did naturally develop his own ideas on `what it was all about'; and anyone who has enjoyed guessing what the models were for various aspects of his world will find quite a few clues. There are also a few interesting passages on linguistics and ancient literature - not as many as I'd expected - and a few on what he himself calls `deeper (and higher) matters'. His letter to his son about marriage is one of the most sensible, thoughtful things I've ever read on the subject.
The man's titanic pedantry, and his irritation at the modern world, come through loud and clear; but also his loyalty, sincerity, his endearing love of homely comforts, and determination to keep up the fight for decency. No-one need fear that, in these pages, they will discover someone with feet of clay.
10 of 13 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
While one could argue - and some hardcore fans really do this - that the only places to search for something about Middle-Earth are in the stories themselves (and only the stories published while Tolkien was alive!) other find that the Author also has something to add from his private life. This collection of the Tolkien letters is centered around the fairy-tale author. It shows (but to a lesser degree) also fragments from the other world surrounding Tolkien, espc. World War II and his children.
But the most focus is naturally on the Author of "The Lord of the Rings" and the narrative process. We follow the process from the first letters suggestion that the sequel to "The Hobbit" is now beginning - and all the way to publication. And after publication, when first the reviews - then later on the letters from readers - are comming and discussed.
The first letter is a letter to Tolkiens fiancé (his later wife) and she apears in and out of the letters, ending with the touching letters following her death. The last letter, written only a few days before Tolkien himself dies clearly shows an old and somewhat tired man, but still a man with the full intellectual potential.
The book is very essential for all readers of LOTR, but also for readers of the misc. biographies and analyses of Tolkien. My only complaint is that one of the editors - Christopher Tolkien - obviously took out some letters or removed parts from other letters that didn't "fit in". Only in that sense is this book crippled.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
A fascinating collection for all The Lord of the Rings fans
For anyone interested in The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit or the creation of Middle Earth in general this is a fascinating collection of letters which tell so much about the... Read more
Published 21 months ago by Lucy Williams
As engrossing as a novel
When I like an author, I like to read biographies and letters. Whereas bios are usually interesting to read, so far, letters have turned out to be not so captivating. Read more
Published on 22 Oct 2009 by Cathie61
A book no true Tolkien fan should be without
These letters give a great insight into the life and work of JRR Tolkien, author of the Book of the (last) Century. Read more
Published on 3 Jan 2001
A must for any Tolkien fan.
These letters give a great insight into the life of JRR Tolkien, author of the Book of the Century. From the serious to the hilarious (Tolkiens recount of being offered Maggot soup... Read more
Published on 6 Dec 2000
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