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The Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien
 
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The Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien (Paperback)

by J.R.R. Tolkien (Author), Humphrey Carpenter (Editor), Christopher Tolkien (Editor)
5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
RRP: £10.99
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The Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien + J R R Tolkien: A Biography + The Monsters and the Critics and Other Essays
Price For All Three: £18.60

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Product details

  • Paperback: 480 pages
  • Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Ltd; New edition edition (1 Mar 1999)
  • Language English
  • ISBN-10: 0261102656
  • ISBN-13: 978-0261102651
  • Product Dimensions: 19.2 x 12.8 x 3.4 cm
  • Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
  • Amazon.co.uk Sales Rank: 122,974 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Product Description

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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Customer Reviews

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26 of 28 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An Absorbing and Essential Volume., 15 Aug 2003
By A Customer
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
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9 of 12 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars An essential book, 11 Nov 2002
By Normann Aaboe Nielsen (Odder Denmark) - See all my reviews
(TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   
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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6 of 8 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars A book no true Tolkien fan should be without, 3 Jan 2001
By A Customer
This review is from: The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien (Paperback)
These letters give a great insight into the life and work of JRR Tolkien, author of the Book of the (last) Century. The letters range in date from 1914 to just a few days before his death in 1973 and range in content from the serious to the hilarious. This new edition has an expanded index which should make it easier to find that elusive quote. All in all a good buy for anyone interested in JRR Tolkien and his work.
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Most Recent Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars 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 25 days ago by Cathie61

5.0 out of 5 stars 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... Read more
Published on 6 Dec 2000

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