The extensive collection of letters covering the life of J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the greatest storytellers in the world, has been updated and enhanced with over 150 letters that have never been published before. It provides revealing new insights into The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
J.R.R. Tolkien, the creator of the languages and the history of Middle-earth, was one of the most prolific letter writers of his time. Over the years he wrote many letters – to his publishers, to family members, to friends, and to ‘fans’ of his books – which often reveal the inner workings of his mind and chronicle the history of his works' composition.
A selection from Tolkien's correspondence, collected and edited by his official biographer, Humphrey Carpenter, with the help of Christopher Tolkien, was published in 1981. It presented, in Tolkien's own words, a detailed portrait of the man in many aspects: storyteller, academic, Catholic, parent, friend, and observer of the world around him.
In this updated and expanded edition of The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, more than 150 letters that were cut to achieve the then-considered ‘publishable length’ have been restored. Thus, the book is presented as it was originally intended.
Lovers of his works will find many new elements, as the letters include new information about the world of Middle-earth, such as his own plot summary of The Lord of the Rings and a visionary proposal for the publication of ‘Tales of the Three Ages’. Additionally, this new selection will entertain anyone who appreciates the art of correspondence, in which J.R.R. Tolkien was a master.
Pages: 720, Dimensions: 12.9x12.9cm
