The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien
Revised and Expanded edition
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The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien
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Narrated by:
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Samuel West
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Mike Grady
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Chris Smith
About this listen
The comprehensive collection of letters spanning the adult life of one of the world’s greatest storytellers, now revised and expanded to include more than 150 previously unseen letters, with revealing new insights into The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.
J.R.R. Tolkien, 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 wrote a mass of letters – to his publishers, to members of his family, to friends, and to 'fans' of his books – which often reveal the inner workings of his mind, and which record the history of composition of his works and his reaction to subsequent events.
A selection from Tolkien's correspondence, collected and edited by Tolkien's official biographer, Humphrey Carpenter, and assisted by Christopher Tolkien, was published in 1981. It presented, in Tolkien's own words, a highly detailed portrait of the man in his many aspects: storyteller, scholar, Catholic, parent, friend, and observer of the world around him.
In this revised and expanded edition of The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, it has been possible to go back to the editors’ original typescripts and notes, restoring more than 150 letters that were excised purely to achieve what was then deemed a ‘publishable length’, and present the book as originally intended.
Enthusiasts for his writings will find much that is new, for the letters not only include fresh information about Middle-earth, such as Tolkien’s own plot summary of the entirety of The Lord of the Rings and a vision for publishing his ‘Tales of the Three Ages’, but also many insights into the man and his world. In addition, this new selection will entertain anyone who appreciates the art of letter-writing, of which J.R.R. Tolkien was a master.
©2024 J. R. R. Tolkien, Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien, Chris Smith (P)2024 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
‘The closest we can get to an actual autobiography … reveals new insights into the mind of one of England’s greatest storytellers’ Telegraph
‘These revised and amplified letters are an absolute treat’ Sunday Times
‘This is a terrific book … the letters simply glow with warmth, interest and enthusiasm’ Private Eye
‘These letters provide an intriguing new glimpse into Tolkien’s life and work, allowing us to hear from one of the world’s best-loved authors in his own voice’ The National Archives
What listeners say about The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- Amazon Customer
- 09-09-24
For those who care, really care, priceless.
Touching, moving, enlightening; performed by all with love. Thank you all so very very much. Mick the Hick - a follower since 1968.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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- DragonBadger
- 12-10-24
Excellent reading, wonderful book
I found this absolutely wonderful: really clear differentiation between the narrator that reads the letters and the one reading the notes, and they both do it well - makes a really successful audiobook. Such an interesting insight into an incredible writer, and in his own words. Incredible to “see” the Lord of the Rings developing in his mind. I found many of the letters really thought provoking and insightful, and just loved it!
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1 person found this helpful
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- Sheila S.
- 17-08-24
Most enlightening
Having previously avoided listening to this book , I will just say this. The amount of information and insight into JRRTolkein himself, his works and his life in general is enthralling. There are many letters in response to requests from fans of his work which explain and expand on his work, and which give us, as current fans, the details of his life which seemed very hard and with many difficulties to overcome in order for his works to reach completion!
I am really glad to have listened to this book, and now will go out and get a copy in order to delve into it more deeply!
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4 people found this helpful
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- Andrew
- 02-05-24
Samuel Wests narration brought Tolkien to life!
Fantastic. highly recommend! Samuel West’s narration brings Tolkien to life! If have you have read the letters hearing them brings so much more out of them.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Nina Knaggs
- 26-03-24
A wonderful listen
For anyone wondering about Prof. Tolkien & his trials in getting any of his works published. Frustrating & heartbreaking at times. Mr West has done a wonderful job narrating these letters.
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1 person found this helpful
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- Paul skinner
- 07-04-24
Insightful and beautiful
I found this an amazing audiobook.
To be like a fly on the wall while Tolkien beautifully begins to construct his infamous secondary world was wonderful to hear and I feel enriched by the journey.
Aside from the obvious Rings insight, these letters also reveal a thoughtful intellectual and a loving father. His letters to Christopher during wartime standout particularly, especially his prose about love and landscapes.
The only downside is that once the ring is finally released, the letters do tend to repeat his explanations of aspects and deeper meaning of the book, via a multitude of letters to questions. However, as he approaches his appointed time, you’ll get a lump in your throat.
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3 people found this helpful
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- Anonymous User
- 21-09-24
what a treat
it's such a privilege to have an insight and inspiration from these incredible letters from my most beloved author
beautifully read too
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