The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien
J. R. R. Tolkien, Christopher Tolkien, Humphrey Carpenternon-fiction
Edited by Humphrey Carpenter and Christopher Tolkien.
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.’
Total ratings: 25
Humphrey Carpenter
Humphrey Carpenter (1946–2005) was an English biographer, author, and radio broadcaster.
Carpenter was born, died, and lived practically all of his life, in the city of Oxford. On leaving the Dragon School in Oxford, Carpenter studied at Marlborough College in Wiltshire, but returned to study English at Keble. During his appointment at BBC Radio Oxford, Humphrey met his future wife, Mari Prichard. They married in 1973.
His notable output of biographies included: J. R. R. Tolkien (1977) (also editing of The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien), The Inklings (1978), W. H. Auden (1981), Ezra Pound (1988), Evelyn Waugh (1989), Benjamin Britten (1992), Robert Runcie (1997), and Spike Milligan (2004). His Mr Majeika series of
Reviews
| 6/10 | Seregil of Rhiminee October 23, 2007 It's interesting how everything that J.R.R. Tolkien has ever written will be published sooner or later. :) I read this book out of curiosity. This book offers some interesting knowledge about Tolkien to readers, but there's not much anything else ... Review |
