A fascinating 'behind the scenes' look at Tolkien (The Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien - J.R.R. Tolkien)

Member Name: bruffyboy

Product:	The Letters of J.R.R.Tolkien - J.R.R. Tolkien
Date:	30/01/09 (45 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Find out things you never knew about Tolkien

Disadvantages: the average fan may be bored

I have been a fan of JRR Tolkien for years and years, and have read a LOT of his books, as well as books about him, but I have to say that this is my favourite of all.

After Tolkien's death, noted biographer Humphrey Carpenter, gathered together a huge collection of letters he had written, and published them in this 480 page long book. The letters, all fascinating, fall into the following categories:

1) FAN MAIL
One of the most interesting categories, Tolkien answers (often in great detail) questions from fans about his work. This is such an interesting area, as he gives answers untold in any of his other work. For example, he explains how Gandalf is, essentially, an angel, and giving him the name 'wizard' was a bad idea as it conjures up ideas of the occult.

2) FAMILY LETTERS
Most of these letters are to his son Christopher, and are letters explaining his guidance on religion, war and relationships.

3) LETTERS TO PUBLISHERS
The numerous letters to and from Rayner and Unwin give a fascinating insight into the publication of Tolkien's work, most notably the difficulties he faced along the way.

4) ODDS AND ENDS
There are also other bits and bobs, such as letters to friends, which again offer us a real inside view into the world of this writer.

All of the letters are extremely well written, detailed and insightful, and I have learnt so much from reading this fascinating book. What I love most of all is that (just like in The Lord of the Rings) the attention to detail is so thorough - this man put so much effort into everything he did it is an inspiration.

IN CONCLUSION:
This is not the kind of book the average reader will enjoy, but those enamoured with Tolkien's work will find little snippets of information that may well enrich their passion for Middle Earth.

Summary: read it