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The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien
The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien | Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien
A comprehensive collection of letters spanning the adult life (1914-1973) of one of the worlds most famous storytellers.
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BooksCoffeeNurse
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🩷🩵🩷🩵🩷🩵

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Pigpen_Reads
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TheSpineView 😍😍😍 5mo
13 likes1 comment
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Daisey
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In this letter from November of 1944 while working on the final chapters of The Two Towers, Tolkien writes to his son Christopher.

“I have got the hero into such a fix that not even an author will be able to extricate him without labour and difficulty.”

#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipOfTolkien

46 likes4 comments
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JazzFeathers
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#LotRChapterADay #FellowshipOfTolkien

Also, the publisher claimed they aimed to 'modernise' Tolkien's language so to make it more approachable by the younger generations.

I have my problem.with the whole idea of 'modernising'the classics, but then recently l came across this letter by Tolkien addressing his use of a 'more ancient language'.

In my opinion, this raises several questions about authenticity for such an operation. ⬇

JazzFeathers I hadn't read the new translation yet, so I'm going to do it now and see how it sounds. We will see... 7mo
DivineDiana Mixed feelings on the modernization. Encouraging more people to read? Or dumbing down of society? 🤔 7mo
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dabbe I am against changing text of any kind if they still put the original author's name on said text. It's NOT the original author anymore. If they do what SparkNotes does with their No Fear translations, that's different because then SparkNotes calls is the No Fear translation plus they put the more modernized version alongside the original. These are excellent tools for students who struggle with... ⬇️ 7mo
dabbe ... a more challenging text. They can still see the original version, too, which allows them to begin to understand the harder text. But changing a book and still saying it's from the original author to me feels disingenuous. No Fear used to just have Shakespearean plays, but they're starting to branch out. If interested, check out this one on THE SCARLET LETTER, and you'll see what I mean.

https://www.sparknotes.com/nofear/lit/scarlet/
7mo
JazzFeathers @dabbe Maybe I should specify that they are not changing the text, but they are choosing more modern words and expression to translate the text. For example, in The Fellowship fo the Ring there is at least one instance of 'Hey, Aragorn!', which is not inherently wrong as a translation and it doesn't change the meaning, but to me feel totally out of place because it sounds too modern in the context of Middle-earth. 7mo
JazzFeathers @DivineDiana I had this conversation with a fellow Tolkien fan. On the one end, there is merit in trying to attract a new audience, but on the other, there is a risk of dumbing down the work, indeed. In my opinion. 7mo
dabbe @JazzFeathers Gotcha. Thanks for the clarification. 🤗🤗🤗 7mo
TheAromaofBooks I do feel like your “Hey, Aragorn!“ example shows where someone who was a Tolkien fan may have been a better choice for an attempt at a slightly modernized translation - I feel like someone genuinely familiar with Tolkien's work would know when a word does and does not “vibe“ with Tolkien's world. 7mo
JazzFeathers @TheAromaofBooks Exactly. And there's not much an adviser can do with such details. 7mo
BethM Hey Aragorn grates on my soul 😂 7mo
JazzFeathers @BethM 😂 Right? 7mo
32 likes12 comments
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JazzFeathers
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Tonight's reads 😁

Daisey Just seeing this post now. How go the letters? I was just wondering if you had completed them. 9mo
JazzFeathers @Daisey Heeeee. Nowhere finished. I'm about halfway through, trying to find time to read. But l hope that the readalong will bring me back into the habit. I'm loving the letters 😁 9mo
Daisey I can see how getting back to Tolkien in general could help you get back to the letters as well. Keep me updated on how it goes. 9mo
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Daisey
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In January 2023, I completed 12 books including the tagged Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien that I‘ve been slowly working my way through for almost a year and a half. It was well worth the time and effort and completed a bingo! I read 2 of my #Roll100 selections and 3 #1001books in the mix as well. It was a good month!

#BookSpinBingo #ReadingStats #MonthlyStats

Daisey I also kept up with Clarissa for my #DoubleSpin book 17. 14mo
JazzFeathers I'm done with the NetGalley ARC l needed finishing. Now l really need to get into Tolkien's letters! 14mo
TheAromaofBooks Woohoo!!! Fabulous month!! 14mo
Daisey @JazzFeathers I look forward to seeing what else in them catches your eye. 14mo
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Daisey
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Pickpick

I‘m not really a sports fan, so I snuck in the last few letters during halftime of the Chiefs game while out with friends much more intent on the game and game discussion. This is a book I‘m so glad to have in ebook form since I doubt I will read it cover to cover again, but I will love being able to look up specific references. It is amazing to get Tolkien‘s own perspective on so many topics.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters #BooksAndBooze

marleed I‘m in a big ‘ol text string stretching from Kansas to Montana during every Chiefs game so it‘s hard to sneak in even a page of a book! 14mo
Daisey @marleed It‘s a good thing I finished early because even I couldn‘t stop watching the second half! 14mo
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Daisey
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It‘s been about 4 months since I posted anything from my reading of Tolkien‘s letters, but I‘ve been reading a few here and here with plenty of breaks between. I‘ve continued to enjoy the experience, but there hasn‘t been anything I‘ve felt the need to share out of context. I‘ve made it to letter 310 of 354 and will stop for now, switching to rereading the Letters to Father Christmas for December, and hoping to finish the rest in January.

JazzFeathers I haven't read a lot, lately. I'm halfway through the letters. But if you are reading Father Christmas, l'll come along 😜 Do you have a schedule? 1y
Daisey @JazzFeathers I don‘t have any specific plan. I‘m finishing the L.M. Montgomery Christmas readalong this weekend and then plan to enjoy the Letters to Father Christmas as I have time next week. 1y
JazzFeathers @Daisey That sounds good to me. I'll take out my copy for next week ☺️ 1y
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Daisey
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I‘ve been missing my Tolkien reading while trying to stay caught up on other things. This morning before church I made time for at least a couple letters with breakfast.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters #BreakfastWithTolkien

Daisey Some of these (including letters 237 & 240) are about the process of choosing poems, editing, and arranging illustrations by Pauline Baynes for The Adventures of Tom Bombadil which I found especially interesting. I also enjoyed letter 238 that discussed translation of "The Pearl." 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

@Daisey @BookwormAHN @wordslinger42 @Riveted_Reader_Melissa

Hey, gals! Raggi g e everyone, just to keep in touch 😁

I've had this ready for days and I keep forgetting to post.
I haven't Vought up to this (admittedly very loose) schedule, but I'm on my way.

I'm really enjoying the letters. Such a precious look into the life and thought of a remarkable man.

How's everyone faring? 😁

BookwormAHN I wish more authors had this sort of book. I think it would be fascinating. 2y
Daisey I continue to find it a fascinating look at his life and work. It‘s so interesting to actually hear his own perspective on so many aspects. I‘m ready for Letter 228 when I pick it up again. 2y
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Daisey
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This letter made me laugh today; first of all just because of Tolkien‘s comments, but especially because this is my cat Gandalf who I have always assumed has at least a bit of Siamese in him. 🤣

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien #CatsOfLitsy

Twainy Cute 🐈 2y
JazzFeathers 😂😂😂😂 Shame, though, that Tolkien wasn't a cat person. 2y
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Daisey
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From Letter 215, an unsent draft in response to a question about writing for children vs adults among other questions

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters #KindleQuotes #TeachersOfLitsy

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Daisey
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From Letter 213
I think we often over analyze author‘s lives and writing to find more than the author intended, so I find this comment about no person truly knowing the relationship between writer and writing very appropriate.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters #KindleQuotes

jimfields3 As someone who loves context this passage is a challenge. But it also makes a lot of sense. Thanks for posting! 2y
Daisey @jimfields3 I completely understand about context. To add a bit, this is from a letter in response to a request for more information about his personal life. He discussed his dislike of some of these requests, how he felt some “insignificant” details were more important to his writing than what was often requested, and also went on to give some personal details he felt relevant. 2y
JazzFeathers I've always found it hard to accept Tolkien position in this, though l can also see his position. I think that an author's life is undetatchable from their life, because everything an author puts in their stories come from their life experience. But l can also see what Tolkien means by 'insignificant details'. It's a complex matter, l suppose. 2y
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Daisey
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Today was a long day of work, but I did fit in a few pages of Tolkien‘s letters this morning while I was filling the overhead bin with corn. I was intrigued reading Letter 210 with Tolkien‘s comments about a possible film adaptation in the late 1950s. I often wonder what authors think about adaptations, so it‘s interesting to actually get some of his unsatisfied perspective.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien
#BooksOnTheFarm

JazzFeathers I haven't read this letter yet (but I'm creeping closer to you 😜), but I've seen many passages around... As you would, with the Amazon series coming out soon. 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

@Daisey @BookwormAHN @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wordslinger42

I know I'm late, but here's the schedule for the second half of May.
I'll admit I'm still behind (May has been crazy), but l want to catch up so we can start reading together again 😊

wordslinger42 I might join you for your next read 💜 2y
BookwormAHN Thank you 😺 2y
Daisey Thanks! I‘m going to keep reading slowly as a few letters fit in my schedule. I think we may end up about the same place again come June. 2y
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Daisey
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I would agree that as a reader of Tolkien‘s work, I always want a little more, including some of these very topics. His world building is immersive in a way that makes it seem that information should be available.

From Letter 187 written April 1956

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters #KindleQuotes

BookwormAHN Agreed 😺 2y
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JazzFeathers
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And on this Easter day, let's go back to the letters 😁

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Daisey I‘ve hardly picked them up lately. Which one have you made it to? 2y
JazzFeathers @Daisey I don't have the book at hand now, but I'm around 110. Where are you? I can catch up with you and then l can prepare a new schedule. How are you faring @BookwormAHN 2y
BookwormAHN I'm close, I'm around 105. I also need to catch up. 2y
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Daisey @JazzFeathers @BookwormAHN I just read 180 last night because I was feeling some Tolkien withdrawal. 2y
JazzFeathers @Daisey 😂😂😂 @BookwormAHN gals, what say if we catch up with Daisey. I'll make a schedule from letter 180 starting from 15 May. How does that sound? 2y
BookwormAHN Sounds good to me 😺 2y
Daisey @JazzFeathers Sorry, I thought I had replied to this. Sounds great to me. May will ab another month I‘ll just read a few here and there as we wrap up the school year and I try to catch back up on Ulysses. 2y
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Daisey
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Sunday morning perfection!
Yesterday my family got together to cut up pork and make sausage. A lot of it stayed at Grandpa‘s to be smoked, but this morning I had fresh sausage links for breakfast and finally made some time again for Tolkien‘s letters. I‘ve been busy with life and other reading, and I‘ve missed my Tolkien reading.

#BreakfastWithTolkien #BookAndBreakfast #TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien

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Daisey
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I‘ve reached my January goal of reading through letter 150 of The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, and this fulfills my #BookSpin square 8 for January.

I tend to always be a bit amused when Tolkien writes about American publishers in his letters. He never seems to have a very good opinion of them. This quote is from letter 145 to Rayner Unwin.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien

thegirlwiththelibrarybag Wonder what the appalling jacket cover looked like? 👀 2y
BookwormAHN I think he should have been more upset with the 3rd one that make Bilbo look like the ring master in a circus. Thanks @thegirlwiththelibrarybag 😸 2y
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thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BookwormAHN, what a brilliant description of how that cover looks 😂 it‘s definitely the worst cover 2y
TheAromaofBooks Great progress!!! And @thegirlwiththelibrarybag I can see why he wasn't satisfied with the cover, oh my gosh 😂 2y
Daisey @thegirlwiththelibrarybag @BookwormAHN It really is interesting to see the variety. I agree some of the others are much worse than the first American edition. Personally, I think the worst I‘ve seen in relation to the stories are the cover art by Barbara Remington. 2y
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Daisey
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I‘m slowly continuing to read Tolkien‘s letters every few days. I feel I‘ve seen this letter answering an early reader‘s questions quoted before, but I think it‘s helpful to remember again that some aspects readers often question are meant to be that way. Certain things are there because he wanted to delve into them and others are missing because he didn‘t want them fully explained.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

LitStephanie How fascinating for fans of those books to see the thought process behind them. That is a rare opportunity. 2y
Graywacke How cool! 2y
Daisey @LitStephanie @Graywacke It really is a fascinating and unique reading experience. I can‘t even imagine how cool to have received a letter like this from the author directly. 2y
JazzFeathers @Daisey l'm some 60 letters behind you 😂 But l should be able to control my reading time better from now on, so l hope I'll be able to make some process toward catching up with you 😜 2y
Daisey @JazzFeathers No worries, I plan to slow down and read less of this in the next couple of months, but at the same time, when I start reading sometimes I get through several letters. I‘m not at all reading it consistently. 2y
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JazzFeathers
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Daisey
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It‘s just before 9:00pm in my part of the world, so I‘m continuing my Tolkien reading with Letter 131 and a hard cider for the Toast to the Professor. This is a very long letter which is meant to be a “brief sketch” of the main events of the first through third ages explaining how The Silmarillion and The Lord of the Rings should be published together. It‘s long but also fascinating to see his summary.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien

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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Ta-daaaa!!!!
Here it is! 😊

I Swift reread through the letters to Christopher to take down quotes for my Instagram feed. I really really love these letters 💙

@Daisey @wordslinger42 @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @BookwormAHN

BookwormAHN Thank you 😺 2y
Daisey Well . . . I‘m ahead. I started the very long Letter 131 last night. I may go ahead and keep reading now but slow down more in February/March as that is a very busy time for me at school with coaching responsibilities. 2y
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Daisey
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My last completed book of the year was this great nonfiction listen, The Five.

My carryover book from 2021 to 2022 is The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. I may very well read another letter in the morning. #FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

The first new read I plan to start tomorrow is A Month in the Country.

#LastFirst

tpixie The Five sounds great. I recently bought other letters 2y
Daisey @tpixie The Letters from Father Christmas are great! They‘re fun and yet also reflective of the time at which he wrote them. 2y
bthegood @tpixie @Daisey I also enjoyed The Five - it was very informative/interesting, Happy New Year and make a great day - 🙂 2y
Daisey @bthegood It really was so informative! Wishing you a happy new year as well!! 2y
tpixie @bthegood I will need to add The Five to my ever growing TBR list! 2y
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Daisey
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I realized it‘s been almost a month since I‘ve posted any of my Tolkien reading. I‘ve been reading letters here & there, but I haven‘t been sticking to anything like daily reading. So, this morning I settled down for breakfast & a few more pages. The letters are a mix of writing to various people, including this postcard in runes. I continue to be fascinated by this very personal look into Tolkien‘s life, especially his letters to Christopher.

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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

So many times, reading these letters addressed to Christopher away at war, l've heard echoes of things l read in The Lord of the Rings.

BookwormAHN I know and yet Tolkien's always sworn it wasn't related. 2y
JazzFeathers @BookwormAHN Isn't the relation between an author and their artwork always so complex? 2y
BookwormAHN It is, especially when one hates allegories as much as Tolkien does. 2y
JazzFeathers @BookwormAHN But then, I think it is also part of that conversation with Christopher. What they talk about in the letters filter into the story, and what reflections the story suggest then ooze into the letters. Part of the reason why The Lord of the Rings was written for Christopher. 2y
BookwormAHN True and his own experiences also filter in. 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

"This book has come to be more and more addressed to you and so your opinion matters more than anyone else's".

I remember Christopher saying a couple of times in HoME that his father wrote The Lord of the Rings for him.
In this light, that of a conversation between father and son about war, the book takes up even a deeper meaning in my opinion.

Daisey I don't think those comments ever really truly sank in for me until I read these letters. It's so clear in these personal writings. (edited) 2y
JazzFeathers @Daisey It stuck me when Christopher mentioned it because of the implications, but I always wondered whether it was only his impression. Apparently, it wasn't. 2y
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Daisey
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From letter 77 to Christopher

This seems to express a lot about Tolkien‘s writing and view of life in one short and simple line.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien #KindleQuotes

JazzFeathers And so very relevant to today too, I think. 2y
Daisey @JazzFeathers Yes, I debated a few ways to word this and considered that as well, but it just didn‘t sound right. 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkienLetters

This really moved me.
Once again, l got the strong impression that Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings for his children and especially for Christopher. I never imagined this kinship, this oneness of experience and desires.
What moves me here is that Tolkien speaks to Christopher (who was really a boy at the time) as a peer, as well as his beloved son. That was a very special bond.

I understand, now.

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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien

Finally making some catching up with #TolkiensLetters.
I'm adoring these letters sent to Christopher off at war in South Africa. I love reading about Tolkien's everyday life. I never imagined he was a gardener! So now l know where Sam came from!

Daisey I am enjoying these as well. They show a very personal look at their relationship as well as Tolkien‘s thoughts on many things. 2y
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Daisey
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I enjoyed a few more of Tolkien‘s letters with supper tonight. These to Christopher about the writing of LotR and WWII at the same time provide a much more personal perspective than the biographical writing I‘ve previously read.

As for supper, I‘ve been meaning to try making étouffée for a while and finally did today. It‘s delicious, and I‘ve got meals prepped for a few more days.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien #ReadAndEat

robinb I‘d love to find a good etouffee recipe. Love it but have never tried to make it. 2y
Daisey @robinb I read lots of shrimp and crawfish recipes to compare method, but then I settled on this one since I wanted to use chicken and sausage. https://oursaltykitchen.com/chicken-etouffee/ 2y
robinb @Daisey This is perfect! Thanks so much for sharing. I would also like to use the chicken and sausage. 😊 2y
JazzFeathers I have never heard about etoufee. Now l need to try it! 2y
Daisey @JazzFeathers It‘s a Cajun dish, popular in Louisiana, but I first had it in college at a local restaurant there. 2y
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Daisey
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From letter 66 to Christopher in May 1944

I love these bits about the characters that just make themselves known as the story is written, especially with how much I like Faramir. I‘m also amused by the comment about him possibly joining other fascinating information that‘s been removed to the appendices if he keeps on about history.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien #KindleQuotes

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JazzFeathers
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Hey, gals! Before the madness of #NaNoWriMo stars, here's November schedule 😜

I'm all caught up (unbelievable!) and loving the letters. They show the complexity of the man and of his life. I was surprised to read about the many health issues. I could see (not just read) the economic problems.
The letters to his published show his vulnerable side, those to his sons are candid and insightfull.
Living it!

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Daisey
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I enjoyed a mug of spiked cider with more of Tolkien‘s letters this evening and am caught up with our October schedule. After all we‘ve read of Tolkien‘s writing process through the History of Middle-Earth, it‘s fascinating to see mentions of the same developments in his letters to Christopher. I think reading the books in this order gives a better appreciation of the details in the letters.

#TolkiensLetters #FellowshipOfTolkien #BooksAndBooze

JazzFeathers I'm all caught up too! I can't believe it! I'm really enjoying the letters, especially this to his sons. These are very intimate and candid. Very insightful. And yes, l love recognising the same process we read in HoME 😁 2y
Daisey @JazzFeathers I agree about the letters to his sons. Candid and insightful are the perfect descriptors. 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

I've had a feeling that this was how Tolkien felt when he wrote The Lord of the Rings. In a way, that story seems a conversation between father and son who face similar terrible experiences. And on Tolkien's part, it's almost an elaboration of the experience (of WWI) which he might have never done of his own volition, but now he must to give a sense to his sons' experience.

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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Loved this letter. The health problem, the work closely mmitments, the newfound love for The Lord of the Rings, his insecurities about that story he loves, his children.
It isn't a personal letter, but it reveals so much personal matters. I truly loved it.

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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Let's do some catching up! 😜💪

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Daisey
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I took some time this morning with breakfast to play a little bit of catch up on my Tolkien reading. I even had coffee with the Tolkien inspired name Light of Earendil which is locally roasted in the Kansas City area. The letters I read today were mostly to his son Michael serving in the military.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters #BreakfastWithTolkien #BookAndBreakfast

MaureenMc Lovely 💕 2y
JazzFeathers Need to catch up on the letters. I'm looking forward to the letters to Michael. I heard he suffered from PTSD. 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

@Daisey @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wordslinger42 @BookwormAHN

Sorry for the delay, gals. The beginning of October was crazy at work, as it is every year. Which means I'm quite behind with my readings too 😟

But now things are getting back to normal, and l think I'll be able to catch up with the letters 😜

Here's October's schedule.

How's everyone getting along?

BookwormAHN I'm a little behind too. Thanks for the new schedule 😺 2y
Daisey I got ahead at the end of September, but I'm behind again now after some very busy days. I hope to catch up and possibly get a bit ahead again this weekend. I'll also try to get back to posting randomly as I read because I haven't been posting much at all lately. 2y
JazzFeathers @BookwormAHN 😁 I'll have the November schedule ready soon before NaNoWriMo starts. It will be a busy November for me. I want to finish writing The Frozen Maze. 2y
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JazzFeathers @Daisey l haven't posted a lot too, in general. I feel sorry neglecting Litzy and the Fellowshi 😶 And, Daisey, l love your new pic 😊 2y
BookwormAHN Good Luck 🍀 2y
Daisey @Jazzfanatic Thank you! 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Just caught up with a week worth of letters and loved this selection.
His scathing reply to the German publisher asking about his ancestry was a masterpiece.
I loved reading about the beginning of the 'New hobbit'. Yes, we read most of it on HoME, but l like reading it in his life's context. While his mentions of economic difficulties are endearing to me. Never realised how pressant this was to him.

Daisey I‘ve read about the letter to the German publisher before but agree reading it (or a similar draft) in this context was even better. I actually got a bit ahead the other day when waiting and I only had this to read on my phone. I need to look at them again and make a post soon. 2y
Jinjer Well, Tolkien friends, I had to drop out of this buddy read because I discovered the Konrath/Kilborn horror books and everything else in my life disappeared. I‘ll definitely read the letters another time though! So very sorry! 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

I've read so many quotes from this letters over the years. Reading the 'entire' thing (or, at least, what we can read of it) was nice and endearing
Tolkien makes everything he can to belittle his success. He gives me the impression he doesn't want success to change him or his life, so he makes fun of it, though in places the pleasure come to the surface of seeing one of his story finding its own life 💙

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Daisey
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Happy Hobbit Day!

I find it very appropriate that I‘m reading letter 22 on September 22, also known as #HobbitDay because it is Bilbo & Frodo‘s birthday, and Tolkien mentions his early drafts of the beginning of what became LotR.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

JazzFeathers I totally missed the day 😭 I didn't forget, but I'm so busy and messed up at the moment, that l didn't manage to do anything. I'm reaching the letters from 1938 now, and I'm totally loving them! 2y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

It arrived!!!! My English edition of Tolkien's Letters. At last!

How is it going, ladies?
I'm actually nearly a week behind, but l hope to catch up soon 😜

@Daisey @Riveted_Reader_Melissa @wordslinger42 @BookwormAHN

BookwormAHN I'm enjoying it, a few days behind though 😺 3y
Daisey I caught back up a night or so ago. I'm enjoying them overall, but it's definitely the kind of thing where there's a lot of text for some truly interesting bits and we're already just getting the most interesting bits as chosen by Carpenter. 3y
JazzFeathers @BookwormAHN The letters from the end of the 1930s are so interesting 😍 2y
JazzFeathers @Daisey l know. Besides, we're lucky to be able to read this. 2y
wordslinger42 I have some catching up to do. I've been really sick the past week and a half, and I'm finally feeling better. I'm really enjoying the letters 😊 2y
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Daisey
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I‘m appreciating reading the letters but usually don‘t have much to say about them. I was amused by these quotes from letters 14 & 15. Tolkien was apparently not a fan of Disney and absolutely did not want them in any way connected with illustrating American editions. Then he is “perturbed” that his comments were sent directly to the American publisher, as he could have expressed his opinions more tactfully.

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

tpixie Oops! He did have strong opinions! 3y
Daisey @tpixie So true! I loved seeing this little detail. 3y
tpixie @Daisey yes! 3y
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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Tolkien candidated as an Anglo-Saxon professor at Oxford with this letter. He was 33, apparently very young. But they would have been crazy not be to take him on.

I smiled because, as characteristic of him, he presented everything he made as if small things that anybody would be able to do, but in between the lines you can feel the passion for his work, his involvement and his commitment.

A true Hobbit!💙

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JazzFeathers
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

Such a pity this is the only letter included from the war period. John Garth included many excerpts from letters from and to Tolkien during the war. They were so insightful.

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JazzFeathers
The Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien | Humphrey Carpenter, Christopher Tolkien
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#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

I loved this one.
Ever since l discovered Edith make the fair copies of Tolkien's first stories, l've wondered how much she was involved in his creation.
From this letter, it looks like she was pretty much involved. At least at this stage.

Tolkien: l'll send this poem to the TCBS. No, l prefer to send it to you first, my dear Edith.
💙

wordslinger42 Yes, I love that he included her and sought her opinion first 💜 3y
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wordslinger42
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I'm really enjoying the letters so far, even though they've been short. I think they offer an interesting look into his everyday life, and I'm excited to get to know Tolkien better in that way!

#FellowshipofTolkien

JazzFeathers Me too. Can't wait to read more. 3y
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Daisey
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I‘m pretty sure I‘m going to be awful at sticking with the schedule for this one. I did read the introduction on the first, and then I caught up by reading the first few excerpts of letters to Edith tonight as well as perusing others‘ posts. I don‘t know that this is going to be quite as enjoyable to read, but I am thoroughly intrigued to see what it contains (and am also curious about what was left out).

#FellowshipOfTolkien #TolkiensLetters

JazzFeathers I think it's probably going to be a mix bag. But I'm sure that many letters will be awesome 😜 3y
Daisey @JazzFeathers I agree completely. 3y
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