Rating: 
Summary: Marvelous!
Review: I believe that no set of books is complete without this plainly marvelous book.If you are going to read other books written by him,or have read them,why not get to know more about this marvelous writer?
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Summary: Invaluable book for understanding Tolkien and Middle-Earth.
Review: I have read this book twice in the past two years and look forward to a third read in the near future. Tolkien was a man of stong character, religious belief and opinion. He was also a very private, intelligent and educated (gentle)man. These are all revealed in "Letters". Also, many insights into Middle-Earth are found here that are not found elsewhere.
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Summary: If You Could Pick His Brain...
Review: I picked up this volume on a whim. Would I find dry rhetoric? Mindless commentary on Tolkien's writings? Or, ideally, something special?Something special! Indeed. If I could go back in time and sit with Tolkien and friends while they smoked pipes and discussed their writings, this is what I'd overhear. If I could pick Tolkien's brain on many subjects considering the Ring and Middle Earth, these are the sorts of things he'd say. These letters cover a wide range of topics over a number of years and point directly to the source of Tolkien's inspirations. Questions that have long lay dormant in my mind sprung to life and found reprieve here within these stunning letters. Do you wonder about the spiritual implications of "The Lord of the Rings"? Do you wish for insight into Tolkien's relationship with C.S. Lewis? Do you pine for the day you could've had Tolkien respond to your own questions? This side of eternity, "The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien" may be the closest you'll come to satisfying these itchings. If you're a fan, this is indispensable. And, I might add, a lot of fun besides.
Rating: 
Summary: DON'T MAKE MY MISTAKE!
Review: I thought this was a book about the invented alphabets of Tolkien's Middle Earth but it's NOT! It's a boring book of correspondence. Apart from the few letters where he talks a little about his invented runes and languages this is a WASTE if you are looking for more info on his runes, alphabets and calligraphy! So: BE WARNED!!
Rating: 
Summary: Not Always Flattering, but Very Revealing
Review: If you have an idealized view of JRR Tolkien that you want to protect, you might want to avoid this book. The letters can be funny and extremely interesting, but sometimes I felt as if I were reading about matters that Mr. Tolkien considered private and that he might have wanted kept that way. He writes several letters about money being tight and taxes being high ("progressive tax rates in England at the time were around 90%), and he also has several letters that aren't necessarily flattering to American taste. However, there are also magically insightful letters dealing with linguistic issues and filling out some questions from The Lord of the Rings. Many common assumptions about Tolkien are challenged by this book. For instance, I always assumed that Tolkien and C.S. Lewis were quite close until Lewis passed away, but some of the letters reveal a distance that emerged between them as Lewis became involved with the woman he ultimately married. I also enjoyed Tolkien's views on Catholicism, although I am not Catholic.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent look at JRR Tolkien the person
Review: If you have read "The Lord of the Rings" or other works by Tolkien, and are interested in learning more about him (what inspired him, what his views on things were, and what kind of person he was, and the process by which he wrote his literary works, especially "LotR"), this is a book you should definitely read. I found this book to be highly interesting and entertaining, and even educational. There is a huge index to help you find any subject or topic you're looking for. You will find letters to his family members, to his publishers, to friends like C.S. Lewis, and many more-all covering a variety of topics and thoughts from this brilliant writer and philologist. Thoughts on Christianity, and Tolkien's beliefs; his views of World War I (in which he fought) and World War II; a great deal of letters to his readers answering a multitude of questions about his books, especially "The Lord of the Rings"; his personal views and goals of his works; and so much more. It's really a look into the minds and thoughts of a genius, although he would never agree with that-his letters are filled with the upmost humility, even self-deprecation, of himself and his abilities. At the same time, he takes very strong, even stubborn, stances on issues he felt strongly about. His letter-writing style is so unique and is quite fascinating to me, and he can be quite funny. I definitely recommend this informative and very interesting book.
Rating:
Summary: An excellent look at JRR Tolkien the person
Review: If you have read "The Lord of the Rings" or other works by Tolkien, and are interested in learning more about him (what inspired him, what his views on things were, and what kind of person he was, and the process by which he wrote his literary works, especially "LotR"), this is a book you should definitely read. I found this book to be highly interesting and entertaining, and even educational. There is a huge index to help you find any subject or topic you're looking for. You will find letters to his family members, to his publishers, to friends like C.S. Lewis, and many more-all covering a variety of topics and thoughts from this brilliant writer and philologist. Thoughts on Christianity, and Tolkien's beliefs; his views of World War I (in which he fought) and World War II; a great deal of letters to his readers answering a multitude of questions about his books, especially "The Lord of the Rings"; his personal views and goals of his works; and so much more. It's really a look into the minds and thoughts of a genius, although he would never agree with that-his letters are filled with the upmost humility, even self-deprecation, of himself and his abilities. At the same time, he takes very strong, even stubborn, stances on issues he felt strongly about. His letter-writing style is so unique and is quite fascinating to me, and he can be quite funny. I definitely recommend this informative and very interesting book.
Rating:
Summary: Insightful
Review: If you love Tolkien's novels, you should enjoy reading his letters as well.
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Summary: A Glimpse into the Mind & Soul of a Passionate Artist
Review: In The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, I discovered not only a treasure-trove of information on his complex fantasy world, but also his reflections on life in this world. In this volume's pages, Tolkien reveals his passion for living and his belief that people should always come first ahead of the machinations of kingdoms or corporations. His life is detailed in his own words, from his love story with his wife to his wisdom and guidance to his children. In all of his letters, Tolkien writes with respect and dignity, listening to his readers even in the days of his greatest fame. This book has offered me a glimpse into the mind of a passionate artist, both with words and with life, and has reminded me to always consider the soul behind the face.
Rating:
Summary: A wonderful glimpse..
Review: J.R.R. Tolkien is one of the best loved authors ever, endeared to millions of readers. Now with the reprinting of his letters by Houghton Mifflin all those who cherish his writings are able to learn a bit more about the man who shaped Middle-Earth. Reading this book you can't help but think what a warm and charming man he was. His letters are thoughtful, intelligent and often amusing as he converses with the publishers Allen and Unwin, his sons Michael and Christopher, C.S. Lewis, and even fans from around the world who sent him questions and observations. It's reading history and it's fascinating. A large and rather comprehensive index is included near the end of the book with plenty of notes about each letter and the people and places contained within. Highly recommended for anyone wanting a deeper glimpse into the thoughts of a brilliant man.
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