This is the fifth news letter send by the Tolkien Library. It summarizes the events of what has happened on the site since July and brings the latest news. These letters will be sent once in a while and will feature all changes and updates to the site.

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The Lord of the Rings, celebrating the 50th anniversary of its first publication

Exactly 50 years ago, "the Return of the King" was put in the stores and J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy "The Lord of the Rings" was completed. Since it was first published in 1954, "The Lord of the Rings" has been a book many people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy has touched the hearts of young and old alike. One hundred and fifty million copies of its many editions have been sold around the world, and occasional collectors' editions become prized and valuable items of publishing.

Now, to celebrate the 50th anniversary of its first publication, the text has been fully restored with almost 400 corrections - with the full co-operation of Christopher Tolkien - making it the definitive version, and as close as possible to the version that J.R.R. Tolkien intended. To make the celebration complete an extensive new index has been added.

Harper Collins and Houghton Mifflin both bring out editions of Lord of the Rings, which are called "5Oth anniversary editions", you can read more about these here.

The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion

One of the publications we all have been waiting for finally is here: "The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion". The perfect Christmass gift you can imagine is this book, within the 50th anniversary book set by Harper Collins, together with The Lord of the Rings. Luckely you can also buy it separetly (as hardback and paperback), since it will become a book which will be read a lot and be unmissable once you have it!

In The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion internationally acclaimed scholars Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull examine Tolkien's masterpiece chapter by chapter, offering expert insights into its evolution, structure, and meaning. They discuss in close detail important literary and historical influences on the development of The Lord of the Rings, connections between that work and other writings by Tolkien, errors and inconsistencies, significant changes to the text during its fifty years of publication, archaic and unusual words used by Tolkien, and words and passages in his invented languages of Middle-earth.

The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion will provide unique insight into the creative process of a true genius and will offer a detailed and informative account of how the book of the century has evolved. With these resources at hand, even the most seasoned reader of The Lord of the Rings will come to a greater enjoyment and appreciation of Tolkien's magnificent achievement. You can read more about this book here.

Site News

www.tolkienlibrary.com has seen many updates since July. The biggest change was ofcourse the complete makeover of the site and the creation of the Tolkien Library logo. Many corrections were made to the Dutch Tolkien bibliography. More articles of this size and importance are coming and will be published soon. We have contact with Spain, Germany, Italy and Greece to create a similar bibliography in the future.

There are some major changes on the way on several sections of the site. For example the game, puzzle and calendar section which is still largely under construction will get updated real soon. Articles are being written on some new books which are very interesting, fe. a Dutch marvel 'In de Ban van de Hobbit' by Johan Vanhecke, 'Smith of Wootton Major' extended edition edited by Verlyn Flieger and 'The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook' by Alan Lee. Also an article on the UK exhibitions by ted Nasmith will be published very soon. So please keep on visiting www.tolkienlibrary.com!

www.tolkienlibrary.com is still working on the article "a first try to make a reconstruction of Tolkien's personal library". We still need more information. Do you have more info on Tolkien's personal library, the donations by Tolkien, by his family and the many sales (like the one by Daerons, Blackwell, Loomebooks, ea.). Are there books from Tolkien's personal library in your collection? Can we add them to the list and describe them?

Tolkien Library shop

The Tolkien Library has up for sale some very nice Tolkien books, ranging from first edition Hobbits, US and UK Lord of the Rings, limited and signed sets. More books will be added next weeks. Keep an eye on the book sales when you can. Some opportunities will not return again! Check the rare Tolkien books up for sale here.


People who want to send there reviews, studies or remarks are welcome to do so, please mail them to info@tolkienlibrary.com. All studies and reviews will be read and after evaluation published at the Tolkien Library (of course your name will be mentioned!).


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