Books and Collecting
J.R.R. Tolkien is probably most known for writing The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings but there are many more tales he has written. Most are children’s books such as Farmer Giles of Ham, Smith of Wootton Major, and The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. There are also many other writings of Tolkien including poems, scholarly papers, letters, and posthumous works that were edited by his son Christopher Tolkien (who was designated by his father to handle all of his unpublished material). There are also many companion books, biographies, and books about other aspects of the world of Middle Earth created by Tolkien. There are many sites on the internet that fully describe all of his works along with pictures and the aspects of collecting them. Not only do people collect the different books he has written, but they also collect the different versions of Tolkien’s books. There are books from different publishers, different editions, different printings, and other rare Tolkien items. There are signed books, calendars, games, and other media that are collected as well. Collecting all of this can be very confusing and one who wishes to start a collection can get lost on where to go and where to begin. The amount of places and websites can be overwhelming. One can go to eBay or other auction sites or to antiquarian book sellers, but the best way to understand what is out there and where to find them can be achieved by going to a few select websites that dedicated people have created. Whether one wishes to learn everything about his stories, find out what editions exist, and where the best places are to buy items by Tolkien, these sites below will provide the information needed. The sites are listed with the first containing bibliographic information, then descriptions of his created world of Middle Earth, then websites containing information about collecting Tolkien items. Some of the sites contain information about all of these aspects as well.
Photo property of Houghton Mifflin
Books and Collecting Links
Tolkien Library http://www.tolkienlibrary.com/index.htm (accessed 12/03/2006). This site contains a bibliography, biography, resources, reviews, articles, and essays on J.R.R. Tolkien books and collecting.
An Illustrated Tolkien Bibliography http://www.tolkienbooks.net/default.htm (accessed 12/03/2006). This site contains a visual bibliography of all of J.R.R. Tolkien’s published British editions of his writings. It also contains articles on the many rare editions and printings that are sought by collectors.
The Compleat Gyde to Tolkien Calendars http://www.angelfire.com/tn3/tolkiencalendars/ (accessed 12/03/2006). With over 200 calendars listed this fan made website is one of the most complete guides on the internet for Tolkien Calendars. It contains many photographs and descriptions of Tolkien Calendars starting from 1969 to the present from over 10 countries.
Lord of the Rings Fanatics Library http://www.lotrlibrary.com/ (accessed 12/03/2006). This amazing fan site has compiled research and collected tons of information about every aspect of the world of Middle Earth that J.R.R. Tolkien created. If there is something you would like to know about Middle Earth, its creatures, inhabitants, or history as written by Tolkien you will find it here.
Tolkien Collector – The Collectible Hobbit http://www.tolkiencollector.com/index.html (accessed 12/03/2006). This site contains information about collecting any kind of item relating to J.R.R. Tolkien including books, posters, calendars, postcards, figurines, audiotapes, and much more.
Hobbit.ca – ANTIQUATARIAN BOOK SELLERS http://www.hobbit.ca/index.html (accessed 12/03/2006). This site contains some information about the history of collecting Tolkien books and also has many rare editions to look at and very rare items that are for sale.