Letters from Father Christmas, Centenary Edition - by J R R Tolkien (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Can you imagine writing to Father Christmas and actually getting a reply? For more than twenty years, the children of J.R.R. Tolkien received letters from the North Pole -- from Father Christmas himself! They told wonderful stories of mischief and disaster, adventures and battles: how the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place, how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas's house, and many others."--

Book Synopsis

For fans of J.R.R. Tolkien and lovers of Christmas holidays, Letters from Father Christmas, Centenary Edition is a gorgeous, full-color, festive gift featuring a wealth of letters and illustrations that Tolkien created for his children, appearing in a smaller, more reader-friendly trim size for the first time. This handsome edition also includes an introduction from daughter-in-law Baillie Tolkien, reflecting on the centenary anniversary of the letters, as well as a personal note by Tolkien himself.

Every December, an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R. Tolkien's children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful colored drawing or some sketches. The letters, part of a beloved holiday tradition, were from Father Christmas.

They told wonderful tales of life at the North Pole: how all the reindeer got loose and scattered presents all over the place; how the accident-prone Polar Bear climbed the North Pole and fell through the roof of Father Christmas's house into the dining room; how he broke the Moon into four pieces and made the Man in it fall into the back garden; how there were wars with the troublesome horde of goblins who lived in the caves beneath the house!

Sometimes the Polar Bear would scrawl a note, and sometimes Ilbereth the Elf would write in his elegant flowing script, adding yet more life and humor to the stories. No reader, young or old, can fail to be charmed by the inventiveness and "authenticity" of Tolkien's Letters from Father Christmas, a perfect choice for a family read-aloud.

What really happens at the North Pole when December arrives?

• Authentic Father Christmas Letters: Read the charming, funny, and imaginative letters J.R.R. Tolkien wrote and addressed to his children from the North Pole each year.
• Stunning Tolkien Illustrations: Discover a wealth of beautiful, full-color drawings and sketches that Tolkien created himself to bring the magical stories to life.
• Whimsical North Pole Adventures: Delight in tales of the clumsy but lovable Polar Bear, escaped reindeer, and epic wars with the troublesome goblins who live in the caves.
• A Cherished Festive Gift: Presented in a handsome, reader-friendly size, this centenary edition is the perfect present for Tolkien fans and families looking for a new Christmas story.

Review Quotes

"Will appeal to any kids whose appreciation of new worlds hasn't been blighted by Action Man and enlightened schoolteachers."--Terry Pratchett, Bath and West Evening Chronicle "Tolkien at his relaxed and ingenious best."--The Times

About the Author

J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892-1973) is the creator of Middle-earth and author of such classic and extraordinary works of fiction as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. His books have been translated into more than fifty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.