The Complete Tolkien: A Comprehensive Look at His Published and Unpublished Works

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, or J.R.R. Tolkien, is a literary icon whose works have captivated generations of readers. His intricate world of Middle-earth, with its rich languages, cultures, and mythologies, has inspired countless fans and scholars alike. However, is there a single complete volume that contains everything he wrote? Let us explore the available collections and editions that compile his works.

Available Collections and Editions

As of my last update, there is no single complete volume that contains every piece of writing by J.R.R. Tolkien that is publicly available. However, there are several collections and editions that provide a comprehensive look at his extensive and diverse work:

The History of Middle-earth (HoMe) - 12-Volume Series

Edited by Christopher Tolkien, The History of Middle-earth is a 12-volume series that includes many of Tolkien's writings, such as unpublished works, drafts, and essays related to his legendarium. This series offers profound insights into his creative process and the development of his mythology, providing a unique glimpse into his world.

The Silmarillion - Posthumously Published Work

This posthumous work collects mythopoeic stories that outline the history of Middle-earth, including the creation of the world and the First Age. Written after Tolkien's death, The Silmarillion serves as a cornerstone for understanding the complex mythos he created.

The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin

These are standalone volumes that expand on specific stories from the legendarium. Drawn from Tolkien's unpublished writings and edited by Christopher Tolkien, these volumes provide deeper insights into beloved characters and narratives within his vast universe.

The Complete Poems of J.R.R. Tolkien

This collection of poems offers a broader view of Tolkien's literary contributions beyond his more well-known works. It showcases his linguistic prowess and imaginative storytelling, providing an essential part of his artistic legacy.

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien

Containing a selection of Tolkien's letters, this book offers valuable insights into his thoughts on writing and his literary world. It provides a personal glimpse into the man behind the stories, revealing the context and inspiration for his works.

Why a Complete Volume Is Not Available

Despite these collections, some of Tolkien's writings remain unpublished or are only available in academic collections or specialized publications. After his death, Tolkien left behind thousands of pages of unpublished notes. Various individuals, most notably his son Christopher, spent years sifting through these notes, extracting anything that seemed interesting for publication.

As a result, while there are extensive collections that cover a significant portion of his work, there is no single, complete volume that contains every piece he wrote. Some of his writings, particularly his detailed work on Elven languages, have not been published and remain unpublished to this day. Whether they will be published in the future is unknown.

Published Works

To give you an idea of what's readily available and relates to Middle-earth, here is a list of Tolkien's published works:

Published in His Lifetime

The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings The Adventures of Tom Bombadil - A collection of poetry The Road Goes Ever On - Musical adaptations for some of his poems, which incorporates comments by Tolkien.

Published Posthumously

The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales - Essays and half-finished drafts of some stories he began but never finished The History of Middle-earth - Includes volumes 1–5 and 10–12 of The Silmarillion and volumes 6–9 of The Lord of the Rings, with extensive commentary and notes by his son. The History of The Hobbit - Similar to The History of Middle-earth but focusing on The Hobbit. The Lord of the Rings: A Reader's Companion - While primarily about Tolkien's work, it includes several previously unpublished things he wrote, such as a guide on names in Middle-earth for translators. The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien - Contains a collection of letters offering insights into his thoughts on writing and his literary world. J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator - A compilation of his paintings and drawings. The Children of Húrin, Beren and Lúthien, and The Fall of Gondolin - These collect and synthesize material from already-published sources into a coherent narrative.

To get the full picture of everything he wrote about Middle-earth, one would need to read between 20 to 30 books, a truly daunting task! However, these collections provide a comprehensive look at his work and legacy.

Conclusion

While there is no single complete volume that captures everything J.R.R. Tolkien wrote, there are extensive collections and editions that offer a deep and detailed exploration of his literary universe. From the sweeping epics in The Silmarillion to the intricacies of The History of Middle-earth, these works provide a rich and immersive experience into the world of Middle-earth that continues to fascinate and inspire.