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Bodleian Library to release Tolkien book in 2018
The Radcliffe Camera, part of the Bodleian Libraries in Oxford

The Bodleian Library is set to release a book – Tolkien: The Maker of Middle-earth – next year to accompany a major Tolkien exhibition due to take place at the Library.

The exhibition, due to take place in June 2018, will feature an unparalleled collection of Tolkien manuscripts, letters, illustrations and other material from the Bodleian’s Archives. The Bodleian houses the majority of Tolkien’s archives, and many of the items have never before been publicly exhibited. The collection, and the accompanying book, has been described as “unprecedented” by Samuel Fanous, the Head of Publishing at the Bodleian.

Tolkien: The Maker of Middle-earth, to be published in the summer of 2018, will be written by Bodleian archivist Catherine McIlwaine and will provide a deeper insight into Tolkien as an author and creator. Known inclusions include never-before seen illustrations by Tolkien, manuscripts of and “letters from admirers including W H Auden, Joni Mitchell and Iris Murdoch”.

Original story: The Bookseller

About the Author: Shaun Gunner
Shaun is the Chair of The Tolkien Society. First elected in 2013, Shaun has overseen the Society's expansion from 600 to 3,500 members. Shaun regularly speaks about adaptations of Tolkien's works and the future of Tolkien scholarship whilst passionately believing the Society needs to reach out to new audiences. In his spare time he can be found playing video games and Lego, or on Twitter. He chaired another charity, Mankind, and is a local councillor.