The book 'Letters From Father Christmas' is a collection of letters J.R.R. Tolkien wrote to his children as Father Christmas, filled with charming illustrations and personal touches. While the letters can feel repetitive, the book's production quality and the love Tolkien put into them make it a delightful read. The reviewer appreciates the book's unique appeal as a personal glimpse into Tolkien's life beyond his fantasy works.
The book 'Letters From Father Christmas' is a heartwarming collection of letters that J.R.R. Tolkien wrote to his children over the years, each one crafted with care and filled with charming illustrations. The letters, written in the guise of Father Christmas, include various characters like the North Polar Bear and Ilbereth the Elf, each with their own unique writing styles. While the content of the letters can sometimes feel repetitive, the book's production quality is excellent, with thick, glossy paper and a compact yet sturdy hardcover design. The reviewer finds the book's personal nature both endearing and slightly unsettling, as it delves into Tolkien's private life. However, the love and joy evident in these letters add a special charm that sets this book apart from Tolkien's other works. The reviewer ultimately appreciates the book as a wonderful gift from Tolkien's life, despite initial reservations about publishing such personal correspondence.
Quick quotes
The letters are lovingly crafted.
Seeing the amount of work Tolkien put into his letters is marvelous.
The letters existed for many years but their future was uncertain. By collection and publishing them the Tolkien Estate has ensured that a part of Tolkien will continue to exist in the eye of the publish for as long as it remains in print and a little while longer after that.
These letters weren’t written by Tolkien as a scholar or as a fantasy novelist, they’re written by Tolkien as a father. They’re imbued with so much love and joy that it’s impossible not to appreciate this book’s charm.