Quotes by J. R. R. Tolkien

About J. R. R. Tolkien:

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is best known as the author of the classic high-fantasy works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion.
A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z

A box without hinges, key, or lid, yet golden treasure inside is hid.

J. R. R. Tolkien

It's the job that's never started as takes longest to finish.

J. R. R. Tolkien

I never liked Hans Christian Andersen because I knew he was always getting at me.

J. R. R. Tolkien

If you really want to know what Middle-earth is based on, it's my wonder and delight in the earth as it is, particularly the natural earth.

J. R. R. Tolkien

A pen is to me as a beak is to a hen.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Many children make up, or begin to make up, imaginary languages. I have been at it since I could write.

J. R. R. Tolkien

I dislike Allegory - the conscious and intentional allegory - yet any attempt to explain the purport of myth or fairytale must use allegorical language.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Middle English is an exciting field - almost uncharted, I begin to think, because as soon as one turns detailed personal attention on to any little corner of it, the received notions and ideas seem to crumple up and fall to pieces - as far as languag...

J. R. R. Tolkien

In October 1920 I went to Leeds as Reader in English Language, with a free commission to develop the linguistic side of a large and growing School of English Studies, in which no regular provision had as yet been made for the linguistic specialist.

J. R. R. Tolkien

It may be the part of a friend to rebuke a friend's folly.

J. R. R. Tolkien

A safe fairyland is untrue to all worlds.

J. R. R. Tolkien

They say it is the first step that costs the effort. I do not find it so. I am sure I could write unlimited 'first chapters'. I have indeed written many.

J. R. R. Tolkien

The original 'Hobbit' was never intended to have a sequel - Bilbo 'remained very happy to the end of his days and those were extraordinarily long': a sentence I find an almost insuperable obstacle to a satisfactory link.

J. R. R. Tolkien

The wide world is all about you: you can fence yourselves in, but you cannot forever fence it out.

J. R. R. Tolkien

I am doubtful myself about the undertaking. Part of the attraction of the L.R. is, I think, due to the glimpses of a large history in the background: an attraction like that of viewing far off an unvisited island, or seeing the towers of a distant ci...

J. R. R. Tolkien

It is plain indeed that in spite of later estrangement Hobbits are relatives of ours: far nearer to us than Elves, or even than Dwarves. Of old they spoke the languages of Men, after their own fashion, and liked and disliked much the same things as M...

J. R. R. Tolkien

The proper study of Man is anything but Man; and the most improper job of any man, even saints (who at any rate were at least unwilling to take it on), is bossing other men. Not one in a million is fit for it, and least of all those who seek the oppo...

J. R. R. Tolkien

You have been chosen, and you must therefore use such strength and heart and wits as you have.

J. R. R. Tolkien

Author Bio

  • NameJ. R. R. Tolkien
  • DescriptionBritish philologist and author, creator of classic fantasy works
  • AliasesJohn Ronald Reuel Tolkien
  • BornJanuary 3, 1892
  • DiedSeptember 2, 1973
  • CountryUnited Kingdom
  • ProfessionLinguist; Poet; University Professor; Philologist; Novelist; Children's Writer; Translator; Literary Critic; Essayist
  • WorksThe Hobbit; The Lord Of The Rings; The Silmarillion; Tree And Leaf; Roverandom; The Adventures Of Tom Bombadil
  • AwardsCommander Of The Order Of The British Empire; Prometheus Award - Hall Of Fame