Letters From Father Christmas Kindle Edition

What an honor to be able to read these letters from Tolkien to his children as Father Christmas. The illustrations were rather impressive. The letters get longer and more creative over time. The changes are worth noting as well - How the names of the children addressed change based on them having grown up or being newly born, mentions of the war, difficulty acquiring specific gifts that were requested. Overall it was a wonderful, short but heartfelt holiday read.I listened to the audiobook (on Everand) while reading along in the ebook (I purchased). Although the instrumental Christmas music between letters adds to the holiday vibes it was also annoying.I will likely be purchasing a physical copy of this book.

Imagine that a father makes sure that his children get a letter from Santa Claus (or Father Christmas, as he's often known in the UK) every year. Heartwarming thought, isn't it? Now imagine that that father is the highly-educated and incredibly talented J.R.R. Tolkien, author of the internationally-acclaimed classics "The Hobbit" and "Lord of the Rings," among many other works.Tolkien had four children and always encouraged them to write letters to Father Christmas when the holiday season approached, and with his help, Father Christmas wrote back – not to mention other characters, such as his bumbling but lovable assistant the North Polar Bear and his elf secretary Ilbereth. Each letter is lovingly handwritten, with each character having their own special lettering style, and often in multiple colors – this book reproduces the letters' colors.But that's not all. The letters often included illustrations of the goings-on at the North Pole. Tolkien often illustrated the envelope as well, drawing a special "North Pole" stamp and sometimes other graphics. These are all included in this book. As the years went by, the fanciful world of Father Christmas at the North Pole grew, and he had to contend with the Man in the Moon dropping by for unannounced visits or even with attacks by the mischievous Goblins who lived in the caverns below his home.To make reading easier, the text of the letters is also printed on pages opposite the reproductions of the letters, but you'll want to look at both, to see the illustrations and graphical additions that Tolkien included as he let his fantastic imagination expand the world of Father Christmas. This material was first published in 1976, but this is the centenary edition, published in 2020, as the first letter was "sent" in 1920, when Tolkien's first child was three years old. He kept writing these until the final poignant letter of 1943, when his youngest child was on the verge of being too old for Father Christmas. But still, Father Christmas always looks forward to the time when they will have children of their own, and to bringing gifts and sending letters to them.Heartwarming and relentlessly creative holiday cheer for all ages from a master, in a beautiful hardcover edition with a bookmark ribbon. I heartily recommend this book if you have children, know any children, or ever were a child. Edited by Baillie Tolkien, second wife of J.R.R.'s son Christopher.

I purchased this centenary edition of Letters from Father Christmas for my niece and her husband, who have one young daughter, and a little boy on the way. They love J.R.R. Tolkien, and even incorporated elements of Bilbo's Long Expected Party into their wedding reception, so I know they will lovingly and zealously adopt this delightful book and be fully engaged with their children in reading through it each Christmas season, starting this year.In fact, this might be an ideal Advent Book for young families - large format with plenty of illustrations and color to appeal to the little ones, coupled with the warmth and heart to captivate and endear the parents, enabling families to rediscover the wonder of reading together during this blessed season.The design and attention to detail is top tier, with gold foil accents on the cloth-bound cover, and there is even a handsome ribbon marker as befits a keepsake which asks to be used and enjoyed, not merely collected and displayed. The generous sized reproductions of the letters and envelopes themselves have real impact on the thick, quality paper, and the addition of the text of the letters helps when we cannot always discern the spindly handwriting of Father Christmas.A treat for all, and, like me, you may decide to order a copy for yourself after you've seen the one you give as a gift!

Didn’t read carefully enough, this is a small book. Still wonderful content but pics and print is smaller than I was expecting.

Highly recommend to the Tolkien fan in your life. Not really a children's book, it is for older readers. Came in great condition and it is a part of my collection now.

This was Christmas gift

A great example of fatherly love and creativity. Interesting to read humble words about the times that the children were living in, yet always a positive note.

This book is a collection of letters written by Tolkien to his grandchildren. They tell tales of Father Christmas and a fun assortment of characters. The pictures he drew are whimsical and add a lot to this book. I was so impressed that I bought an extra copy as a gift for my grandchildren. Enjoy!!

Una edición muy bonita. Llegó en buenas condiciones

What a great read of some of the letters Tolkien sent to his children at Christmas time. Nevertheless his kiddos grew unappreciative of Tolkien's efforts and attention,

Great book. Highly recommended.

The kind of story to keep children or anyone spell bound at or leading up to Christmas time. A very emotional story

Those letters from Father Christmas are so sweet and lovely. Worth reading them, at any age, whether you’re a fan of Tolkien or not…