Letters from Father Christmas is a collection of letters that J.R.R. Tolkien wrote to his children between 1920 and 1943. Each year, Tolkien would write a letter to his children in the guise of Father Christmas, telling them about his adventures at the North Pole and the antics of his helpers, including the mischievous polar bear, the clumsy reindeer, and the industrious elves. The letters are accompanied by charming illustrations that Tolkien drew himself, depicting scenes from the North Pole and the various characters that populate the world of Father Christmas.
BOOK INFO
version: CLASSIC, EBOOK, AUDIOBOOK
number of pages: 128
literary movement: MODERNISM
literary genre: FANTASY, CHILDREN'S LITERATURE
1st edition: 1976
years of writing: 1920 - 1943
SUMMARY
One of the key themes of Letters from Father Christmas is the power of imagination and the importance of fantasy and make-believe in the lives of children. Through the letters, we see how Tolkien used the world of Father Christmas to spark the imaginations of his children and to provide them with a sense of magic and wonder. The letters are filled with descriptions of the North Pole, including the various creatures and beings that inhabit it, such as the polar bear and the reindeer. The letters also describe the adventures of Father Christmas and his helpers as they prepare for Christmas, delivering presents to children around the world.
In addition to the imaginative content of the letters, Letters from Father Christmas is also notable for the glimpses it provides into Tolkien’s personal life and family relationships. The letters are full of warmth and affection, and we see a deep love and care that Tolkien had for his children. Through the letters, we also see glimpses of Tolkien’s own personality and sense of humor, as he peppers the letters with puns, wordplay, and references to literature and mythology.
Another key theme of Letters from Father Christmas is the historical context in which the letters were written. The letters were written during a period of great turmoil in Europe, including both World War I and World War II. As a result, the letters often reflect the anxieties and fears of the times, as well as the hopes and aspirations for a better world. Through the letters, we see how Tolkien used the world of Father Christmas to provide a sense of escape and comfort for his children, while also acknowledging the realities of the world around them.
MAIN CHARACTERS
Polar Bear
A friend and companion of Father Christmas, who is often seen pulling his sleigh.
Reindeer
A group of reindeer who help Father Christmas deliver presents around the world.
The Goblins
A group of mischievous creatures who live in the caves beneath the North Pole.
Ilbereth
A fairy who lives at the North Pole and helps Father Christmas with his work.
While these characters are not developed in the same way as the characters in Tolkien’s more narrative works, they are nonetheless charming and memorable, and they help to create the magical and imaginative world of Letters from Father Christmas.
All have their worth and each contributes to the worth of the others.
JOHN RONALD ReUEL TOLKIEN
TOP 10 POINTS
- Imaginative World-Building: Letters from Father Christmas immerses readers in a fantastical world filled with polar bears, reindeer, and other magical creatures, as well as a bustling workshop at the North Pole.
- Charming Illustrations: The book features charming illustrations drawn by Tolkien himself, depicting scenes from the North Pole and the various characters that populate the world of Father Christmas.
- Personal Letters: The letters are written in a personal, conversational style, providing readers with a window into Tolkien’s personal life and family relationships.
- Creative Storytelling: Tolkien uses his storytelling talents to craft compelling and entertaining narratives about the adventures of Father Christmas and his helpers.
- Historical Context: The letters were written during a period of great turmoil in Europe, and as a result, they often reflect the anxieties and fears of the times, as well as the hopes and aspirations for a better world.
- Humor: The letters are filled with puns, wordplay, and other forms of humor that are sure to delight readers of all ages.
- Family Dynamics: Through the letters, we see the warmth and affection that Tolkien had for his children, as well as the deep love and care that he had for them.
- Creative Inspiration: The letters provide a sense of the power of imagination and the importance of fantasy and make-believe in the lives of children.
- Universal Appeal: While Letters from Father Christmas was written for Tolkien’s own children, it has universal appeal and is enjoyed by readers of all ages and backgrounds.
- Timeless Quality: Despite being written several decades ago, Letters from Father Christmas has a timeless quality that continues to resonate with readers today, providing a sense of warmth, humor, and hope that is always welcome.
Overall, Letters from Father Christmas is a delightful and imaginative work that offers a unique window into the personal life and creative mind of J.R.R. Tolkien. The book is a testament to the power of imagination and the importance of fantasy and make-believe in the lives of children, and it provides readers with a sense of warmth, humor, and hope that is sure to delight readers of all ages.
ABOUT WRITER
J.R.R. Tolkien, full name John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, was an English writer, poet, and academic who is best known for his fantasy novels The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa on January 3, 1892, but moved to Birmingham, England with his family when he was three years old. His father, Arthur Tolkien, was an English bank manager and his mother, Mabel Tolkien, was a talented artist and musician.
