John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was not only a celebrated novelist but also a distinguished linguist, dedicated scholar, war veteran and one of the most influential literary figures of the 20th century. Following the death of his father in 1896, J.R.R. Tolkien, his mother Mabel and younger brother Hilary relocated to England.

Mabel played a formative role in Tolkien’s early development, instilling in him a deep appreciation for storytelling, languages and the natural world. Her conversion to Catholicism had a profound spiritual impact on him, shaping his beliefs throughout his life. Tragically, Mabel passed away in 1904 when Tolkien was just 12 years old. Thereafter, he and his brother came under the guardianship of Father Francis Xavier Morgan, a Catholic priest. Read on to discover more about J.R.R. Tolkien and explore some of his works that have sold at Forum Auctions.

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Published in 1937, The Hobbit was J.R.R. Tolkien’s first novel and the work that introduced readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. Originally conceived as a bedtime story for his children, the book quickly gained acclaim and became a cornerstone of children's literature, as well as a foundational text in the modern fantasy genre.

The narrative follows Bilbo Baggins, a reserved and comfort-loving hobbit who is unexpectedly drawn into an epic quest. While lighter in tone than The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit shares its successor’s themes of adventure, courage and personal transformation, all set within the same meticulously crafted world.

The value of a first edition of The Hobbit can vary greatly depending on factors such as condition, the presence of the original dust jacket, inscriptions and provenance. Notably, in 2023, Forum Auctions sold an exceptional first edition copy of this landmark novel for £23,940.

The Lord of the Rings stands as one of the most iconic and influential works in the history of fantasy literature. Originally published in three volumes: The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers and The Return of the King, between 1954 and 1955, the work began as a sequel to The Hobbit but soon evolved into a far more ambitious and complex epic. Tolkien devoted over a decade to its creation, drawing extensively on his deep knowledge of mythology and linguistics, as well as his formative experiences during the First World War.

The narrative centres on Frodo Baggins, a modest hobbit who is entrusted with the perilous task of destroying the One Ring, a malevolent artifact forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. The Ring, capable of corrupting all who possess it, poses an existential threat to Middle-earth should it return to its creator’s hand.

Tolkien described The Lord of the Rings as both a mythological and linguistic endeavour, shaped by elements of Norse, Finnish and Anglo-Saxon traditions, although it is profoundly influenced by his Catholic faith and wartime experiences.

In a testament to the enduring legacy and collectible value of Tolkien's work, Forum Auctions’ January 2025 auction of Fine Books, Manuscripts, and Works on Paper achieved a world record when auctioning the exceptionally rare first edition, first impression, fully signed set of The Lord of the Rings, which sold for £287,700.

Watch the exciting moment when the hammer falls and creates a world record price!

Published in 1949, Farmer Giles of Ham is one of J.R.R. Tolkien’s lesser-known works, yet it remains a delightfully charming and humorous tale. Distinct from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, which are set in the richly constructed world of Middle-earth, this story unfolds in a fictionalised version of medieval England and adopts a whimsical fairy-tale tone.

Tolkien described the work as a “mock-heroic” narrative characterised by playful satire, irony and tongue-in-cheek humour. The story follows Farmer Giles, an unassuming countryman who inadvertently becomes a local hero after driving away a giant with his blunderbuss; a feat that propels him into a series of unlikely adventures.

A testament to its enduring appeal and collectability, Forum Auctions sold a first edition of Farmer Giles of Ham for £16,380, underscoring the continued interest in Tolkien's broader body of work beyond Middle-earth.

The Inklings were an informal literary discussion group based at the University of Oxford during the 1930s and 1940s and are best known for including some of the most influential English writers of the 20th century. Among their most prominent members were J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis, author of The Chronicles of Narnia. Other notable members included novelist and theologian Charles Williams and philosopher Owen Barfield. The group met regularly, often in C.S. Lewis’s rooms at Magdalen College or at The Eagle and Child pub, affectionately known as “The Bird and Baby.” They would read and critique each other’s work, discuss literature, mythology, theology, and philosophy, and explore the role of imagination and morality in storytelling. While The Inklings were never a formal club with rules or official membership, their conversations and collaborations left a lasting legacy on modern fantasy literature.

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings trilogy, through which he created an intricately developed mythological universe that continues to captivate readers around the world. His literary work was profoundly shaped by a life defined by intellectual brilliance, personal tragedy, wartime experiences and remarkable creative insight.

More than a storyteller, Tolkien was a literary trailblazer who revolutionised the fantasy genre. Drawing on his expertise in philology, ancient mythology and medieval literature Tolkien crafted epic narratives imbued with invented languages, complex histories and a profound sense of timeless legend. His unparalleled ability to construct entire cultures, geographies and mythologies set a new benchmark for world-building in fiction.

Widely regarded as the father of modern fantasy, Tolkien redefined the genre by weaving together classical influences, rich thematic depth and moral complexity. His impact on literature is immeasurable and his influence extends well beyond the page - shaping generations of writers, filmmakers, game designers and scholars. Today, Tolkien’s legacy endures not only through his works but also across academia and global fan culture, creating a lasting testament to the power and resonance of his imagination.

Works by J.R.R. Tolkien are regularly offered at Forum auctions, frequently included in auctions of Modern Literature and Fine Books, Manuscripts and Works on Paper. Browse our Current Auctions to view discover our latest offerings.

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