Letter 59a

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 59a
Recipient	Christopher Tolkien
Date	8 April 1944
Subject(s)	Updates on home life

Letter 59a is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition.

Summary

In a letter to his son Christopher, Tolkien extends Easter wishes and provides updates on family activities. He mentions that Mrs. Connaughton left for Wales and describes a morning outing with Priscilla. Tolkien recounts how Edith had a fall in Cornmarket, which led to him abandoning his writing to complete the shopping. Fortunately, she has mostly recovered, aside from some bruises. He also mentions running into Nicholas of Trinity, who sends warm wishes to Christopher.

Tolkien details his gardening activities, a brief church visit, and his struggle with writing a difficult chapter of The Lord of the Rings, noting "Gollum is playing up well on his return". He describes the mixed April weather and the blossoming garden, noting a recent card from John, who is recovering well but remains at the Grange. Over Easter, Tolkien shares more on his daily routine, including an eventful morning when he received four of Christopher's letters from March 20. He describes his further work on the book and a peaceful night spent in the garden. The letter concludes with Tolkien pondering Christopher's current activities and location, and sending all his love.