Unlocking the Magic: Meet the Archivist Preserving 11,000 Pages of Original Lord of the Rings Drafts at Marquette University

MILWAUKEE — I recently visited Marquette University’s archive, home to the original drafts of J.R.R. Tolkien’s iconic works, The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. This collection includes over 11,000 pages of drafts, alongside lesser-known titles like Mr. Bliss and Farmer Giles of Ham. It’s one of only two places in the world with such an extensive collection of Tolkien’s manuscripts.

Bill Fliss, the Manuscript Archivist, explained that scholars from around the globe come to dive into these texts. They offer a unique opportunity to see the evolution of Tolkien’s characters, languages, and plots. The other major collection is located at the University of Oxford, where Tolkien himself taught.

Fliss noted, “I enjoy the variety of drafts and styles of handwriting.” His love for Tolkien’s work sparked long before he came to Marquette—his favorite book as a teenager was The Silmarillion.

In addition to manuscripts, the collection features memorabilia like vintage jigsaw puzzles and fan magazines. However, it’s not a museum; instead, it supports research. The school acquired the manuscripts from Tolkien in 1957. While they own the physical documents, the copyright remains with the Tolkien estate.

Researchers can’t take photos or make copies of the original pieces. They have to view them in person, but Marquette has created a digital archive called the Anduin System. This system allows researchers to access scanned copies in a user-friendly format, enhancing their experience.

Fliss is also gathering oral histories from fans of The Lord of the Rings. He aims to record 6,000 interviews, a nod to the Riders of Rohan in the epic tale. These stories reveal the deep impact Tolkien’s works have had on fans worldwide.

The interest in Tolkien continues to grow. A recent survey indicated that 70% of fans believe The Lord of the Rings has positively influenced their lives. This speaks to the series’ lasting cultural significance.

It’s clear that the original drafts at Marquette University are not just precious artifacts; they are treasures that connect us to a beloved literary journey.

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