Marquette University’s original Tolkien manuscripts are not on display, but microfilm and selected reproductions are held at the Raynor Library’s Department of Special Collections and University Archives. Non-campus visitors must present a valid photo ID at Raynor’s visitor registration counter.
The Raynor Library hosts public showings of the original manuscripts on scheduled dates throughout the year. Each date is limited to around 25 attendees, so advance registration is required. Future dates and registration details are found on the university’s Tolkien Collection pages.
The Tolkien Collection at Marquette is sizeable and contains original manuscripts and working drafts of three of the author’s books, The Hobbit, Farmer Giles of Ham, and The Lord of the Rings, as well as the original copy of his children’s book Mr Bliss. Marquette purchased the manuscripts from JRR Tolkien in 1957.
