The Gerald M. Quinn Library at Fordham College at Lincoln Center (FCLC) is hosting an exhibit featuring literary manuscripts from Marquette University’s renowned J.R.R. Tolkien Collection. The two Jesuit institutions are partnering to present “The Beginnings of a Masterpiece: Original Manuscripts from ‘The Fellowship of the Ring.’”

The exhibit offers a look into Tolkien’s writing method.  On the subject of his dedication to his craft, Tolkien wrote, “The writing of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ is laborious because I have been doing it as well as I know and considering every word.”

The complete manuscripts for “The Lord of the Rings,” written between 1938-1955, contain more than 9,250 pages. The original documents reflect an incredible creative process; up to 18 drafts exist for some chapters. Part of what makes his notes so compelling is that they present a glimpse into the time during which Tolkien was writing.

“My favorite part of the exhibit was seeing the notes on the back of an air-raid sheet, which put Tolkien’s work in a historical context,” said Tom Kiefer, FCLC ’10, who has read Tolkien’s works in his Senior Values Fantasy and Philosophy class, where students study the moral themes in “The Lord of the Rings.”

Reaction to this exhibit has been highly enthusiastic from students, faculty and the public, whether they are fans of Tolkein’s work or just now becoming acquainted with it.

“The manuscripts were surprisingly intricate, not as much of a rough draft as I originally imagined,” said Christina Bartel, FCLC ’11, who was excited to see the original pieces that were put together to create the epic fantasy novel that she had read.

Tolkien was also a talented visual artist, whose drawings and sketches brought his literary texts to life. “It’s amazing to see the original drawings of Middle-earth that I know from the films,” said Laurence Agenor, FCLC ’10, pointing to the maps of the lands where most of the stories take place.

Linda LoSchiavo, the director of Quinn Library, said, “Word of the exhibit has made its way onto Tolkien blogs, Facebook pages and other networking services. The Tolkien fans are finding their way to Fordham.” Publicity of the event is continuously growing with more and more people stopping in each day to take a look at the originals from the famous English writer and philologist.

Upon entering the library, a photo of the author catches the visitor’s attention, persuading him to look at the original documents in glass cases. The exhibit also features drawings and sketches, maps and calendars of Middle-earth, linguistic notes about the author’s invented languages, Hobbit family genealogies, detailed time schemes, other plot notes and examples of Tolkien’s finest calligraphy.

This marks the first time that the literary manuscripts have been exhibited in New York City. Matt Blessing, the Archivist at Marquette University who is now giving tours of the show, first approached director LoSchiavo to display the manuscripts this past summer.Marquette University’s collection was largely enhanced by contributions made by Christopher Tolkien, the author’s son and literary heir.

Quinn Library’s prime location in Manhattan has increased the exposure and accessibility of the exhibit to the public, especially since many visitors are coming in from out of town.

“What makes this Tolkien exhibit distinctive is that this is the first time that the Quinn Library is presenting an exhibit that is unique to this campus and not connected with anything being displayed in Walsh Library,” LoSchiavo said. “Prior to this, all Quinn exhibits were extensions of what was being exhibited in Walsh.”

On display at Quinn Library until Nov. 19, Tolkien’s detailed works will inspire anyone with a passion for languages, linguistics, drawing, philosophy or writing.