The Unprecedented Journey Through J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth: A Scholars' Perspective

When it comes to J.R.R. Tolkien's extensive world of Middle-earth, only a few individuals have had the opportunity to read all of his writings. The The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales are particularly intriguing, with countless drafts and unpublished works that make a comprehensive reading a challenge even for the most dedicated scholars.

Christopher Tolkien: The Literary Executor

To many, the likelihood of someone reading all of J.R.R. Tolkien's writings, including The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, is seemingly low. However, one name stands out: Christopher Tolkien, the literary executor of his father's works. Christopher Tolkien has had exclusive access to the vast collection of unpublished manuscripts, making it highly likely that he has read and studied all of his father's writings. This is especially true given his extensive work on publishing these works posthumously.

Professional Scholars and Authors

While Christopher Tolkien is undoubtedly one of the most qualified to have read all of Tolkien's works, other professional scholars such as Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull have also gained access to many of the documents. Both have worked extensively with the Marquette University Archives and other institutions holding Tolkien's papers, making it possible that they too have read a diverse array of his writings. However, the accessibility of these documents to the general public remains limited, with many drafts and linguistics writings only available in niche journals.

Publishing and Accessibility

The primary published works on Middle-earth, including The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit, are approximately 22 volumes in total, a number that pales in comparison to authors like Agatha Christie. Even if these volumes are widely available, the majority of the unpublished works and linguistic writings, such as those found in Parma Eldalamberon, are not open to the general public. These specialized journals and archives are typically accessed by dedicated scholars and enthusiasts who have a deep interest in Tolkien's work.

Public Accessibility and Reading Habits

For the general public, the accessibility of Tolkien's writings is limited. Many readers may have a reasonable understanding of the contents of his works, having read The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit multiple times. However, a comprehensive knowledge of the latest unpublished works is not as widely comprehensible. For instance, the inclusion of works such as the Fall of Númenor and Beren and Lúthien in anthologies does not necessarily mean a deep dive into the specifics of each piece.

Personal Experience and Insights

From a more personal perspective, there are indeed millions of Tolkien fans who have read his works. Some of these readers have even read every single work, such as The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales multiple times. This dedication is not uncommon among fans, as evidenced by the numerous re-reads of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. However, it remains a scholarly challenge, given the breadth and depth of Tolkien's writings.

In conclusion, while it is possible that someone has read all of J.R.R. Tolkien's writings on Middle-earth, including The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, it is a task that requires significant access to unpublished works and a deep understanding of the material. The scholarly interest and dedication of individuals like Christopher Tolkien and other professional scholars make them the most likely candidates, but for the general public, an in-depth knowledge is reserved for those who have had extensive access and study.