A guide to Tolkien’s literary afterlife

Works by author J.R.R. Tolkien, shown in 1955, continued to see the light of day throughout the 1980s, including:

“Finn and Hengest” (1982): Essay on two minor players in “Beowulf,” a pair of Anglo-Saxon warriors.

“Mr. Bliss” (1982): Facsimile edition of a sweet picture book Tolkien wrote for his children. The eponymous Mr. Bliss drives a bright yellow motorcar. There are talking bears.

“The Monsters and the Critics & Other Essays” (1983): Collected academic works, including the famous title essay on “Beowulf.”  (Haywood Magee / Getty Images)