The Life of J.R.R Tolkien By Herpaderpa Jan 3, 1892 The Birth of J.R.R Tolkien J.R.R Tolkien was born in Bloemfontein, South Africa. Feb 15, 1896 Tolkien's father dies, moves to Birmingham. Nov 14, 1904 Tolkien's mother dies, leaving the Tolkien boys orphaned. Jan 1, 1908 Tolkien meets Edith Bratt Jun 1, 1915 Tolkien gets a first-class degree in English at Oxford. Mar 22, 1916 Tolkien marries Edith Bratt, and goes off to WW1 Nov 16, 1917 John Francis Reuel Tolkien (Tolkien's first son) is born. Oct 1, 1920 Michael Hilary Reuel (Tolkien's second son) is born Jan 1, 1924 Christopher Reuel (Tolkien's third son) is born. Sep 27, 1937 The Hobbit is published. Jul 29, 1954 The first volume of The Lord of the Rings, The Fellowship of the Ring, is released. Nov 11, 1954 The second volume, The Two Towers, is released. Oct 20, 1955 The Third volume, The Return of the King, is released. Jan 1, 1959 Tolkien retires Nov 22, 1971 Tolkien's wife, Edith Bratt, dies. Sep 2, 1973 J.R.R Tolkien dies.