This collection consists of a number of so-called "official" J.R.R. Tolkien Calendars, published between 1973-1994 by Ballantine Books and subsequently by HarperCollins Publishers. The calendars are noted for their colorful and lush art, as well as for the dating within of important events in the history of Middle-earth.

Artists whose work is featured in the calendars include: J.R.R. Tolkien, The Brothers Hildebrandt, Darrell K. Sweet, Michael Hague, Ted Naismith, John Howe,and Alan Lee, among others.

Calendars from early in the run (which is incomplete) contain handwritten notes and reminders by the donor.