Tree and Leaf is the Tolkien collection published in 1964 that paired “On Fairy-Stories” with “Leaf by Niggle.”
The volume brought together nonfiction and fiction that illuminate Tolkien’s ideas about fantasy, creativity, and artistic purpose. “On Fairy-Stories” originated as a lecture delivered at the University of St Andrews in 1938 and later became one of Tolkien’s most important statements about the nature and value of fairy stories.
“Leaf by Niggle” is an allegorical short story about an artist who struggles to complete a vast painting while dealing with ordinary obligations. Its imagery of a tree and a larger landscape has encouraged readers to connect the story with Tolkien’s reflections on creation, though it should not be treated as a direct autobiography.
Tree and Leaf is sometimes confused with later collections of Tolkien’s shorter works. Smith of Wootton Major was published separately in 1967, while The Adventures of Tom Bombadil appeared in 1962. The 1964 volume is especially notable for placing Tolkien’s critical essay beside one of his most discussed short stories.