When was J.R.R. Tolkien considered a successful writer?

J.R.R. Tolkien was widely regarded as a successful writer after the publication of his seminal work, The Hobbit, in 1937. The book received positive reviews and quickly became popular among readers, establishing Tolkien’s reputation in the literary world. However, it was the subsequent release of The Lord of the Rings trilogy from 1954 to 1955 that truly solidified his status as one of the most influential authors of the 20th century. The immense popularity of these works, along with their lasting impact on the fantasy genre, marked the turning point in Tolkien’s career where he was recognized not just as a writer but as a literary icon.