TOLKIEN (J.R.R.) Autograph letter signed ("J.R.R. Tolkien"), to W.B. Crouch of the Southern Cigar Co., Canford Cliffs, Poole, 1971
220
TOLKIEN (J.R.R.)
Autograph letter signed ("J.R.R. Tolkien"), to W.B. Crouch of the Southern Cigar Co., Canford Cliffs, Poole, apologising for breaking in on him so abruptly on Monday: "I was in great haste and also distress. I wish now to assure you that, I have much appreciated your kindness and courtesy, and wish you all success. I am very sorry to cease dealing with your delightful shop, and I hope to call on you if ever I am in Canford Cliffs again" and adding that the Sunday Times will contain a large picture of him on 2 January in anticipation of his birthday; autograph envelope, one page, printed heading, very slight creasing but an attractive letter in attractive condition, 8vo, c/o George Allen & Unwin, postmarked 28 December 1971
Sold for £3,750 inc. premium

Footnotes

  • TOLKIEN TO HIS TOBACCONNIST: 'There is another thing about Hobbits of old that must be mentioned, an astonishing habit: they imbibed or inhaled, through pipes of clay or wood, the smoke of the burning leaves of a herb, which they called pipe-weed or leaf, a variety probably of Nicotiana. A great deal of mystery surrounds the origin of this peculiar custom, or "art" as the Hobbits preferred to call it...' ('Concerning Pipe-weed', Prologue to Lord of the Rings, one-volume edition, 1968, p. 20). Tolkien celebrated his eightieth birthday on 3 January 1972, extracts of an interview with him appearing in the Sunday Times Colour Section the day before.

Category: Books / Books, Maps and Manuscripts

Auction terms and conditions

Contacts

Simon Roberts Bonhams
Work
Montpelier Street
London, SW7 1HH
United Kingdom
Work +44 (0)20 7393 3828
FaxFax: +44 (0)20 7393 3879
Specialist - Books, Maps and Manuscripts