Lot 458: Autograph: TOLKIEN J. R. R.: (1892-1973) English

Autograph: TOLKIEN J. R. R.: (1892-1973) English Writer, author of the classic fantasy works The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. A.L.S., Ronald Tolkien, two pages, 8vo, Headington, Oxford, 28th December 1961, to 'My dear Mroczkowski' (Professor Przemysalw Mroczkowski). Tolkien states that he is touched to be remembered, explaining that he received his correspondent's card and is now taking some time to write to his friends. The author continues to thank Mroczkowski for having let him know about a Polish translation and remarks 'Alas! the Slavonic languages were (to my regret now) one of the important things that I neglected in days when the mind was quicker and more retentive, and I fear that there is now no hope that I shall ever be able to judge whether a translation of my works is good or bad - except in the crudest points, such as the omission of whole sentences (of which the Dutchman was at time guilty).' He further thanks Mroczkowski's wife for her efforts with the Essay on Fairy Stories which Tolkien explains is out of print and difficult to obtain, adding 'The Oxford Univ. Press did not behave well about that volume. It was intended to be sold for the benefit of Charles Williams' widow, but the Press let it go out of print quickly and refused to reprint when a demand developed.' A letter of interesting content. VG