Lot 640: [ AUTOGRAPHS ]

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., J R R Tolkien, one page, 8vo, Headington, Oxford, 19th November 1957, to [Professor Przemyslaw] Mroczkowski ('My dear Mroczkowski'). Tokien states that he and his wife are grateful to their correspondent for his invitation and continues to politely explain that they will not be able to manage the date suggested and hoping that there will be a chance to be asked again. The writer adds that, if he does go to America, it will not be until the middle of March at the earliest. In concluding Tolkien remarks 'I do not understand your use of "bold"! It's extraordinarily kind of you both to bother about us. We are quite unimportant people. And I do hope that as I have been bold enough to address you as a colleague without title you will please do the same to me.' One very slight, minor smudge affects a couple of words (which remain perfectly legible) and not the signature. VG

Przemyslaw Mroczkowski - Polish Historian of English Literature and author of History of English Literature.