Lot 451: AUTOGRAPHS: TOLKIEN J. R. R.: (1892-1973) English

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, two pages, 4to, n.p. (Oxford), 10th April 1969, to Mrs. Mroczkowski (wife of Professor Przemysalw Mroczkowski), on the blue printed stationery of George Allen & Unwin Ltd. Tolkien states that he now lives in retirement and has endeavoured to keep his address secret from the Press 'and all other intruders who have made it impossible for me to do any more writing', further adding that he is now feeling his age, largely because of an accident which crippled him. He adds that he remembers his correspondent's husband, and also regrets that he cannot help her daughter with a thesis although he would have been happy to do so given more time, 'She writes a very good intelligent and perceptive letter. Indeed I think she displays more understanding than the "high authorities" who altered her title.' In concluding Tolkien comments on the difficulties of writing letters to and from Poland, hoping that he has time to write a letter that will reach Mroczkowski before the 20th April and remarking 'It is unfortunate that the next few days are already much occupied. My three sons, my lawyer, and my publisher, are all descending upon me to settle urgent affairs.' In a footnote to the first page Tolkien explains that his publishers office in London is now his official address, where he has a secretary who immediately forwards any letters marked Personal to him, and such letters generally get answered quicker as 'they do not get lost among notes, manuscripts and other papers'. VG Przemyslaw Mroczkowski - Polish Historian of English Literature and author of a History of English Literature.