Darren Sutherland
Specialist
Literature
Lot 150
TOLKIEN ON THE EVE OF PUBLICATION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS. TOLKIEN, J.R.R. 1892-1973. Typed Letter Signed ("J.R.R. Tolkien") to Miss F.L. Perry anticipating publication of Lord of the Rings,
22 June 2023, 12:00 EDT
New YorkSold for US$12,800 inc. premium
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TOLKIEN ON THE EVE OF PUBLICATION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS.
TOLKIEN, J.R.R. 1892-1973. Typed Letter Signed ("J.R.R. Tolkien") to Miss F.L. Perry anticipating publication of Lord of the Rings, 2 pp, on a half-sheet of 76 Sandfield Road stationery, December 2, 1953.
TOLKIEN ON THE EVE OF PUBLICATION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS, explaining the publication delay via his illness not allowing him to complete the maps and adjuncts. He continues, expressing his fears for the work: "Alas! Having put so much into this sequel, it has grown to such a large book that size and cost alone will, I fear, keep it out of many hands that would enjoy it. But I hear the Americans are taking it up, after seeing an advance copy of Vol. I, and I am told that may make a larger issue and a lower price possible on the side of the Water ... There is no more about Mirkwood, or the Northern countries, I am afraid; and the story moves away down the Great River to the Kingdoms of the South. But there is a great deal of Ancient History and geography and genealogy in it: too much, I dare say, for all but the most devoted friends of Hobbits."
Miss F.L. Perry was the first fan to send Tolkien a letter regarding the new book The Lord of the Rings, the sequel to The Hobbit, as he wrote to her in a letter dated August 6, 1954. Tolkien enjoyed receiving letters from enthusiastic fans at the time and did not find replying to be a burden (see Hammond & Scull, A Tolkien Companion and Guide, 2006, p 437). Tolkien and Miss Perry exchanged a number of letters documenting his feelings during publication, and continued correspondence until at least 1961. He clearly valued her opinion. See lots 147-150 in this sale.
TOLKIEN ON THE EVE OF PUBLICATION OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS, explaining the publication delay via his illness not allowing him to complete the maps and adjuncts. He continues, expressing his fears for the work: "Alas! Having put so much into this sequel, it has grown to such a large book that size and cost alone will, I fear, keep it out of many hands that would enjoy it. But I hear the Americans are taking it up, after seeing an advance copy of Vol. I, and I am told that may make a larger issue and a lower price possible on the side of the Water ... There is no more about Mirkwood, or the Northern countries, I am afraid; and the story moves away down the Great River to the Kingdoms of the South. But there is a great deal of Ancient History and geography and genealogy in it: too much, I dare say, for all but the most devoted friends of Hobbits."
Miss F.L. Perry was the first fan to send Tolkien a letter regarding the new book The Lord of the Rings, the sequel to The Hobbit, as he wrote to her in a letter dated August 6, 1954. Tolkien enjoyed receiving letters from enthusiastic fans at the time and did not find replying to be a burden (see Hammond & Scull, A Tolkien Companion and Guide, 2006, p 437). Tolkien and Miss Perry exchanged a number of letters documenting his feelings during publication, and continued correspondence until at least 1961. He clearly valued her opinion. See lots 147-150 in this sale.