JRR Tolkien's handwritten letter (1956)

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JRR Tolkien, creator of the Lord of the Rings trilogy, describes his vision of the Hobbit to an illustrator.

Three and a half page handwritten letter written and signed by JRR Tolkien to an illustrator, Miss Skyes, discussing suggested illustrations she had sent him for inclusion in the next edition of The Lord of the Rings. In English. 2 sheets. 13.4 cm x 16.4 cm. England, July 1956. Excellent condition. Single piece.

Tolkien (1892 - 1973) opens, "You are more than justified in writing, and I beg your pardon for causing you anxiety. I have been neglectful, I fear; but I am a terribly married man, working full time and completing The whole Lord of the Rings has been exhausting."

He continues, "I have yet to do anything about the matter, as the publishers are unwilling to consider any illustrated edition or more lavish and expensive than the one just issued. I have been avoiding it, having been taken ill earlier in the year. and for other difficulties, of going to London for a long period of time, and if you were obliged to send me your drawings (and I must return them) by post, I would be reluctant to send them to an office in that way. , under my care. I have shown your drawings to other readers and the reactions have been positive ; although most agree that the best way to make hobbits is to make them look absolutely like human beings (with the exception of a goatee or a boots with hair) and not too childish, with round eyes, etc. I don't remember what notes I mentioned (I don't have a secretary, I don't have copies unless I type them.) But I think you need a copy of the book. I'm sorry I don't have any left (I need to save my own! ); but I can, if you like, send you some copies needed for your work."

The author signs strongly in pen and ink, then adds a note with his initials, "only - if and when I get any money from the book after paying its costs : I haven't received any yet - I like your drawings so much that I would like to ask your permission to buy some for me, also in case any illustrated editions can be made."

In 1933, he began to tell his children the story of a friendly creature called Bilbo. It was based on this character that Tolkien wrote "The Hobbit". Having been finished in 1936, this book was published a year later, meeting with enormous success. In 1948, completes the sequel to "The Hobbit", "The Lord of the Rings". The first two parts "The Fellowship of the Ring" and "The Two Towers" are published in 1954, and in 1955 the third and final part "The Return of the King" is published.

The following year Tolkien, tired of working so hard on the trilogy, wrote this - exceptional - letter that sheds unprecedented light on the greatest fantasy writer of all time, his day-to-day life and how he imagined his famous characters... Tolkien documents are extremely rare and regularly break records at international auctions.