Letter to W.B. Crouch

From Tolkien Gateway
W.B. Crouch 28 December 1971.png

On 28 December 1971, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a letter to W.B. Crouch (of the Southern Cigar Co., Canford Cliffs, Poole).[1]

  • Publication: None.
  • Description: One page, printed heading, handwritten signed letter, 8vo, c/o George Allen & Unwin.

Content[edit | edit source]

Dear Mr Crouch,

I am sorry that I broke in on you so abruptly on Monday (Dec. 20). But I was in great haste and also distress. I wish now to assure you that, I have much appreciated your kindness and courtesy, and wish you all success. I am very sorry to cease dealing with your delightful shop, and I hope to call on you if ever I am in Canford Cliffs again. Not unlikely, as I intend to come to Bournemouth as often as possible.

Yours sincerely

J.R.R. Tolkien

I understand that the “Sunday Times” of Jan. 2 will contain a large picture of me in anticipation of my birthday on Jan. 3.

From the auction[edit | edit source]

Autograph letter signed ("J.R.R. Tolkien"), to W.B. Crouch of the Southern Cigar Co., Canford Cliffs, Poole, apologising for breaking in on him so abruptly on Monday: "I was in great haste and also distress. I wish now to assure you that, I have much appreciated your kindness and courtesy, and wish you all success. I am very sorry to cease dealing with your delightful shop, and I hope to call on you if ever I am in Canford Cliffs again" and adding that the Sunday Times will contain a large picture of him on 2 January in anticipation of his birthday. [...] Tolkien celebrated his eightieth birthday on 3 January 1972, extracts of an interview with him appearing in the Sunday Times Colour Section the day before.[1]

See also[edit | edit source]

References