“If you use one of the modern steel bows, you should be developing a good torso” 565. J. R. R. Tolkien. British author and scholar (1892–1973) whose Lord of the Rings trilogy became one of the towering classics of fantasy literature and inspired a series of wildly popular films. TLS, one page, 5.25 x 7, personal letterhead, October 12, 1966. Too overwhelmed to send personal responses following the resurgence in popularity of The Lord of the Rings, especially in America, in the 1960s, Tolkien sent this preprinted letter with typed-in name and address, signing in ink in his distinctive calligraphic hand. In full: “Thank you very much for your kind letter. I am always pleased to hear from people who have read and enjoyed my books. I hope they will continue to give you pleasure.” After signing, Tolkien adds a handwritten postscript: “If you use one of the modern steel bows, you should be developing a good torso!” Accompanied by the original mailing envelope. In fine, clean condition. From 1959 until his death in 1973, Tolkien received steadily increasing public attention, literary fame, and of course fan mail, forcing him to resort to these pre-printed, personally signed pages—with a few fortunate recipients finding a handwritten message from the author. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $500)
One of Toulouse-Lautrec’s last letters 566. Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec. ALS in French, signed “H. T. Lau-
trec,” one page, 4.5 x 7, Bordeaux, no date, but July 1900. Lautrec writes to the famous actor and director André Antoine (1858-1943) to congratulate him on his being decorated with the Legion of Honour. Antoine, who created the important Theatre Antoine, is the subject of three lithographs and three drawings by Lautrec. This is one of the last recorded letters in Lautrec’s general correspondence that is not written to a close collaborator or a member of his family. At this point, his health was so badly affected by his alcoholism that he would soon suffer a series of strokes at the young age of 36; he died fourteen months later in his family’s chateau, after spending the last semester of his life as an invalid. In fine condition, with subtle edge soiling. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.…(MB $300)
182 | March 12, 2014 | ART & LITERATURE