J.R.R. Tolkien Typed Letter Signed on His Personal Oxford Letterhead, January 1964 — Thanking a University of Michigan Anthropologist for a Christmas Gift — with Original Mailing Envelope
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973), the Oxford professor whose "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" transformed fantasy literature and created the most beloved imaginary world in the history of fiction, signed this clean and characterful typed letter on his personal "PROFESSOR J.R.R. TOLKIEN / 76 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford" letterhead. The TLS, dated 16th January 1964, is addressed to T. Nemec, Esq., of the Department of Anthropology at the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, and reads in full: "Dear Mr. Nemec, Thank you very much for your Christmas offering, which I found very entertaining. I am glad to hear that I cheered your undergraduate days. With best wishes, Yours sincerely, JRRTolkien." The original mailing envelope is postmarked Oxford, January 17, 1964, bearing a six pence Elizabeth II stamp.
January 1964 places this letter in the midst of Tolkien's enormous post-publication fame; the paperback editions of "The Lord of the Rings" had just made him a transatlantic phenomenon. The warm acknowledgment that his work had cheered a student's undergraduate years is precisely the kind of note Tolkien was known for writing to individual readers who reached out to him. Letters with original envelopes and full Oxford letterhead provenance are the most desirable form of Tolkien correspondence.
TLS, one page, black ink signature "JRRTolkien," approximately 8.5 x 11 inches, dated 16th January 1964, on printed "Professor J.R.R. Tolkien / 76 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford" letterhead; accompanied by original mailing envelope, Oxford postmark January 17, 1964, six pence stamp (IMG_272.jpg, IMG_273.jpg). Letter clean and near fine; envelope with top opening; overall very good to fine condition. Estimate: $4,000-$7,000.
This item will be accompanied by a Letter of Authenticity from One of a Kind Collectibles.