Signed Smith of Wootton Major & Personal Letter by J.R.R. Tolkien: A Unique Collector's Piece

The book is Smith of Wootton Major, small 8vo, first American edition, SIGNED BY THE AUTHOR ("J.R.R. Tolkien'') on half-title, illustrations in black by Pauline Baynes, original cloth, DUST-JACKET, minimal soiling, dust-jacket slightly soiled on spine.

Loosely inserted is a AUTHOR LETTER SIGNED "Ronald'' to Rosfrith Murray (2 pages, 16mo, 14 December 1967) in which the author sends his Christmas greetings and encloses this copy of Smith of Wootton Major, noting "this is the American edition (better than ours, though I do not think much of the photograph[)]''. Before signing himself "Yrs. affectionately Ronald'', the author states "...I remember you ... in prayers.''

Rosfrith Murray (1884-1973) was the fourth daughter of Sir James A.H. Murray, founder of the Oxford English Dictionary. She spent much of her life working for her father on the Dictionary as an assistant. In November 1918 Tolkien joined the staff as an assistant lexicographer and claimed that, during the time he worked on the dictionary, he "learned more... than in any other equal period of my life''. During this time he met Rosfrith Murray and the two became close personal friends. Inscriptions from Tolkien signed "Ronald'' are rare. He was a private man and a letter as warm and caring as this one is very special.

Digital photo's available, inquire if interested.  
Other Tolkien books available, include both the UK and US editions, original cloth bindings, custom fine bindings, and Signed/Numbered/Limited Editions.