J.R.R. Tolkien handwritten letter to W.B. Crouch (Southern Cigar Co., Canford Cliffs, Poole) together with signed Cigar Bill.

On 28 December 1971, J.R.R. Tolkien wrote a letter to W.B. Crouch (of the Southern Cigar Co., Canford Cliffs, Poole).
One page, printed heading, handwritten signed letter, 8vo, c/o George Allen & Unwin.

Cigar bill (3 March 1972) refers to a bill submitted to J.R.R. Tolkien for tobacco from the Southern Cigar Co. (Canford Cliffs, Poole), on 3 March 1972.

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. Autograph envelope, one page, printed heading, very slight creasing but an attractive letter in attractive condition, 8vo, c/o George Allen & Unwin, postmarked 28 December 1971

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.

Side note: 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.


Autograph rubric signed ("JRRTolkien"): "Quite Correct, & I apologize for neglect and many troubles", entered in red ballpoint on a bill submitted to him for a pound of Capstan tobacco in two-ounce tins, at 82p a tin totalling £6.50, submitted to "Mr J.R.R. Tolkien c/o: Miramar Hotel Bournemouth" on headed paper of the Southern Cigar Co. of 40 The Parade, Canford Cliffs, Poole, and signed by the proprietor, W.B. Crouch; with autograph brown manila envelope, one page, filing-holes, 8vo, 3 March 1972

Side note: As is well-known, the finest varieties are those from Old Toby, Southern Star and, from within the Shire, that from Longbottom in Southfarthing; the latter being the leaf favoured by Saruman and found by Merry and Pippin in the ruins of Isengard. Tolkien himself, as the present bill confirms, favoured Capstan Medium Navy Cut.

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