Handwritten Postcard Signed by J.R.R. Tolkien to Miss Kilbride

A densely written Christmas postcard dated 24 December 1938, with family news and Tolkien’s criticism of the changing face of Oxford.

Autograph postcard signed by J.R.R. Tolkien, addressed in the text to Miss Kilbride. The picture side reproduces Josef Madlener’s Heilige Familie in colour, published by F.A. Ackermann. Tolkien fills the reverse in his small, closely written hand. The card has minor corner creasing and discolouration, with light marks and edge wear visible in the photographs; the writing remains legible.

Tolkien describes a difficult year of illness and bereavement, while also finding joy in Christmas and family life. He writes about his eldest son John and his plans for the priesthood, and anticipates visits to St Andrews and Edinburgh in the following year. These subjects and the date are corroborated by Hammond and Scull’s chronology addenda.

His account of Oxford is particularly striking: he regrets the loss of the old dialect and shops, and the spread of suburban building over the surrounding fields. The industry he criticises is understood to be Morris Motors, although he does not name it in the card. This passage invites comparison with his later depiction of the altered Shire.

Madlener’s woodland image gives the card an additional Tolkien association: another postcard after the artist, Der Berggeist, was preserved by Tolkien with the note “Origin of Gandalf”. The recipient, K.M. Kilbride, is identified in earlier catalogue notes as Katherine or Kitty Kilbride, a former student and friend. Those notes also record the sale of her copy of The Hobbit at Sotheby’s New York on 13 December 2002, lot 152, for $75,000.

This is an early, pre-war example of Tolkien’s personal correspondence.

A richly detailed Christmas message combining Tolkien’s family life, his affection for the old Oxford and a Madlener image with a special place in his imaginative world.

Terms of sale: Prices are only indications, always inquire if books are still available. We accept Money Orders, cash, or Credit Cards (paypal) for immediate shipping.  Checks will delay shipment for 10 days for checks to clear. Please inquire for shipping quotes.
Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.