Humbert Wolfe, London Sonnets, First Edition, Inscribed by J.R.R. Tolkien

Published by Basil Blackwell, Oxford, 1920

First edition of this delicate Blackwell Oxford pamphlet, preserved in its original grey paper wrappers and inscribed by J.R.R. Tolkien on 22 February 1920.

A lovely and unusually attractive survival, this small-format Oxford poetry pamphlet by Humbert Wolfe was issued by Basil Blackwell in 1920 as part of the “Adventurers All” series. Though not a work by Tolkien himself, the present copy is of particular importance for its early contemporary presentation inscription by J.R.R. Tolkien, written in ink and dated 22.2.20, during his Oxford period, shortly before his move to Leeds later that year.

The inscription appears on the opening page and reads:

S.R.T.
Because he doesn’t,
either to you or me,
I do to you
J.R.T.
22.2.20

The wording is playful, informal, and very much in keeping with the tone of a private literary exchange. It most plausibly suggests that a third party (“he”) had not presented a copy either to Tolkien or to the recipient, prompting Tolkien to give his own instead. The use of the initials “J.R.T.” is consistent with Tolkien’s early habit in inscriptions of this period.

Bound in the original grey paper wrappers with printed paper labels to the upper cover and spine. The booklet is a notably charming production in itself: small, elegant, and characterful, with the slightly irregular, almost hand-made feel so often found in fragile Blackwell pamphlets of the period. The page edges and leaf sizes show the attractive minor unevenness of manufacture typical of such productions, giving the booklet a distinctly intimate and artisanal appearance.

Condition is very good overall for so fragile an item, but with important points to note. The original paper wrappers are worn and creased, as expected, with edge wear, rubbing, and some chipping and splitting to the projecting portions. The outer cover is now loose from the text block, and the spine area shows the usual fragility associated with these thin paper-covered pamphlets. Nevertheless, the booklet remains complete and presents beautifully, with its printed labels intact and its delicate original format preserved.

Internally, the booklet is clean and attractive, with light age toning and occasional signs of handling. The typography and decorative borders remain crisp, and the inscription is strong and clear. Despite the structural delicacy of the wrappers, the book retains considerable charm as an object and has survived far better than one might expect from such an ephemeral production.

The recipient, identified only by the initials “S.R.T.”, has not been conclusively identified. Despite the copy having circulated in the trade for a considerable period, no firm identification appears to have emerged. It is, however, entirely reasonable to place the recipient within Tolkien’s Oxford circle as a friend, student, or literary acquaintance of the period.

London Sonnets is itself a scarce title, and examples in original wrappers are not often encountered in such appealing state. The present copy is therefore doubly desirable: first as a rare and beautiful Blackwell pamphlet from the Oxford literary world of 1920, and secondly as a vivid Tolkien-associated item bearing an early, dated, humorous inscription from the very beginning of his academic career.

A particularly appealing and intimate Tolkien-associated survival: scarce in its own right, visually charming as a piece of Oxford printing, and made far more significant by this authentic and memorable early inscription.

An excellent item for the serious Tolkien collector, especially for those drawn to early association copies, Oxford-period material, and pieces that preserve the personal, informal Tolkien behind the public author.

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