May 1, 2024 10:00 EST
Rare Books, Autographs & Maps
210
A calligraphic autograph quotation signed by Tolkien
TOLKIEN, J.R.R.
Calligraphic autograph quotation signed and in Tolkien's hand: "In all my works I take the part of the trees as against all their enemies." Black ink on white Basildon Bond writing paper, 3 3/4 x 7 inches (9.5 x 17.5 cm), verso blank. Tipped to card mount, framed.
This quotation, slightly Entish in its theme, was part of Tolkien's letter 339, written to the Editor of The Daily Telegraph on 30th June, 1972. It was prepared in response to a leader article in that newspaper, in which it was stated that the works of the Forestry Commission had resulted in: "Sheepwalks where you could once ramble for miles are transformed into a kind of Tolkien gloom, where no bird sings..." Not unnaturally, Tolkien reacted mildly negatively to this sentiment, writing that "it is unfair to use my name as an adjective qualifying 'gloom.'" In this witty and thoughtful letter, he ended the first paragraph with the quotation above, and went on to defend the Commission (to a degree), writing that "It would be unfair to compare the Forestry Commission with Sauron because, as you observe, it is capable of repentance..." Previously with Harmer-Rooke. See https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Letter_339
Sold for $24,320
Estimated at $10,000 - $15,000
Includes Buyer's Premium
TOLKIEN, J.R.R.
Calligraphic autograph quotation signed and in Tolkien's hand: "In all my works I take the part of the trees as against all their enemies." Black ink on white Basildon Bond writing paper, 3 3/4 x 7 inches (9.5 x 17.5 cm), verso blank. Tipped to card mount, framed.
This quotation, slightly Entish in its theme, was part of Tolkien's letter 339, written to the Editor of The Daily Telegraph on 30th June, 1972. It was prepared in response to a leader article in that newspaper, in which it was stated that the works of the Forestry Commission had resulted in: "Sheepwalks where you could once ramble for miles are transformed into a kind of Tolkien gloom, where no bird sings..." Not unnaturally, Tolkien reacted mildly negatively to this sentiment, writing that "it is unfair to use my name as an adjective qualifying 'gloom.'" In this witty and thoughtful letter, he ended the first paragraph with the quotation above, and went on to defend the Commission (to a degree), writing that "It would be unfair to compare the Forestry Commission with Sauron because, as you observe, it is capable of repentance..." Previously with Harmer-Rooke. See https://tolkiengateway.net/wiki/Letter_339
Auction: Rare Books, Autographs & Maps, May 1, 2024
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Auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps on May 1, 2024 Totals $1.2 Million
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A Medieval Manuscript Rules of St. Augustine Achieves $102k
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Consignments Are Currently Being Accepted for Future Auctions
NEW YORK, NY -- Competitive bidding at Doyle’s May 1, 2024 auction of Rare Books, Autographs & Maps drove strong prices and a sale total that topped $1.2 million, surpassing expectations.
Featured in the sale was a fascinating selection of early manuscripts that achieved exceptional results. Highlighting the group was a 14th century manuscript of the Rules of St. Augustine from an English priory that soared over its $8,000-12,000 estimate to realize a stunning $102,100. The Rule of St. Augustine is among the earliest of all monastic rules, created about 400, and it was an influence on all that succeeded it. Other notable results included a 14th century Etymologiae of St. Isidore estimated at $5,000-8,000 that achieved $51,200 and a 15th century Prayer Book of Jehan Bernachier estimated at $10,000-15,000 that sold for $28,800.
A first edition of John James Audubon's octavo Birds of America sold for $41,600, far over its $25,000-35,000 estimate. Published in 1840-1844 in seven volumes, the first octavo edition was the final Birds of America publication overseen by Audubon in his lifetime.
The Fred Rotondaro Collection offered rare books and manuscripts on a range of subjects touching the African American experience in the United States over three centuries. A first edition copy of Frederick Douglass’ 1876 speech at the unveiling of the Freedman's Monument in Washington realized $12,800, far exceeding its $3,000-5,000 estimate. A first edition of the first issue of Harriet Beecher Stowe’s Uncle Tom’s Cabin from 1852 also achieved $12,800.
Highlighting the range of offerings from the Ken Harte Collection of Natural History was a first edition Richard Bowdler Sharpe’s beautifully illustrated monograph of Kingfishers, 1868-71, that sold for $14,080, doubling its $6,000-8,000 estimate. It was accompanied by an inscribed copy of the rare unfinished chapter on the anatomy of the kingfisher by James Murie.
We Invite You to Auction!
Consignments are currently being accepted for future auctions. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary auction evaluation. Our Specialists are always available to discuss the sale of a single item or an entire collection.
For information, please contact Peter Costanzo at 212-427-4141 ext 248, Edward Ripley-Duggan at ext 234, or Noah Goldrach at ext 226, or email Books@Doyle.com
