So I picked this up the other day. Does anyone else have an uncorrected proof copy of Monsters & the Critics (British or American)?

Just trying to figure out how common it is. Even if it is rather easy to come by, I'm glad I bought it. $70 seems like a reasonable price even if it is not worth anything.

Let me know what you think.

Josh

I posted a pic for those interested.

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That is the most ridiculous listing I've ever seen. I really think at this point it is starting to get out of hand; I think the Tolkien Estate or Christopher Tolkien should be contacted. That seller needs to be removed from eBay. It really is disheartening that eBay continues to allow the seller to list such items, despite the many reports that have been made.

I reported the item; please do likewise.

I think that certainly settles the matter.

However, I have one point I'd like to add. I was reading through the transcriptions of the uncollected and unpublished letters I have of Tolkien and I found this part of a letter to Baronne A. Baeyens dated 16 December 1963 particularly relevant to this thread:

"I enclose a merely secretarial letter. I am obliged to leave a large part of the letters to a part-time secretary; but I always re-read them before sending any reply, and I felt that your charming and interesting letter deserved a personal note, though it must be briefer than it should be."

He continues for 4 handwritten pages, so much for brevity. :)

Also, Tolkien once sent a secretarial letter unsigned to a Mr. E. Rasdall. In a letter dated 28 August 1964, he apologized for this mix-up.

I think overall Tolkien was extremely gracious with his time in writing letters to fans and admirers (most of them complete strangers); however, he was only human. I don't think its dishonest at all that a secretary assisted him in this overwhelming task. After all, even C. S. Lewis relied heavily on his brother Warren's assistance in his correspondence.

Well, those are my thoughts.

Here is a deal for you: http://cgi.ebay.com/The-Lord-of-the-R ... _Book?hash=item27af091d5a

Thanks, that was an interesting post!