Jusr noticed the advert. for the exposition is itself a work in progress. Originally it promised books by Tolkien and original art and memorabilia. Implying original art by Tolkien, which we know ain't gonna happen - we know it meant 'original art from the books, by other artists. Now, in an attempt to clarify, we get this:

"Exposition attendees will also have an exciting opportunity to meet the artists themselves and learn more about their work. Exposition attendees will also have an exciting opportunity to meet some of the artists themselves and learn more about their work."

We're getting there...

Too rich for my blood. And, I'm a bit hazy as to what might be on show in the exhibition/sorry, exposition. The admission price for that alone is outrageously high; esp. when there's two of you. And kids' admission costs the same.

Nope; I'll have to pass on this one. Which is a pity, given the list of speakers.

>I've never seen a Lewis book signed by Tolkien, and I think I've seen only one item signed by both Lewis and Tolkien, but it was also signed by a number of the other Inklings as well.<

Which book is that?

>2) Also, how would the book then have got into a school library? Does anyone know what Priscilla's job in Bristol was, and whether she still worked there in 1958 or later?<

*why Bristol? As far as I can recall, Priscilla worked as a secretary in Bristol, but then later became interested in social work. She worked as a probation officer for some years, and later taught at Wycombe Technical College.

I have several items signed by both Priscilla and Fr. John. Allowing for the problems of viewing through a PC, I'd say the first one looks ok to me. The second one rings some warning bells:

- What are the odds that two almost identical (and rare) articles should appear on ebay at the same time?

- The signatures in the second copy look identical to those in the first; not always a good sign!

- Both articles are said to be from 'Oxenmoot'. In the first, that's based on a mis-reading of Fr. John's writing. But I'd guess the second sales pitch is simply aping the first, and so I'd be very wary of that one.

Take a look here:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Return-of-the-K ... 87ff&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14

- particularly at the 'provenance'. Apart from the iffy connection (if any) between Tolkien and this 'Rathbone', - Tolkien is said to have had dealings with Trinity college, and also Hilary college. Since when has there been a Hilary college at Oxford?

Obviously the vendor has mistaken the names of two of Oxford's terms (Michaelmas; Hilary; Trinity) for the names of colleges. It just happens to be a coincidence that there's also a college called Trinity.

But, this whole piece is bunk! And possibly meant to deceive? What do others think?