Thanks so much for this... I just recall i had a discussion a long long time ago where I was asked to post some examples of Tolkien's autograph done by a secretary... this is a great 'per procurationem' signature

I have seen several like these and this is indeed a secretary signature. Nice letter however. Now I wonder whether Tolkien dictated it, but then why have a secretary sign it in his name? And why use an autograph that 'looks' like Tolkien's but is not. These are peculiar items and highly interesting... thanks for posting!

Am I the only one who cannot read the first page of this thread without prohibitive scrolling being required?

BH

Fixed the picture - Trotter

No problem, its good to get all sorts of information out.

Beren - as I understand it, that's what a 'per procurationem' letter is: Tolkien dictated it, the secretary typed it up and signed it on behalf of Tolkien, with her initials underneath. There is no question of her trying to imitate Tolkien's signature.

To remind our fellow readers, here's a link to a page in that previous thread:

http://www.tolkienguide.com/modules/n ... ASC&type=&mode=0&start=25

sammi, you have a terrific letter there! Enjoy it.



p.s. - you say you have an impressive collection. I'm intrigued - can you give us an idea of what else you have? For myself, I have some six or seven dozen copies of TH; and LotR, and multiple copies of most of the rest of Tolkien's fiction. My favourite areas of interest are Tolkien's early poetry; and his academic pieces, as well as artwok; both by Tolkien and by artists inspired by him.

There is a spelling mistake in this letter. It's also very sharp for a typed letter of 1973; it may just be the way it appears on the screen though.

garm: what is someone trying to do then, if not imitate a signature? I must confess, I don't really understand "signing" on another's behalf.

BH