VISITORS to Oxford’s Bodleian Library won’t find the Holy Grail, but they can find literary treasures now on show in a new exhibition.

They include comedian Terry Jones’ script for the 1974 movie Monty Python and the Holy Grail.

It is among rare artefacts on display in an exhibition The Romance of the Middle Ages, which runs until May 13.

Other highlights include a draft page from JRR Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings, from 1946, and a copy of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, from about 1400.

Exhibition curator Dr Nicholas Perkins said: “It’s a great pleasure to open up the Bodleian’s wonderful collections for this exhibition. They are of huge importance in telling the story of romance, and include some of the most spectacular books from medieval Europe.”

Oxford Times Article

garm provided a link to the Bodleian's page - http://medievalromance.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/romance-home

- which includes a short video, near the end of which is a quick look at CS Lewis's copy of Tolkien and Gordon's ed. of Sir Gawain and the Green Knight.

And Terry Jones's copy of that Monty Python script.

"The former heads of Manches’ IP litigation and publishing and media groups have joined forces to launch a boutique specialising in IP, media and entertainment law and dispute resolution. Ex-Manches IP litigation head Steven Maier and the firm’s former head of publishing and media Cathleen Blackburn formed Maier Blackburn which commenced operation on 1 January 2012. Specialising in publishing, media and entertainment law, the two-partner firm will serve international publishers, authors and rights holders across the UK, Europe and the US.

Clients include the JRR Tolkien Estate for which Blackburn is the retained worldwide legal adviser. The firm will also advise organisations in the arts, museums and heritage sectors. Maier had been a partner at Manches for 20 years while Blackburn joined the firm’s partnership in 1997 after its merger with legacy firm Morrell Peel & Gamlen (29 July 1997). Following the duo’s departure, Manches has consolidated its publishing and digital media capability with the hire of partner Sam De Silva from South East firm Taylor Walton to lead its technology and outsourcing practice."

http://www.thelawyer.com/manches-duo-split-off-to-form-media-boutique/1010964.article

- wellinghall

The item sold for $4784.40 US(£3073) at RR Auction

Lot number 611 - Tolkien TLS (Typed Letter Signed)

TLS signed “J.R.R. Tolkien,” one page, 8 x 10, November 14, 1962. Letter to H. Cotton Minchin. In full: “It was nice to hear from you again and I was most interested in your letter. What you say about America is very illuminating. I am afraid you may be disappointed in the new book, which is only a collection of verses with illustrations. I have still in hand the further matter of the ‘Lord of the Rings’ world, but I have been perforce engaged on other things for some time. Do not worry too much about Philip Toynbee. Few good reviews can have done me so much commercial benefit. So many people rose up to slay him that the noise was nearly as good as a new book. I am very puzzled by your reference to an ‘organization’–similar to the Reprint Society–which had taken on the ‘Lord of the Rings.’ It is news to me; there is no need of any such thing. The original edition continues to sell as well as it ever did.” Tolkien adds a brief closing sentiment. In fine condition, with central horizontal and vertical fold, vertical fold passing through a single initial, a couple vertical creases to left side, and two rusty paperclip marks to top edge.

In this letter to H. Cotton Minchin, editor of The Legion Book (1929), Tolkein dismissed The Observer’s Toynbee's panning of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The famed British literary critic had written off the series in 1961 as “dull, ill-written, whimsical and childish” and continued by announcing that “those books have passed into merciful oblivion.” The comments prior to the 1962 release of the paperback publication in the United States could have devastated sales in America, but the author was wise enough to know his fans when he wrote “Few good reviews can have done me so much commercial benefit.” Millions of copies sold upon its release. Today, Lord of the Rings ranks as the third-best selling novel ever written with over 150 million copies sold. Pre-certified John Reznikoff/PSA/DNA and RR Auction COA.

' LONG-lost letters written by Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien have been returned to their rightful owner and will get top notch protection.

Former Oxford University student and professor, Tolkien was the guest of honour at the opening of Deddington Library in December 1956.

He wrote one letter accepting librarian Miss Stanley-Smith’s invitation, including lunch, which he said: “was impossible for him to refuse”.

And a second letter following the visit, on December 19, where he thanked the librarian for her kindness, but said he was “depressed by his performance” which was “wretched and inadequate” and he did not deserve a fee.

In the letter, Tolkien also promised to give a volume of his next book to the library.

In 2000, the two letters were loaned to Oxfordshire County Council’s museum service for exhibitions across the county, but were never returned.

The council said that it could not clarify why the letters were not returned at the time.

But it said they had been stored “safely and in appropriate conditions”.

Now returned to the library, the letters will get the ultimate protection after Deddington's police station moved into the building, at the Old Court House, in Horsefair, as part of a cost-saving initiative for both organisations.

Current librarian Stella O’Neill said: “I’m thrilled to have copies of the letters on display in the library.

“I often have tourists here expecting to see some plaque of dedication or some information relating to Tolkien here, so it will be really lovely to have something to point them to in the future.

“The framed letters have started to gather interest and have been much admired by the visitors to the library this week.

“It’s lovely to have such an important link to such an amazing author.” '

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/9432878.Tolkien_letters_return_to_rightful_home/

- wellinghall

Added Picture of Letters from http://www.banburyguardian.co.uk/lifestyle/what-s-on/new_crime_section_opens_at_deddington_library_1_3360483 and added Morgan's link from the comments http://www.deddingtonnews.co.uk/__data/assets/pdf_file/0016/8080/Tolkien.pdf
- Trotter

1.30 pm Sunday December 11
Medina Grand Adelaide Treasury Hotel

Lot 10: TOLKIEN, J.R.R. (1892-1973)
An autograph letter signed by J.R.R. Tolkien to a Miss Turnbull in Whitby, Yorkshire. Two pages, octavo, on one leaf with printed letterhead (76 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford), dated 19 May 1955, with the original envelope addressed in his hand; in fine condition, folded once across the centre to fit the envelope.

Tolkien thanks Miss Turnbull for her 'munificent and magnificent gift' (apparently champagne), apologises profusely for the tardy response [the gift having arrived two days earlier!!!] and discusses what was presumably the cause for celebration ‒ clearing his desk of The Return of the King. 'Though sending off the last items [with a marginal comment 'and at last'] for Vol III might have seemed a suitable occasion for the withdrawing of at least one cork, I have so far refrained; but when I drink I shall remember with a gratitude at least as warm and deep as Old Rory felt for the bottles of Old Winyards. I can only hope Vol III will be up to it!' The rest is history ...

Estimate: AUD$3000-4000

Andy Compton sends along this invitation. Sounds like fun, wish I could make it!

It has been far too long since our last meeting and I have had many requests for a get together before Christmas. It will be great to meet up with so many friends again especially as it has not been possible to hold an exhibition this year. I hope this short notice does not make attendance difficult. Please pass on this message to anyone who has an interest in Tolkien as they will be most welcome.

I propose holding a meeting of The Three Farthing Stone Smial on Sunday 11th December at The Bell Inn, High Street, Moreton in Marsh with a 12 noon meet so anyone requiring lunch can simply choose off the full menu available. The meeting can then start at 2pm.

Please could I have an indication of numbers and who can attend so I can alert The Bell Inn. Please also let me know of any items that you would like on the agenda / topics for discussion and presentations. Any news and latest projects from our highly talented group.

Currently:

1. A close look at the new book “The Art of The Hobbit” published 2011 by Harper Collins, editors Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull.

2. New art (large originals and sketches) by Ted Nasmith

3. A look at a beautifully rebound signed 1937 1st printing Copy of The Hobbit, and rebound 1954-1955 signed Lord of the Rings

4. Latest on The Hobbit Movies due to be released December 2012.

A full agenda will be sent nearer the date.

Best wishes

Andy Compton
07785-110512

Ps. I will bring along a selection of greeting/Christmas Cards (Tolkien inspired) incase anyone would like some packs (all 37 cards for £10 is my latest offer)

These three lots are being auctioned by Bay East Auctions in Sydney, Australia. These items have been secured in a bank vault since the 1970s, and have remained in the hands of the original family these were given to originally so this is the first time these particular items are hitting the marketplace.

Lot 389: Tolkien. J. R. R. The Lord of the Rings. octavo. 3 vols. The Fellowship of the Ring. The Two Towers. The Return of the King. folding map at the end of each volume. all with uncut dustwrappers. red cloth spines bumped but internally good. all signed by Tolkien. vol. 1 signed on free endpaper. inscription in Elvish which translated becomes 'With the very best wishes of JRR Tolkien. I wish that you need not go back "across so wide a sea."' also tipped in on inside front cover manuscript letter initialled on Merton College writing paper. vol. 2 signed on free end paper and dated November 1954. vol. 3 signed on free end paper. tipped in key to language. Allen & Unwin. 1954-1955. Provenance: Gift of the author to Muriel Margaret (Mollie) Cowling, 1955 Thence by Descent Private Collection, Sydney.

Estimate AUD$18,000 - 25,000
Hammer Price: AUD$31,000
Price including buyer premium: AUD$37,200

Lot 390: Tolkien. J. R. R. Two Page Manuscript Letter to G. H. Cowling. explaining his procrastination and horror of letter writing. Thanking him for a copy of Chaucer and wishing him Happy Christmas. dated December 23 1934 from 20 Northmoor Road Oxford. Provenance: G. H. Cowling Thence by Descent Private Collection, Sydney

Estimate: AUD$1,500 - 2,500
Hammer Price: AUD$2,900
Price including buyer premium: AUD$3,480

Lot 391: Tolkien. J. R. R. Chaucer as a Philologist. reprint from the Philological Society's Transactions 1934. original wrappers initialed. spine weak with some marking. presentation copy from J.R.R.T. with The Reeve's Tale. a version prepared for recitation at the 'summer diversions', Oxford 1939. original wrapper spotted. initialed presentation copy. tipped in note from the author regarding where to locate the full discussion. with a letter from Priscilla Tolkien on the death of her mother dated 1971 and two aerogrammes and a letter to Mollie Cowling from Edith Tolkien discussing family matters dated 1967 and 1970 respectively. Provenance: G. H. and Muriel Margaret (Mollie) Cowling, 1955 Thence by Descent Private Collection, Sydney.

Estimate: AUD$400 - 600
Hammer Price: AUD$2,800
Price including buyer premium: AUD$3,360

Please note that he is offering a nice 10% discount to all readers, just use the coupon code TCG10OFF when you check out. Happy collecting!

TCG: When did you first discover Tolkien’s writings?

Well, that would technically be back in the late 1970’s when my father first read to
me The Hobbit. I would have been 5 or 6 years old at the time. It wasn’t until I was
a little older that I would read The Lord of the Rings. But honestly, I don’t think I
truly ‘discovered’ Tolkien until I read The Silmarillion in my early 20’s. I was blown away
by the stories in The Silmarillion, and subsequent re-reads of The Hobbit and The Lord
of the Rings got so much better after reading that book.

TCG: Was there one particular book that drew you into collecting?

Yes, it would have to have been the 1999 Harper Collins Deluxe Edition of The Hobbit.
It wasn’t long after buying my copy that I picked up the matching Lord of the Rings and
Silmarillion. I had always loved reading, but having those deluxe editions on my shelf
made me realize how much I enjoyed fine books, not only for the content, but as a piece
of art, if you will.

TCG: Why did you decide to start Telperion Books?

Over the years, my collection grew, and I occasionally found a need to sell books. Most
of the time, I would sell a few books so that I could afford to buy more books. After a
while, I began to realize that I really enjoyed buying and selling, and simply having the
opportunity to see a lot of rare books. However, I grew frustrated with online auctions,
for a myriad of reasons, and decided to look into starting my own web store.

I started my business back in February of this year. It took a little while to get off the
ground, but it’s come along nicely. Telperion Books gives me the opportunity to display
my collection, offer items for sale and trade, and provide a service that is more personal
and friendly than the online auction environment.

TCG: What is your favorite aspect of collecting and dealing Tolkien books?

I really enjoy the details. I love to research, and I am always astounded by just how
much has been uncovered on the early publishing history of Tolkien’s works. These
details are what you need to know as a collector to be successful. I have a deep
appreciation for those who have dedicated so much time to scour archives and records,
and compare countless copies of books to determine all of the defining points. I know
that I owe a lot of lucky finds to the knowledge I’ve gained from such folk.

I’ve met a lot of great people in general through collecting, many through the forum here
at The Tolkien Collector’s Guide. There are some seriously knowledgeable members
here. In my opinion, TCG is the premiere site for serious Tolkien collectors, and an
invaluable resource.

Lot 182 - TOLKIEN (J.R.R.)
Autograph notes and heavily revised typescript with accompanying autograph letter about a review of Robinson's edition of Chaucer: being his suggested revisions and corrections to the review by his friend and admirer Professor Przemyslaw Mroczkowski OBE of Poland, comprising (i) autograph letter signed to Mroczkowski, about his prose style in the review, 2 pages, 8vo, "midnight 9/10 Nov 1957"; (ii) typescript of Mroczkowski's review heavily annotated by Tolkien, 8 pages, 4to; (iii) autograph supplementary sheets of Tolkien's remarks on the review, 2 pages on one sheet, large 8vo, 1957

Estimate: £2,000 - 3,000
Sold for £5,250 inclusive of Buyer's Premium

Lot 258 - TOLKIEN, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973).
Two typed letters signed and one typed letter without signature to Roger Verhulst and the William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company, Headington, 8 April 1966 - 4 December 1967, in the unsigned letter returning to publishing matters in regard to a memorial volume to Charles Williams [see previous lot], reiterating his objections to a proposed book about him by W.H. Auden, and mentioning work on The Silmarillion, adding rather tartly 'The chief obstacle to its publication is at present the mass of my correspondence'; a letter of 3 May 1966 acknowledges receipt of the Charles Williams volume; in December 1967, Tolkien writes appreciatively about C.S. Lewis's Letters to an American Lady, a copy of which Verhulst had sent him, 'I found them deeply interesting and very moving, and on certain points also to me enlightening', 3 pages, 8vo and 4to; with three related letters.

Estimate £800 - 1,200

Lot 357 - TOLKIEN, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973).
Typed letter signed ('J.R.R. Tolkien') to Roger Verhulst, Headington, 9 March 1966, opposing the publication of a proposed book about him by Auden, and quoting his letter to Auden on the subject, 'I regard such things as premature impertinences ... I cannot believe that they have a usefulness to justify the distaste and irritation given to the victim', though he concedes 'I owe Mr. Auden a debt of gratitude for the generosity with which he has supported and encouraged me since the first appearance of The Lord of the Rings'; also discussing his acquaintance with the author Charles Williams, and the broader membership of the 'Inklings', concluding with a firm distinction between a proposed volume of essays on Williams and one about himself, 'a living author whose much more limited work is of quite a different sort, and who is struggling to complete his work, while time is steadily running short, without the distraction of comment or analysis which cannot in the nature of the case be well-informed', a three-line footnote in autograph, 2½ pages, 4to, envelope.

Estimate £2,500 - £3,500

Beyond Bree is pleased to present its 2012 Calendar featuring art focused on the Elves of Tolkien's Middle-earth. The calendar features classic art from Beyond Bree's past as well as new works by a host of artists from around the globe, including:

* Paula DiSante
* Sylvia Hunnewell
* Tim Kirk
* Octo Kwan
* Nancy Martsch
* Jef Murray
* Ted Nasmith
* Margaret Purdy Dean
* Daniel Smith
* Cecile van Zon
* Maciej Wignanski
and more!

The theme is "Elves". The 2012 Calendar has both colour and black-and-white pictures, with real world and Middle-earth dates, so it's useful as well as pretty. It is 11 x 8 1/2 inches, opening to 11 x 17 inches.

Pricing: $20 plus shipping - USA $2.00, the rest of the world $5.00.

PayPal orders will also be taken with a $1.00 surcharge. Send PayPal payments (in USD) to: beyondbree@yahoo.com

Send check or money order (in USD, drawn on a US bank) to: Nancy Martsch, PO Box 55372, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413, USA; or send currency (at your own risk, in a sturdy envelope).

For more details, please e-mail beyondbree@yahoo.com