TCG Letter #257 / Carpenter Letter #111

Tolkien apologizes for the delay in responding to a letter sent in July and explains that he has been preoccupied with philology due to academic commitments. He mentions ongoing revisions to The Hobbit and provide Rayner's comments along with a specimen of a re-write of Chapter V. Additionally, he shares Book II of The Lord of the Rings for Rayner's feedback, noting that Chapter XIV has been rewritten to align with changes made to Chapter II, now titled 'The Shadow of the Past.'

In portions omitted from The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien, a trip taken by Tolkien and his daughter Priscilla is mentioned. It was during their trip to New Lodge, Stonyhurst that Tolkien draws a picture 'New Lodge Stonyhurst'. The drawing was given to the owner of the lodge. Tolkien remarks that he is replying to Milein Cosman about Farmer Giles and would like to see samples from her and also on the matter of the same title he notes that the announcement slip still refers to him as the "Professor of Anglo-Saxon", which he has not been for two years. Unless GA&U feel it would help sales, he would prefer it removed. He concludes with news that he has been invited to give a lecture in Boston, Massachusetts. He has been offered $1,500 and asks Stanley if he would have any money left from the trip after expenses.