TCG Letter #351 / Carpenter Letter #135

Tolkien expresses regret for producing a substantial work like The Lord of the Rings during challenging times. He expresses gratitude for the recipient's efforts in dealing with the matter and hopes for a decision, as uncertainty weighs heavily on his mind. Tolkien discusses the pricing of the book at £3 and 10 shillings and raises questions about the number of copies to print and the potential audience willing to pay such a price.

In other publishing news Tolkien remarks that he is "producing a contribution to 'Essays and Studies'". This is in reference to 'The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm’s Son'.