TOLKIEN, John Ronald Reuel (1892-1973). Author of The Lord of the Rings.
Autograph Letter Signed to fellow Oxford don Jonathan Wordsworth, 1½ pages 8vo with envelope, Headington, Oxford, 27 February 1968 (ink smudge, legibility unaffected). Apologising for neglecting to reply to an invitation to dine [from The Society dining club], explaining that he has had the care of two invalids and a secretary with a dying father, which had resulted in this dereliction.
The Society was an exclusive Oxford dining club whose membership included, besides Tolkein, C S Lewis, David Cecil, Nevill Coghill and other Oxford luminaries. Dinners took place under the aegis of members in their respective colleges.

'... Alas! I suppose one so unsatisfactory as a diner ought to retire/resign. But I am reluctant to do so as I am still well able to enjoy a dinner and company when I can get there.'

The letter was hand-delivered (probably by the Oxford pigeon post) and the envelope is also signed ('JRRT') in the lower left-hand corner.
[No: 19942]