TCG Letter #1172

Tolkien replies 13 years after Michael Bell had written to him. Bell had enclosed a book, An Idea to Win the World by Peter Harold. Tolkien explains that at the time, in 1956, he was very busy with correspondence and university obligations. Correspondence was namely due to the Lord of the Rings. Tolkien notes the verse which had been enclosed, which he still has. Tolkien describes himself as a hoarder, much in the "dragon-class" and bemoans the troubles of being such. The suggestion is that he was not good at organising all of this paperwork.

Tolkien had moved recently from Oxford but in the midst of it had an accident but in the aftermath he reorganised his papers and found "treasure".

He thanks Michael for his letter, and verse which he will return once he knows that the address is still current.