TCG Letter #449

In this letter to Dorothy Wood, Tolkien mentions his poor health. He is not allowed to drink wine or heavy evening meals. Tolkien had earlier arranged for Allen & Unwin to send her a copy of The Lord of the Rings, but now she has asked if he would write in it the same poem (Tall ships and tall kings) that he had inscribed for Andrew Warde. Tolkien says he is happy to but it will have to wait, he sends a signed copy and will send on a slip of paper the poem at a later date as he going away for some rest. He is unhappy about journalists and fans treating him like a landmark to visit.

Mrs Dorothy Grace Wood (née Mountain) and Tolkien were cousins. Her mother was Grace Mountain (née Tolkien) and the sister of J.R.R. Tolkien’s father, Arthur. As a child, J.R.R. Tolkien spent several holidays with his paternal aunt in Northumberland. In later life Tolkien and “Ding” (as she was called by close relatives) renewed their friendship.

Quotes from this and other letters to Dorothy were published in Sotheby's English Literature, History, Children's Books, Illustrations and Photographs 8 July 2004.