Beloved Fantasy writer and The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit author, J.R.R. TOLKIEN typed letter signed, October 20, 1965 to "Rally" magazine publisher Timothy Wheeler responding to his inquiry regarding an unauthorized paperback edition of The Lord of the Rings trilogy released by Ace Books. Signed at conclusion as "JRR Tolkien." Tolkien writes: "Ballantine Books is about to bring out a paper-back edition revised by myself. This should make it worth the few cents difference in price, of which I shall receive about one-third." He adds a postscript: "It must be noted that Ace Books are acting legally, whether morally or not, and purchasers of their edition have no claim in law to a return of money." The Lord of the Rings was first published in England by George Allen & Unwin and imported to the United States by Houghton Mifflin. By 1964, the success and popularity of the trilogy in the U.K. was noted, and Donald Wollheim contacted Tolkien to acquire publishing rights for Ace Books, a publisher dedicated solely to paperback novels. Tolkien declined his proposal; he did not want to see his books in paperback form as he thought it would diminish their stature.Ace Books found a loophole in the existing copyright law: the limited copyright under which Houghton Mifflin had been publishing The Lord of the Rings books had expired and wasn't renewed, suggesting that the copyright was abandoned and the books in the public domain. The Ace Books edition of the three titles first appeared in May 1965. Tolkien's response was immediate and strong, mounting a public campaign informing his readers about the unauthorized nature of the Ace editions, and he worked closely with his authorized publisher, Ballantine Books, to release an official paperback edition. After significant pressure from Tolkien and a campaign urging fans to boycott the Ace editions, Ace Books agreed to cease publication in early 1966. Ballantine's authorized editions were released later that year with the publication of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Two Towers in October and Return of the King in November of 1966. CERTIFIED AUTHENTIC BY PSA/DNA EXPERT EXAMINATION, and slabbed inside PSA/DNA's proprietary sonically-sealed, tamper evident encapsulate. UNCONDITIONALLY GUARANTEED GENUINE. Condition is as shown. One page, 6 7/8" x 5 3/8". The letter is near fine, with light toning and a single flattened mailing fold. Purchase includes separate original transmittal envelope which has not been encapsulated. Transmittal envelope has some wear, uneven toning and soiling; with a few diagonal marks resulting from storage. Don’t miss your chance to pick up an authentic, investment-quality TOLKIEN letter related to one of his most beloved anthologies. Since release, The Lord of the Rings has been reprinted many times and translated into at least 38 languages. Its enduring popularity has led to numerous references in pop culture as well as a successful movie trilogy. Bid with confidence. Please view our exceptional feedback and ratings, and our additional autograph auctions. Sold as is, as shown.