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By remy
Home away from home

Tree and Leaf 1964 Proof

24 Oct, 2022 (edited)
2022-10-24 1:51:02 PM UTC

Adding this to site as I thought it was interesting.

I just acquired a 1964 Proof Copy of Tree and Leaf. I did not even know that any existed as I had not seen one before.

Additionally interesting is the fact that the facsimile signature on the title page is “Ronald Tolkien” and this is also reproduced on the front cover.

Seems to have been sent to an “Elizabeth Williams” – at least her name is in pencil on the front endpaper.
It came supplied in Dustjacket. Pics attached.

11_635697e4864d1.jpg 1944X2592 px

11_635697e486b5f.jpg 1944X2592 px

11_635697e486fb2.jpg 2592X1944 px

11_635697e487512.jpg 2592X1944 px
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 1:56:12 PM UTC
That is fantastic remy a great find! Never seen one of these before. Any additional info on the "Ronald Tolkien" facsimile?
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 2:46:17 PM UTC
Wow remy ! Just wow !

This is a true gem, probably one of a kind, and the facsimile signature is a pure delight !
Is it a surprise or did you were aware of this before purchase?
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 3:53:36 PM UTC

Emilien wrote:


Is it a surprise or did you were aware of this before purchase?

The whole thing was a complete gamble. I saw an auction with this description:

"A 1964's Paperback Edition Tree and Leaf by J R R Tolkien Together with a Modern Map of Tolkien's Middle Earth. Est: 15 - 20 GBP"

Pic from auction listing below.

I could not reconcile the photo to any edition of tree and leaf, hardback or paperback and it occurred to me that it might be a proof in dustjacket (even though I had no idea one existed).

I did not email the auction house for photos (in case it may alert them to the fact that it might be something special - and rule out any chance of acquiring the item).

However on the day of the auction, the bidding went quite high and as it went higher - i thought that it must be something different and i kept bidding. At the end of the auction - I really had no idea what I bought - or if it was worthless or not. Maybe someone else just like me saw the listing and wondered - and then as the bidding rose - convinced each other that it was something special or different (these were the thoughts going through my head).

In any case - it arrived today and I was really overjoyed - not only that it actually turned out to be a proof - but also the use of the "Ronald Tolkien" facsimile!

11_6356b3c89d3dc.jpg 540X355 px
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 3:57:11 PM UTC
Congrats Remy. This is a lovely looking item and I am glad it ended up with someone from here.

The 'Ronald Tolkien' sig is a lovely surprise.
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 4:16:12 PM UTC
An awesome find remy! Sometimes when you go with your gut for auction listings you find a true treasure.
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 4:42:33 PM UTC
It’s not often you read on this site that so many are amazed by something. Truly a special signature to acquire. Are there any listings of that anywhere before ?
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 4:45:31 PM UTC
Amazing story remy.
I spotted this auction but i didn't pay attention to the subtle truth at work there !
The fact it was presented together with a Sibley/Howe map is quite surprising to say the least
I can imagine your suprise and joy when you removed the dust-jacket
Congratulations !!
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 5:04:06 PM UTC
Wow! That's a great find.

How much was this (if you don't mind sharing)?
24 Oct, 2022
2022-10-24 5:49:44 PM UTC

Jlong wrote:


How much was this (if you don't mind sharing)?

After Commission + Shipping, 700 Euro. As I mentioned previously, a rather large gamble!
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