24 Oct, 2008
2008-10-24 9:47:34 AM UTC
Here is a fine signature by Tolkien in a first impression of Smith of Wootton Major. Except for the fact that it was purchased in the Oxfam bookstore (at the corner next to Bird & Baby) I have no further info on this item.
So what do you think of the signature? Looks very good to me! Even has a mark of ink on opposite page (closed the book too soon when ink was still wet).
How does a book like this end up in an oxfam shop in Oxford? And how come they did not notice the signature? Did only cost some pence!
24 Oct, 2008
2008-10-24 12:05:15 PM UTC
Ahh... finally, a nice little signature in a Tolkien book. Yes,
Beren, it looks lovely.
24 Oct, 2008
2008-10-24 6:57:08 PM UTC
Beren,
You have quite an impressive collection and nice find. You sure know how to make a fellow Tolkien collector jealous. :) Smith of Wootton Major is my favorite Tolkien tale (other than the LOTR). I wrote my MA thesis on it, and I'm teaching it in my Tolkien/Lewis class this semester.
26 Oct, 2008
2008-10-26 1:28:40 PM UTC
Sorry about the 'making jealous' thing... not so long ago I was feeling rather jealous myself when you send me the email about the books from Tolkien's library.
Still I find it peculiar this "Oxfam" store did manage to sell it just like a normal book and for no money at all.
I did once buy a signed 2nd impression Hobbit in that same store (but that was in 1991 or 1992) and I did not expect ever to see a signed Tolkien book to show up there again (since then Tolkien has become much more famous and you expect them to check every Tolkien book that comes in there...)
Still this signed Smith was found there a year ago. So one advise, if you ever go to Oxford. Always go in the Oxfam store to see if anything 'special' is there.
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