TLS, one page, 5.25 x 7, personal embossed letterhead, January 10, 1966. Letter to Timothy J. Wheeler, founding publisher of Rally magazine declining an invitation to be a contributing writer, in full: “Thank you for your letter. I hope you will not think that I am ungrateful for your attention and good wishes if I say that I do not feel able to write anything such as you wish. I do wish you well, but I do not think that it would really do you much good to have special good wishes from me.” Wheeler had written to Tolkien in hopes of retaining him to write for the magazine or doing an interview, both of which Tolkien declined. To show no hard feelings, Wheeler commissioned writer Jared Lobdell to a profile of Tolkien, with a focus on The Lord of the Rings, for the August 1966 issue of Rally, a copy of which is included, as is an original portrait sketch of Tolkien, accomplished in graphite and charcoal on 11 x 16.25 illustration board, which was used as the Rally article’s lead image. In fine condition. Accompanied by the original transmittal envelope, a retained typed carbon of a letter from Wheeler sending Tolkien a copy of the magazine, and a typed letter from Tolkien thanking Wheeler for the magazine, the latter of which is signed in type and initialed by his secretary.
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