(from Sotheby's auction catalogue: English Literature and History, Private Press and Illustrated Books and Related Drawings, 14 and 15 December 1992, Lot No. 133)

PROFESSOR J. R. R. TOLKIEN
Oxford 61639
76 SANDFIELD ROAD
HEADINGTON
OXFORD

Your ref. M.J.H.

14 August 1964.
[Stamp] 19 AUG. 1964

Dear Miss Hill,

I agree to the serialization of The Hobbit in the 'Princess' as described in your letter of 13th August, and on the terms proposed. Criticism of the drawings is probably not in this case useful, though I should myself wish at least that Gandalf were less fussy and over-clad and had some dignity. He should not be styled 'magician' but 'wizard'. I think both Mr. Roberts and the artist should have their attention drawn to the fact that in my text the form dwarves is used throughout, but that this is only a personal aberration of mine, and for this purpose I think that the correct form dwarfs may be substituted in their text. A case came to my notice of an unfortunate schoolmaster who corrected a child for using dwarves but was confounded by the production of my book. I am all in favour of spelling being taught, & don't wish a master's authority to be damaged by the quirks of a professor!