248 To Sir Stanley Unwin

[Allen & Unwin were to publish a paperback consisting of Tolkien's lecture 'On Fairy-stories' and his short story 'Leaf by Niggle'.]

5 October 1963

76 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford

Dear Sir Stanley,

On Fairy-stories; Leaf by Niggle.

In Rayner's absence I venture to send you the items required from me for the paper-back just for a glance, perhaps, before they go forward. I should like to have your approval (or censure) especially of the Introductory Note. ....

While I was composing the note it occurred to me that it might be suitable to have a common title, such as I have suggested : Tree and Leaf, with reference to the passage at the top of page 73 in the Essay, and to the key-word effoliation at the end, p. 84. But this is probably an unnecessary emphasis of what I have said in the note.

I am afraid that I am falling more and more behind with things that I should do; but it has not been a good year. It was not until the end of August that I got relief from the trouble with my shoulder and right arm. I found not being able to use a pen or pencil as defeating as the loss of her beak would be to a hen.

With very best wishes,

Yours sincerely
Ronald Tolkien.