299 To Roger Lancelyn Green

[Green, an old friend, had reviewed Smith of Wootton Major, which was published in October 1967. He wrote : 'To seek for the meaning is to cut open the ball in search of its bounce.']

12 December 1967

76 Sandfield Road, Headington, Oxford

My dear Roger,

Best wishes to you and all your family. Thank you for your most gracious review (esp. for comment on the search for source of bounce!). Though I have been much better treated than I expected. But the little tale was (of course) not intended for children! An old man's book, already weighted with the presage of bereavement'. (I am sorry that I cannot remember your address. I have rung up Merton.) But Merton comes in. Our present admirable little chef (with a v. tall hat) is, at least pictorially, the original of Alf.

All graces and cheer at Christmas
Ronald Tolkien.