Tolkein's letter describing labours behind LOTR up for auction

A fascinating and rare letter, written by English writer J R R Tolkien - which describes the labours behind producing his iconic work Lord of the Rings - is expected to fetch USD 15,000 at an auction in the US.

The letter, dated January 7, 1960, was written in reply to K F Mawson, according to US-based RR Auction.

"Certainly 'The Lord of the Rings' required a great deal of labour; and much of the material wasn't actually published," Tolkein wrote.

"The book had to be written backwards as well as forwards and being unable to afford professional typists, I typed it all twice and some parts several times; and I am only a two-finger amateur," he wrote.

"However, very much was written long before the Lord of the Rings (and refused by publishers): all the matter of the First and Second Ages, especially the legends 'potted' in Appendix A, and I am now actually under contract to produce some of it in book-form," the letter says.

"It is not getting on very fast, I fear, as I have alas! much else to do; and it is not easy to co-ordinate it and give it a central theme and plot," Tolkein wrote.

Tolkein goes on to write how schools conducted readings of the book, as a result of which the author got a letter from a man called Sam Gamgee - one of the lead characters in his book.

"As S. G. was cast for an heroic part all was well, but for some time I lived in fear of having a letter signed S. Gollum," said Tolkein, referring to an evil character of the story.

He then expresses his hope that "one day a cheaper edition (of his book would be made available.

"Thank you (and your wife) again for your expressions of pleasure - my prime object in writing. I also appreciate very much your noble effort to buy the book, costly as it is. As I am now retired, I depend mainly on royalties." Tolkien wrote.

The letter is accomapnied by the original mailing envelope addressed in Tolkien's hand.

The bidding for the letter ends on May 9.