Lennon, John

5 1/2 x 5 1/4 in.; 140 x 135 mm, ink drawing in black with editorial page reference added in blue ink on single leaf (6 9/10 x 5 3/8 in.;176 x 136 mm; "Basildon Bond" watermark), unsigned, minor soiling at right edge

Condition is described in the main body of the cataloguing, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

The second illustration from In His Own Write, published on page 7, and one that does not appear to accompany any text.

Philip Norman makes reference to Lennon's drawings as 'octopoid grotesques' and finds a direct link between illustrations within Lennon's schoolboy newspaper, the Daily Howl, and In His Own Write. Mark Lewisohn describes the Daily Howl as 'a school exercise with an illustrated front cover and page after page of one-line gags, eccentric wordplay, spoof ads, cartoons and the first evidence of a lasting obsession with Negroes, Jews and human grotesques. John would write it at Mendips in the evenings and take the book into school next morning, to be read aloud and passed around - and then, after being confiscated by the teachers, enjoyed by the Quarry Bank staff before John got them back at the end of term'. (Lewisohn, p. 65).