Lennon, John

title added in Lennon's hand in black ink,  a final unmetrical line erased in black ink, three corrections in black ink and two corrections in red ink, with a doodle of an animal face in black ink below the text, one page, large post quarto (10 x 8 in.; 257 x 205 mm, unwatermarked)

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, 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."

"...Past grisby tress and hulky builds
Past ratters and bradder sheep..."

This poem, published on p. 36 of In His Own Write, is one of the more "literary" pieces in the book. It was such pieces that encouraged the book's remarkably effusive reviews from the high-brow press. The Times Literary Supplement, for example, wrote that the book "is worth the attention of anyone who fears for the impoverishment of the English language and the British imagination ... the humourists have done much more to preserve and enrich these assets than most serious critics allow. Theirs is arguably our liveliest stream of “experimental writing” and Mr Lennon shows himself well equipped to take it farther."