Lennon, John

nine words crossed-through and revised text of seven words supplied in black ink, in a scribal hand, also with an editorial note in pencil, one page, large post quarto (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 202 mm, "Don Valley Bond" watermark)

see catalog
"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."

Lennon's satirical take on the "fanzines" and the demands of pop music's young audience who "like it when Alec jumb about and shoes"; lines which suggest his weariness at the hysteria of Beatlemania and live performance. It was published on p.37 of In His Own Write. This typescript contains one of the few textual changes to Lennon's text and shows the author's  continued involvement in the development of the text. The Cape reader here makes one of his blunt and caustic comments on Lennon's work, condemning the end of the letter as "No good", and complaining that signing off the letter "Your hardened admirer" was "glib smut". In most cases, the reader's comments were overridden and Lennon's texts were published as submitted, but in this case the text was amended. Cape presumably ensured that Lennon did not actually see the reader's comments - it is unlikely that he  would have responded well - and the hand-written revisions are not in Lennon's hand. These final changes were therefore probably dictated by the author, most likely during one of Tom Maschler's visits to Lennon's flat.