Lennon, John

scattered corrections throughout in blue ink, including the insertion of three words, editorial note in pencil ("needs another ending") crossed through in ink, 1 page, 4to (10 x 4 1/8 in.; 255 x 105 mm, "64 Mill Bond Extra Strong" watermark)

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."

"...One fat morning Eric Hearble wake up with an abnorman fat growth a bombly on his head..."

This story about a speaking carbuncle, published on p.24 of In His Own Write, shows Lennon's humour at its cruellest. Jokes about physical disability were, of course, much more culturally acceptable in the 1960s, but biographers such as Philip Norman have speculated that the frequency with which Lennon returned to the subject exposed a deep-seated anxiety. Pete Best, for example, recalled Lennon hurrying from a restaurant when a maimed war veteran was assisted to a nearby table (Norman, p. 203).