Letter 205a

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
Letter 205a
Recipient	Cees Ouboter
Date	18 March 1958
Subject(s)	Accepting an invitiation to a "Hobbit Dinner" in Rotterdam

Letter 205a is a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: Revised and Expanded edition.

Summary

In this letter to Dutch bookshop owner Cees Ouboter, Tolkien expresses his gratitude for the careful and enthusiastic arrangements made for an upcoming festival, the first international event he accepted following the release of The Lord of the Rings. Despite his anticipation, Tolkien mentions being apprehensive about being the center of attention, feeling more akin to a humble hobbit than a celebrated author.

He notes his inability to speak or understand much of the Dutch language, admitting his discomfort with spoken languages despite being a philologist. Tolkien also asks about the appropriate length for his speech and says he is considering delivering it in the style of Bilbo Baggins' speech at his 111th birthday party, possibly including some verses and other fragments.

Finally he contemplates the suitable attire for the event, debating between traditional formal wear and more comfortable hobbit-inspired attire.