Lennon, John

with about 30 corrections in red and black ink, including about eight words in autograph, 2 pages, large post quarto (10 x 8 in.; 255 x 204 mm, unwatermarked), stapled, slight creasing

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."

"...Large John began to look upon Jack as a son or something, for he was ever putting his arm about him and saying, "Ha Haaaaar", especially with a Parable on his shouldy..."

In this amusing parody of Treasure Island (published on pp.42-44 of In His Own Write), as in the 'Famous Five' piece, Lennon was writing a nonsense version of his childhood reading. The use of simple and deeply familiar narratives is crucial to these works, for the rampant wordplay and invented words would otherwise render them unintelligible. 'Treasure Ivan' is an accomplished parody of the sort that Lennon had written for his amusement since his schooldays, when he had spent his time writing and illustrating his comic, The Daily Howl, rather than paying attention to his lessons. Robert Louis Stevenson's adventure was something of a favorite of Lennon's: during the summer of 1960 the band then known as the Silver Beetles toured Scotland backing the singer Johnny Gentle, and John briefly adopted the pseudonym "Long John".