Lennon, John

one page, large post quarto (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 203 mm, "Don Valley Bond" watermark), tear (c. 3/8 in.; 10 mm) at top edge, very slight rust marks 

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."

"He is putting it lithely when he says
Quobble in the Grass"

With its wild inventions and crazed Latin conjugations, 'Alec Speaking', published on p.50 of In His Own Write, is a poem that pulls apart rote-learning with a distinctive schoolboy humor:

"This is your revenge on all the language, life and literature that people are asking you to take seriously. You bend and break what they teach you; you make their world sound like Wonderland." (Michael Wood, 'John Lennon's Schooldays', reprinted in The Lennon Companion, p.146)