Lennon, John

two words underlined with one marginal annotation suggesting a minor textual change, two pages, large post quarto (10 x 8 in.; 254 x 202 mm, "Don Valley Bond" watermark), pin holes, slight discoloration at top edge

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."

This piece is a parody of the cliché-ridden television series White Hunter (“Wipe Hudnose” etc.). The hero of the series – conveniently named John Hunter – was played by Rhodes Reason (a name that could itself have come from Lennon’s pen), and was assisted in his African adventures by a loyal native sidekick Atimbu (“Otumbad” etc.). It was, according to the book’s contents page, “written in conjugal with Paul”, and is the earliest piece in In His Own Write, where it appears on pp.62-63. It had been written in 1958, when Lennon and McCartney were still students and living at home, and was first published in Mersey Beat (6 September 1962). The short initial paragraph first appeared in the 1962 version and is a rare example of Lennon revising his own work (see Lewisohn, p.196 and note).