Letter 61

Letter 61 is the sixty-first letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien and published in The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien. 
== Summary ==
Letter 61 is in fragments and was written to Tolkien's son Christopher. The letter's specificities pertain to a host of issues, including Christopher's war experiences, previous generations' table manners, some updates in relation to his book, and the treatment of minorities in South Africa. The first topic – Christopher's war experience – affirmed Tolkien's opposition to war, declaring, "Your accounts, which were uncensored, distressed but did not surprise me." (Tolkien 83) The succeeding issue addressed table manners; Tolkien was astounded with Christopher's distaste of former generations practices, revealing, "I am surprised that… you dislike the 'manners' of life 150 years ago (nearly) as depicted by Jane [Austen]." (Tolkien 83) The tertiary topic was concerning C.S. Lewis and Charles W.'s meeting with him to discuss his novel, which was being written. The concluding theme concerned the treatment of minorities in South Africa; a problem brought up by Christopher in previous letters. Tolkien infers an opposition to the treatment, as evident in his use of the following statements, "The treatment of colour nearly always horrifies anyone going out of Britain," and "Unfort. not many retain... generous sentiment... long." (Tolkien 84) 
Category:The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien