Michael Moorcock’s hilarious 1976 refusal to Edinburgh University

In 1976 Edinburgh University wrote to Michael Moorcock, author of Elric of Melnibone, The Dancers at the End of Time, The Jewel in the Skull and many other favourites, to invite him to speak at their Science Fiction Society.

He refused in hilarious style.

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Amazing what you find in boxes of old paper work. Here's a postcard from Michael Moorcock written in 1976 to Edinburgh University Science Fiction Society when i was it's Secretary.

A post shared by Madeleine (@knotunknot) on Mar 8, 2018 at 5:38am PST

The Instagram snap taken by Madeline Shepherd of the typewritten response. Shepherd was Secretary at the Society at the time.

Moorcock’s response reads;

Thanks for your kind invitation to speak to the SF Society. I’m afraid I’ll have to turn the invitation down — as I always do, for I’m far too shy to speak in public unless completely drunk, whereupon I’m completely incoherent and rotten value to an audience.

With very best wishes,
Michael Moorcock.