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by Will Sherwood (Editor)
These proceedings celebrate the breadth, knowledge, and passion of the Tolkien scholars who attended Tolkien 2019. It includes sixty-one papers and covers a diverse range of subjects pertaining to Tolkien's life, influences, works, and legacy: Biography; Tolkien's Theoretical and Creative Practices; Mythical, Folkloric, and Literary Traditions; Cities and Environments; Religion, Spirituality, and Faith; Politics and Law; Identity; Art and Music; and Reception, Fandom, and Legacy.
Tolkien 2019 was a five-day conference organised by The Tolkien Society to mark our 50th birthday. Held at Macdonald Burlington Hotel, Birmingham, UK between 7th-11th August 2019, it brought together 550 attendees from over 30 countries for a celebration like never before.
In addition to the excellent selection of keynotes and scholars, there were signings, coffee klatches, games, and quizzes, all running alongside an exhibition of the Society's history and a public exhibition of Tolkien art. The festivities continued into the evenings with performances of Leaf by Niggle, songs and poems, and a special concert by a guest orchestra that featured music from fantasy films and TV shows.
Tolkien 2019 was one of the highest ever attended Tolkien-specific events and followed on from the Society's earlier conferences in 2012, 2005, and 1992 which respectively marked special anniversaries for The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and J.R.R. Tolkien's birth.
