I’ve won a place at Oxford University to pursue a part-time DPhil (Doctor of Philosophy) project!
It’s the essential follow-up to my Tolkien and the Great War, which showed how the First World War spurred and shaped the beginnings of his mythology. That book earned me awards from the Mythopoeic and Tolkien Societies – and changed perceptions of Tolkien.
My DPhil will explore how Tolkien's later writings reflect the concerns and shocks of his times – the interwar era, the Second World War and the start of the Cold War. This is a long-neglected field – though upheaval, war, and tyranny run through The Lord of the Rings.
Tolkien’s own works are sadly neglected at his own university – where my DPhil will be only the second to focus on him. Professors Giuseppe Pezzini and Simon Horobin, who run the Oxford Tolkien Network, encouraged me to apply and will supervise.
I start with substantial research already done – in between my freelance work as editor, lecturer and writer and my responsibilities as husband, father, and son. Expert supervision and the best academic resources will help me power ahead.
But cuts in UK research finance mean I have no funding. Though I hope this will change, meanwhile I must earn my usual living expenses in half the usual time.
My amazing supporters here have already collectively doubled their existing crowdfunding to £900 so I can now meet the cost of the first-year academic fees.
A further £1,100 will let me set aside the need to earn money as a freelance for a quarter of the year, freeing me to spend that time focusing solely on my DPhil research.
I believe that’s achievable – especially with your help!
As a supporter, you’ll get regular treats in your inbox as well as access to my past posts. Topics include:
● Insights into Tolkien’s life, inspirations and creativity
● News about my talks, publications and projects
● Reflections on what I’ve learned about writing and research
● Older articles and papers (some with excised material restored)
You’ll also be invited to join me and your fellow subscribers for online chats.
Supporters who help me most, by dialogue, moral support or funding, will have my thanks in the finished dissertation – and in the book that will follow.
At 60, I’m in my Third Age. I have a computer full of unpublished work and a head full of ideas. There’s no time to lose.
‘I see a great smoke,’ said Legolas. ‘What may that be?’
‘Battle and war!’ said Gandalf. ‘Ride on!’
"Gandalf Approaches the Guarded City" © John Howe / HarperCollins Publishers