A talk given at a day-long symposium that focused on different aspects of JRR Tolkien's academic and literary work, and his life in Oxford. The talk is based on a paper published in 'Tolkien Studies 11' (West Virginia University Press: 2014).

From Edwardian Merton to the Western Front 1906-1918

A series of podcasts from Merton College, a vibrant and diverse intellectual community that has been at the forefront of education and research at Oxford University since 1264. Nobel Prize winners and other cultural and scientific leaders, such as TS Eliot, JRR Tolkien, and Andrew Wiles, adorn the list of Eminent Mertonians. Merton’s tradition of excellence lives on, thanks to the talent and dedication of college fellows, students, staff and alumni. Together with our historic architecture, beautiful gardens, delicious food, fine accommodation, and generous support for students and researchers, they make Merton an extraordinary place in which to learn, to teach and to visit.