The Inklings

The Inklings were a group of writers and academics associated with Oxford University who met weekly to share and critique one another's work for nearly 20 years. Edward Tangye Leanhad originally organised meetings at Oxford's University College, C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien took over the club after his departure from the university in 1933. The group met in Lewis's room at Magdalen College on Thursday evenings and more informally on Tuesdays at The Bird and Baby and The Lamb and Flag pub nearby. During readings, the group shared new chapters of books, academic papers and poetry and the discussions were important in shaping their various literary offerings. Tolkien shared new chapters of The Lord of The Rings and first editions of the book were dedicated to The Inklings. Warren Lewis asserted that 'There were no rules, officers, agendas, or formal elections' and convivial and lively conversation defined the gatherings. Meetings came to an end in 1949 and the last reference to them is recorded in a diary entry of Warren Lewis on October 27, 1949, 'No Inklings tonight, so dined at home'.