The JRR Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature

25/07/2026

Fantasy can help us escape, and at its best it helps us appreciate the best of our world through bright and shining moments that stay with you forever.
Full lecture available on the YouTube channel

24/07/2026

At Oxford's Pembroke college, Brandon Sanderson explores Professor Tolkien’s essay “On Fairy Stories," his fantasy innovations, and their relevance today. Full lecture available on the YouTube channel

03/07/2026

The recording of this year’s Tolkien Lecture has officially reached 100K views! Thank you to everyone for watching!

"On Fantasy" - The 2026 J.R.R. Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literatur...

19/06/2026

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this year's Tolkien Lecture, 'On Fantasy', delivered by Brandon Sanderson! If you missed it live, the full recording is now available on YouTube - https://youtu.be/fKvmYcGOCkE. An engaging and thought-provoking talk that will be of interest to fantasy readers, writers, and scholars alike.

19/05/2026

Today is the day! We can’t wait for you to join us at the Tolkien Lecture this evening.

Ahead of his lecture, celebrated author Brandon Sanderson has signed a stock of books at Blackwell’s bookshop on Broad Street. These are now available for purchase, so get one while they’re there!

Please note that there will not be a public book signing event after the lecture.

12/05/2026

Just one week to go until the 2026 Tolkien Lecture, delivered by Brandon Sanderson! We can’t wait to see you there. Here are a few reminders:

The lecture begins at 6:00 pm sharp. Oxford Town Hall doors will open at 5:30.

Tickets will be scanned at the door, so make sure to have yours ready! Printed or digital tickets are fine. The lecture is sold out, and there will not be any tickets available at the door, but for those who can’t make it, the lecture will be posted on YouTube afterwards!

There will be a Q&A with Brandon after the lecture. Please try to keep questions related to the lecture topic, and heads up that, unfortunately, we are unable to take questions from people sitting in the balcony.

We hope you’re looking forward to a truly fantastic evening!

19/03/2026

Tickets are now available for the 2026 Tolkien Lecture, delivered by Brandon Sanderson!

You can reserve your ticket now on Eventbrite: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/brandon-sanderson-delivers-the-2026-tolkien-lecture-tickets-1982450019374?aff=oddtdtcreator

Tickets are free, but required for entry, so make sure to book yours before they run out!

The lecture will be held on 19 May, at 6:00 pm, at Oxford Town Hall.

For further information, please see the F.A.Q on our website.

18/03/2026

A reminder that tickets will be released tomorrow, 19 March, at 12:00 pm GMT for the 2026 Tolkien lecture, delivered by Brandon Sanderson!

Keep an eye on our socials and website, where we will post the Eventbrite link at midday.

The lecture will be held on 19 May at 6:00 pm, at Oxford Town Hall.

The event is free and open to the public, but you will need to reserve a ticket in advance to attend!

19/02/2026

💫 We are delighted to share that the 2026 Tolkien Lecture on Fantasy Literature will be delivered by award-winning fantasy and science-fiction author Brandon Sanderson.

🏰 The lecture will take place on Tuesday, 19 May at 6:00 pm, at Oxford Town Hall.

📚The Tolkien Lecture is free to the public, but tickets are required. Tickets will be released on Eventbrite on Thursday, 19 March at 12:00 pm.

🧞 See our website for further details! https://tolkienlecture.org/2026/02/19/brandon-sanderson-to-deliver-the-2026-tolkien-lecture/

__