Introduction by Ian P. Blakemore
As a literary group the Inklings met for a very long time, and have fascinated and intrigued many in the literary world. Was it a meeting of minds or just a group of intellectuals having a beer and a bout of male conversation? Some people renamed the Oxford meeting the "The Drinklings" as they met regularly over a pint of beer at the "Bird and Baby" (Eagle and Child Pub). C.S. Lewis remained at the centre of the circle that met for a great many years. Around 1933 the Inklings formed, meeting on Monday nights in Lewis's rooms at Magdalen College. Shortly after Charles Williams arrived in Oxford at the outbreak of World War II, they started meeting twice a week - Tuesdays at the "Bird and Baby", and Thursdays in Lewis's rooms at Magdalen. They continued to meet until Lewis's death in 1963. Over this period a great many members came and went. (For further reading please see The Inklings by Humphrey Carpenter - item 109 of this catalogue).
It is amazing to think that The Lord of the Rings, which Tolkien began in 1937 was read out loud to the Inklings. The Inklings called it the "new Hobbit", and writing in 1965 to Clyde S. Kilby, Tolkien wrote, "But for the encouragement of C.S.L. I do not think that I should have completed or offered for publication The Lord of the Rings"
. (See item 92 Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien - letter no.282). Many of the books contained in this catalogue will have begun life in those Inklings meetings. Books will have come into being and others read out loud from their early draft form. We cannot underestimate the value of the Inklings meetings to those who met together and now the wider world that has received its produce. Let us read, and appreciate the books created.
As you peruse this catalogue you will find brief biographical information on all except C.S. Lewis. Little needs to be said here about Lewis, as much has been written by so many. However, I can recommend C.S. Lewis/A Companion & Guide by Walter Hooper. London: HarperCollins. 1996 as a good working guide to Lewis, his life, works and friends. If you wish to read more I am always pleased to recommend writings from a rich mine of material written about him. In my next catalogue just such material will be available. I am always keen to hear from scholars and enthusiasts for C.S. Lewis and the Inklings.
I trust that you will find "that volume" you have been looking for in the pages of this catalogue. If not for yourself there may be a book for a friend or family member.