STEUBENVILLE, OHIO—Franciscan University of Steubenville will hold an academic conference on J.R.R. Tolkien, September 22-23, 2023. Entitled A Long-Expected Party: A Semicentennial Celebration of Tolkien’s Life, Works, and Afterlife, the conference will focus on all aspects of Tolkien’s life and work, including his most recent posthumous publications such as The Nature of Middle Earth, The Fall of Númenor, and The Great Tales Never End.

“The 50th anniversary of Professor Tolkien’s death is a fitting time to reflect on and celebrate the legacy of the 20th-century’s greatest Catholic author,” said Dr. Ben Reinhard, conference organizer and associate professor of English at Franciscan University. “In addition, 2023 is a significant turning point in Tolkien studies because the generation of scholars that truly knew him is entering retirement. It’s not yet clear what sort of scholarship will fill the void they are leaving. We hope to make Franciscan University a center of Tolkien scholarship in the 21st century.”

The significance of the conference’s title and dates will not be lost on Tolkien fans. A Long-Expected Party falls on September 22, the shared birthday of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, principal characters in Tolkien’s two most beloved books, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

J.R.R. (John Ronald Reuel) Tolkien (1892–1973) was an Oxford University English language scholar and one of the most popular authors of the 20th century. With over 700 million copies sold and published in dozens of languages, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings also inspired Peter Jackson’s blockbuster films, which have grossed $7 billion worldwide.

“Millions have found Tolkien’s work to be an occasion of grace in their lives, and we’re only beginning to sound the depths of his creative project,” said Reinhard.

Registration is set to open in late June. For more information, please visit franciscan.edu/tolkien-conference.