Between 1965 and 1968, the book was embraced by a young middle-class subculture that found an empathy with Tolkien's pacifist and ecological ideologies, and his eschewal of the perceived evils of the industrial age. Several different versions of the work became available, including a one volume edition in a slipcase, printed on India paper, and published by Allen and Unwin. Many decades later, the book is still a huge success. In January 1997, it was voted Greatest Book of the Century in a nationwide poll held by Waterstones Bookshop, an accolade confirmed by a Daily Telegraph poll in the following month. The Tolkien Society aims to promote an interest in the life and works of J.R.R.Tolkien.
Membership is open to all.
They hold an annual meet each September, usually on the weekend nearest to Frodo and Bilbo's birthday. This includes informal meetings in the bar,readings, slide shows, Sunday lunch in a local Oxford pub and many other events. You will find further details of the society and its events at their website. The society is currently looking into the possibility of setting up a Tolkien Centre and Tolkien Park. Useful Links Here is a selection of songs taken from the works of J.R.R.Tolkien.