Did you know that Oxonmoot bookings close on 3 September? Online bookings aren't available for technical reasons, but you can download a PDF from the website. Do it today - you know it makes sense!
http://www.tolkiensociety.org/oxon/Oxonmoot_booking_form.pdf

- wellinghall

Anthony and Jessica send the following welcome news along:

In its 4th year, our Calendar has been blessed to have a special cover by the brilliant artist Jef Murray. The reflective nature of Gandalf and Frodo as they look upon the Shire is perfection. The Northeast Tolkien Society is very grateful to have had such a wonderful community and member support in the past 10 years, and looking ahead we hope to continue being the Tolkien community in the New York City area.

For our Shire Calendar format we are fortunate to feature the work of Anke Eissman and Sue Wookey, and a special 10th Anniversary centerfold illustration by Catherine Sparsidis to accompany our 10th Anniversary narrative.

Postage in the United States has significantly increased.

The Calendar costs $20 USD. We have three ordering options that incorporate shipping for domestic US, Canada and UK.

If you live in areas beyond UK, let us know and we will calculate shipping for you.

Visit our calendar section to order today!

http://herenistarionnets.blogspot.com/p/nets-calendar.html

http://wvupressonline.com/journals/tolkien_studies/volume_7

I've just ordered my copy

- wellinghall

Nancy Martsch sends this good news along:

Beyond Bree is pleased to announce its 30th Anniversary with a special 2011 Calendar featuring art focused on the Istari, the wizards of Tolkien's Middle-earth.

The Calendar will feature classic art from Beyond Bree's past as well as new works by a host of artists from around the globe, including:

• Sylvia Hunnewell
• Nancy Martsch
• Jef Murray
• Ted Nasmith
• Cecile can Zon
• Maciej Wignanski
• ...and more!

The colour and black-and-white calendar has both Middle-earth dates and real world holidays. It is 11 x 8 1/2 inches, opening to 11 x 17 inches.

Price: $20 plus shipping - USA $2, rest-of-world $5.

PayPal orders will also be taken with a $1.00 surcharge. Send PayPal payments (in USD) to: beyondbree@yahoo.com

Send check or money order (in USD, drawn on a US bank) to: Nancy Martsch, PO Box 55372, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413, USA; or send currency (at your own risk, use a sturdy envelope).

For more details, contact: Nancy Martsch at beyondbree@yahoo.com

"Beyond Bree" is the newsletter of the JRR Tolkien Special Interest Group of American Mensa (Mensa is a high-IQ society). Subscriptions are open to all lovers of Tolkien's Middle-earth, Mensan and non-Mensan alike. "Beyond Bree is published monthly, in both paper and electronic format. Subscriptions cost $15 per year USA (paper), $20 foreign; $10 per year electronic. A sample issue (paper) costs $1.00 USA, $1.50 foreign. Make checks (in US dollars, drawn on a US bank) payable to Nancy Martsch, PO Box 55372, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413, USA. Back issues are also available. A typical issue of "Beyond Bree" is 12 pages long, contains short articles on JRR Tolkien and his works; reviews of books, games, films, events by, about, or inspired by JRR Tolkien and his works, and general fantasy which might be of interest to the Tolkien fan. Also readers' views; fan publications, news, art, occasional poetry & puzzles. We seldom publish fiction. Since we are too widely scattered to meet in person, "Beyond Bree" carries news of conventions and gatherings where the Tolkien fan might find others of similar interests. And, if readers have questions about Tolkien or his works, we try to answer them. You can learn more about us at our website http://www.cep.unt.edu/bree.html

Issue 3 of Silver Leaves is now available for ordering. The theme for this issue is “Tolkien / Fantasy Art and Artists” and the editors are very grateful for the generosity of artists like Tim Kirk, Ted Nasmith, Colleen Doran, Jef Murray, Hyatt Moore, Anke Eissmann, David Wyatt, Virginia Lee, John Dickenson and many others. This special issue is quite a bit larger than normal (with as many goodies as could be tucked in) and will be specially bound with featured artwork gloriously presented in full-color.

Issue 4 Call for Submissions

Summer, 2010 -- The White Tree Fund (TWTF) would like to thank everyone for their gracious reception of the artwork-themed third issue of Silver Leaves and is now calling for submissions to its fourth issue. The theme for this issue is focused on Dragons, with a view for the upcoming Hobbit films. We welcome your artwork submissions, and all academic, journalistic, reflective, and creative submissions related to the fascinating subject of Dragons are most welcome. We do have limited room for creative and non-fiction submissions relating to Tolkien’s work or other highly regarded fantasy works that may fall outside of the theme of Issue 4.
The deadline for all submissions is October 15, 2010. Publication is set for summer, 2011. We can accept the following file formats for artwork: JPEG (.jpg), GIF (.gif), EPS (.eps), Illustrator (.ai), or TIFF (.tif/.tiff). The maximum size for art submissions is 8” x 10”. To find more information, submission guidelines or advertising rates for Silver Leaves, please visit: http://www.whitetreefund.org/silver_leaves.html. Please take note of the file formats, word limits, and reference styles necessary for submissions. Copies of Issues 1, 2, and 3 can be purchased at: www.whitetreefund.org. Silver Leaves is the official journal of TWTF. The purpose of SL is to educate, raise awareness, support charitable initiatives, and entertain. SL accepts submissions from established scholars, authors, and artists as well as from those new to the publishing world. Submissions may include, but are not limited to, academic essays, creative writing, and artwork; interviews and event reports; artistic spotlights on costuming, weaponry, and handmade items; puzzles; humanitarian, community, and volunteer updates; and book, gaming, live entertainment and movie reviews. While the focus of SL is submissions from those within the Tolkien community, SL is open to scholarly and creative submissions from other fandoms according to the theme of the up-coming issue.

Beach Chairs With Canopy like many beach chairs and outdoor chairs, are made of strong aluminum tubing and sturdy polyester material. These materials can handle more than 250 pounds of human weight. For more information or to contact the Editor, you are welcome to visit http://www.whitetreefund.org/silver_leaves.html.

A weekend of Talking Tolkien, friendship and Fellowship, academic talks and papers, a fiendish quiz, an Art Show, Merry & Pippin's Dance Workshop, a Dealers' Room, and Enyalië (act of remembrance at Tolkien's grave).

Oxonmoot is the special event of the Tolkien Society year held on a weekend close to Bilbo & Frodo's birthdays in an Oxford college. There is a range of activities such as academic talks & papers, workshops (see the Call for Papers below if you wish to offer something), new/second-hand and rare book dealers, an art show (with professional and amateur works), plus a quiet area where you can drink tea, fill up the corners and chat with old or new friends. Of course there is also a party including a masquerade (costume is optional) and entertainments. It is a great time for making new friends in the Society. On Sunday there is a wreath laying and short act of remembrance, Enyalië, at Tolkien's grave.

Registration Rates:

£28(members) or £33 (non-members), reduced rates for under-16s

up to 31^st July
(add £7.50 to each rate thereafter)

Accommodation and meals available within Lady Margaret Hall College separately (see booking form for details). Last date for advance bookings (registration, accommodation, and meals): 3^rd September '10. As noted above rates rise after 31^st July, day rates may be available later. E-mail enquiries: bookings AT tolkiensociety DOT org

If you wish to present a paper, chair a discussion, run a workshop, or otherwise educate and entertain your fellow Tolkien fans during the day, please contact dte AT Oxonmoot DOT org. Closing date for papers etc is 14^th August '10.

Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature

Jo Walton

Lifelode (NESFA Press)

Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature

Grace Lin

Where the Mountain Meets the Moon (Little, Brown)

Mythopoeic Scholarship Award in Inklings Studies

Dimitra Fimi

Tolkien, Race, and Cultural History: From Fairies to Hobbits (Palgrave Macmillan, 2009)

Mythopoeic Scholarship Award in Myth and Fantasy Studies

Marek Oziewicz

One Earth, One People: The Mythopoeic Fantasy Series of Ursula K. Le Guin, Lloyd Alexander, Madeleine L’Engle and Orson Scott Card (McFarland, 2008)

The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Adult Literature is given to the fantasy novel, multi-volume, or single-author story collection for adults published during 2009 that best exemplifies "the spirit of the Inklings." Books are eligible for two years after publication if not selected as a finalist during the first year of eligibility. Books from a series are eligible if they stand on their own; otherwise, the series becomes eligible the year its final volume appears. The Mythopoeic Fantasy Award for Children’s Literature honors books for younger readers (from "Young Adults" to picture books for beginning readers), in the tradition of The Hobbit or The Chronicles of Narnia. Rules for eligibility are otherwise the same as for the Adult Literature award. The question of which award a borderline book is best suited for will be decided by consensus of the committees.

The Mythopoeic Scholarship Award in Inklings Studies is given to books on Tolkien, Lewis, and/or Williams that make significant contributions to Inklings scholarship. For this award, books first published during the last three years (2007–2009) are eligible, including finalists for previous years. The Mythopoeic Scholarship Award in Myth and Fantasy Studies is given to scholarly books on other specific authors in the Inklings tradition, or to more general works on the genres of myth and fantasy. The period of eligibility is three years, as for the Inklings Studies award.

The winners of this year’s awards were announced at Mythcon XLI in Dallas, Texas, on July 11, 2010. A complete list of Mythopoeic Award winners is available on the Society web site:

http://www.mythsoc.org/awards.html

The finalists for the literature awards, text of recent acceptance speeches, and selected book reviews are also listed in this on-line section. For more information about the Mythopoeic Awards, please contact the Awards Administrator:

David D. Oberhelman
306 Edmon Low Library
Oklahoma State University Library
Stillwater, OK 74078
awards@mythsoc.org

"Oxford's Eagle and Child pub is to undergo a major facelift as part of a scheme to renovate buildings in a historic stretch of St Giles."

http://www.oxfordmail.co.uk/news/yourtown/oxford/8260195.Historic_Oxford_pub_to_get_a_revamp/

- wellinghall

Malcx from ADC sends this report along - really wish I could be there!

Unseen Original Tolkien Artwork

An annual Tolkien-inspired Art Exhibition, held at The Redesdale Hall, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos will, for the first time, feature an original Tolkien drawing from 1911.

It is the first public showing of the Original drawing of "Lamb’s Farm, Gedling" drawn by JRR Tolkien in 1911, and is significant because it shows an early version of the famous JRRT monogram, and also because it was in this location, inspired by a line from Crist by the Anglo-Saxon poet Cynewulf, that Tolkien later wrote a poem of his own, The Voyage of Earendil the Evening Star. From this small beginning, in the buildings shown in this picture, his epic "Silmarillion" began, that grew and eventually led over time to the creation of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

The drawing will be published in Wheelbarrows at Dawn, the biography of his brother, Hilary Tolkien, launched at this exhibition and, to mark this first public showing of the Original drawing and the books publication, a Limited Edition Print of the drawing – the last of only five created – will be auctioned on Saturday 14th Aug, with the monies raised going to Charity. Those interested can visit or send in sealed bids.

Renowned Tolkien artists Ted Nasmith (illustrator of the official 2010 Tolkien Calendar), Ruth Lacon, Jef Murray and Peter Pracownik will be exhibiting their latest Tolkien-inspired paintings at the 3 day annual event, and shall be attending in person throughout, giving talks about their work and meeting the public.

With a range of dealers offering books, memorabilia, music, swords and clothing, candles, waistcoats, bow-makers, and other talented Tolkien artists; Sunday also boasts a Tolkien Quiz, Masquerade, and a performance from "Tinkerscuss" live in the evening.

Not far from the Art Exhibition you can also visit the Four Shires Stone - used as basis for Three Farthing Stone in The Shire, and the Rollright Stones - upon which The Barrow Downs were based, with many other Tolkien-related sites within driving distance from this central location in the heart of Tolkien's Shire.

"Edge of the Wild" Tolkien-inspired Art Exhibition is open 14th – 16th August 2010 at The Redesdale Hall, Moreton-in-Marsh, Glos, from 9-5 pm. FREE Admission.

Contact malcx@adcbooks.co.uk for details. Latest online catalogue: www.adcbooks.co.uk

For those with Facebook access, the event page is:

http://www.facebook.com/pages/Moreton-in-Marsh-Glos/Edge-of-the-Wild-Tolkien-Art-Exhibition-Moreton-in-Marsh-Summer-2010/296358943709?ref=mf

where you can find pictures of previous exhibitions, examples of the Tolkien artwork on display, and many informative links about Tolkien, local places to area worth a visit and eateries.

"In a surprising but not altogether shocking development, Deadline is reporting that Peter Jackson has agreed to direct the two HOBBIT films and that he's finalizing his deal right now with Warner Bros., New Line and MGM. While the obvious fingers were pointed at Jackson after Guillermo del Toro somewhat abruptly left the film, Jackson didn't look like he'd have the contractual wiggle room to make it happen. Whatever deals he had with other studios though, he was able to get out of and return to the world of Tolkein.

Jackson will direct both of the HOBBIT films back-to-back. He'll be flying to London over the July 4th weekend to meet with actors and then back to Los Angeles shortly thereafter to view audition tapes for the film. It all sounds like, even despite MGM's financial woes, that THE HOBBIT could wind up happening sooner rather than later."

http://www.joblo.com/index.php?id=32743

- wellinghall