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The Bovadium Fragments: Together with ‘The Origin of Bovadium’ by Richard Ovenden O.B.E. Hardcover – 9 Oct. 2025 by J. R. R. Tolkien (Author), Christopher Tolkien (Editor)
World first publication of a previously unknown short satirical fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, and accompanied by illustrations from the author together with an essay, The Origin of Bovadium, by Richard Ovenden OBE.
UK
Publisher : HarperCollins (9 Oct. 2025) Language : English Hardcover : 144 pages ISBN-13 : 978-0008737764 Dimensions : 14.9 x 1.2 x 22.8 cm
Publisher : William Morrow (18 Nov. 2025) Language : English Hardcover : 144 pages ISBN-13 : 978-0063479081
eBook
The story in referenced in J.R.R. Tolkien: A Biography by Humphrey Carpenter
‘Mr Bliss’ was not the only composition by Tolkien owing its inspiration to motor transport. ‘The Bovadium Fragments’ (perhaps composed early in the nineteen-sixties) is a parable of the destruction of Oxford (Bovadium) by the motores manufactured by the Daemon of Vaccipratum (a reference to Lord Nuffield and his motor-works at Cowley) which block the streets, asphyxiate the inhabitants, and finally explode.
I swear these "new book" posts can fix almost any malady going on in my life. I had settled in to assuming this would never see the light of day! How exciting.
I have not been informed about this, but I do not expect a Deluxe edition. However, if it sells well and gets a paperback edition, then they may consider it.
I have had some info on the cover
The cover will be revealed in the next few days, I think. It’s designed by Emily Langfordhttps://www.instagram.com/emdoesbooks/[1] based on a picture by Tolkien – it’s quite unlike any other cover we’ve done, although we have been at pains to ensure that the spines will match!
Wonderful news, didn’t think this would ever get published. Makes you hopeful for what else will emerge from the Bodliean and or CT’s papers in the future.
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