The Bovadium Fragments. Together with `the Origin of Bovadium` by Richard Ovenden

A newly discovered satirical fantasy by J.R.R. Tolkien, titled "The Bovadium Fragments," has been published for the first time. Edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, this work features illustrations by the author and is complemented by an essay named "The Origin of Bovadium," penned by Richard Ovenden OBE. In his introduction, Christopher Tolkien describes the piece as a satirical tale that emerged from a planning dispute in Oxford during the late 1940s when his father was the Merton Professor of English Language and Literature. Originally crafted for private amusement, the story humorously critiqued elements such as "archaeologists' pomposities" and "college crockery's hideousness." Simultaneously, it served as a pointed lament against the burgeoning dominance of motor vehicles and "machine-worship," reflecting Tolkien's concerns for the serenity of his cherished city.Accompanied by Tolkien's own illustrations alongside Christopher Tolkien’s commentary, the narrative offers a unique perspective on Oxford through the lens of speculative academic study. Richard Ovenden's essay provides an in-depth look at Oxford during this era and explores the contentious issues that sparked the debate Tolkien observed between city officials and university colleges. "The Bovadium Fragments," with its playful yet scholarly tone, explores themes of environmental fragility and resonates with the shared concerns of both father and son. As Christopher Tolkien's final curation of his father's work, this publication stands as a fitting close to their literary legacy.