The lecture will take place at 6pm on Tuesday, 26th February, at the Pichette Auditorium, Pembroke College.

Marlon James is the author of the New York Times bestseller A Brief History of Seven Killings, The Book of Night Women, and John Crow's Devil. A Brief History of Seven Killings won the Man Booker Prize, the American Book Award and the Anisfield-Wolf Award for Fiction, and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. The Book of Night Women won the Minnesota Book Award and was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award, as well as the NAACP Image Award. Marlon James is a professor at Macalester College in St Paul. He divides his time between Minnesota and New York.

Jame's new novel, Black Leopard, Red Wolf, is the first part of a new fantasy trilogy first conceived as a response to J.R.R. Tolkien. It will be published in the UK on February 28th.

You can follow Marlon James on Twitter, and pre-order a copy of his novel here.

If you have any questions about the upcoming lecture, please contact us.

Since 2013 the students of Pembroke College have organised an annual public lecture in honour of J.R.R. Tolkien. The purpose of the lecture series is to promote speculative fiction — including, but not limited to, the fantasy genre — as literature worthy of study and scrutiny, and to advance our understanding of it by hearing from some of the most influential and talented people working in the field today.It also acts as a fitting memorial to Tolkien, who was Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Pembroke for twenty years, and who wrote The Hobbit and much of The Lord of the Rings during his time at the college.

The lectures are kindly sponsored by the Pembroke Annual Fund and The Kadas Family Charitable Foundation. More information on the series can be found on our website.

FAQs

Is this event open to people from outside Oxford University?

Absolutely! We look forward to welcoming everyone who wants to come.

Do I have to pay to attend?

No, the lecture is free to eveyone. However if you wish to make a donation to help us cover the costs of our drinks reception there is an option when you register. Any donations recieved are greatly appreciated and help us keep this event going.

How long does the event last?

The lecture will last one hour, including a Q&A. Afterwards there will be a short drinks reception.

Can I come to the dinner afterwards?

There will be limited spaces at a dinner with Marlon James. Please register your interest by contacting us.