Last Updated on February 11, 2024 by Iain
The Inklings: Oxford’s Legendary Literary Group
The Inklings were a group of writers, poets, and intellectuals who met regularly in Oxford during the 1930s and 1940s.
This group, which included some of the most celebrated British authors of the twentieth century, left an indelible mark on literature and the way we think about fantasy, faith, and friendship.
In this post, we’ll explore who the Inklings were, their meetings, key members, and their lasting impact on literature and culture.
Who Were the Inklings?
The Inklings were more than just a literary group; they were a fellowship of friends who shared a love for storytelling, mythology, and the exploration of religious themes through fiction.
They gathered to read and critique each other’s work, providing feedback and encouragement in a time when the literary landscape was rapidly changing.
Meetings and Gatherings
The Inklings met regularly in Oxford, primarily in two locations: the Eagle and Child pub, affectionately known as “The Bird and Baby,” and the rooms of C.S. Lewis at Magdalen College.
These meetings were informal, with members reading aloud from their works in progress, followed by discussion and critique. The atmosphere was one of camaraderie and intellectual challenge, fostering an environment where ideas could flourish.
Key Members
While the Inklings had no official membership or charter, several key figures were central to the group:
C.S. Lewis (Clive Staples Lewis)
- Born: November 29, 1898, Belfast, Ireland
- Died: November 22, 1963, Oxford, England
- Occupation: Scholar, novelist, author
- Notable Works: “The Chronicles of Narnia,” “Mere Christianity,” “The Screwtape Letters”
- Biography: C.S. Lewis was an Irish-born scholar and author of about 40 books, many on Christian apologetics. His most famous works include “The Chronicles of Narnia,” a series of seven children’s books that have become classics of fantasy literature. Lewis had rejected Christianity in his early teens and lived as an atheist through his 20s, turning to theism in 1930 and Christianity shortly after, partly with the help of his close friend J.R.R. Tolkie
J.R.R. Tolkien (John Ronald Reuel Tolkien)
- Born: January 3, 1892, Bloemfontein, South Africa
- Died: September 2, 1973, Bournemouth, England
- Occupation: Writer, scholar
- Notable Works: “The Hobbit,” “The Lord of the Rings”
- Biography: Tolkien was an English writer and scholar, best known for his children’s book “The Hobbit” and the epic fantasy “The Lord of the Rings.” His work on “The Silmarillion,” a prequel to “The Lord of the Rings,” was completed posthumously by his son, Christopher. Tolkien’s writings have had a profound impact on modern fantasy literature
Owen Barfield
- Born: November 9, 1898, London, England
- Died: December 14, 1997, Forest Row, England
- Occupation: Philosopher, author, poet
- Notable Works: “Poetic Diction: A Study in Meaning”
- Biography: Owen Barfield was an English philosopher, author, poet, critic, and member of the Inklings. His work “Poetic Diction” is recognized as a definitive study in literary fields. Barfield’s influence extends to various influential writers and poets, including T.S. Eliot and Saul Bellow. He was a close friend of C.S. Lewis, significantly influencing Lewis’s philosophical and theological thought
Charles Williams
- Born: September 20, 1886, London, England
- Died: May 15, 1945, Oxford, England
- Occupation: Poet, novelist, playwright, theologian, literary critic
- Notable Works: Contributions to Arthurian fiction, Christian mysticism
- Biography: Charles Williams was an English poet, novelist, playwright, theologian, and literary critic. He was known for his works on Christian mysticism and modern Arthurian fiction. Williams’s unique blend of theology, romance, and spiritual conflict has made a lasting impact on English literature, contributing significantly to the mythopoeic foundations explored by the Inklings.
Regular Members
- Jack A.W. Bennett
- Lord David Cecil
- Nevill Coghill
- Hugo Dyson
- Adam Fox
- Robert Havard
- Warren Lewis (C.S. Lewis’s elder brother)
- Christopher Tolkien (J.R.R. Tolkien’s son)
More Infrequent Visitors
- Colin Hardie
- Fr. Gervase Matthew
- Charles Leslie Wrenn
- C.E. Stevens
- James Dundas-Grant
- R.B. McCallum
- Percy Bates
- Walter Hooper
- John Walsh
- Martin Gilbert
- John David Arnett
- Jon Fromke
- E.R. Eddison (author of the fantasy novels The Worm Ouroboros and the Zimiamvia trilogy)
- Roy Campbell
- John Wain (although he attended some Inklings meetings, Wain didn’t identify himself as part of the group)
It’s important to note that while the group was primarily male and many of its members shared a Christian faith, it was not exclusively Christian.
The Inklings included atheists and members with other beliefs, reflecting a diversity of thought and belief within their discussions and literary critiques.
The Impact of the Inklings
The Inklings’ influence on literature and popular culture cannot be overstated. They played a pivotal role in the revival of fantasy literature, demonstrating that stories of myth, magic, and morality could have profound depth and appeal to adults as well as children.
Literary Contributions
The works of the Inklings spanned a wide range of genres, from fantasy and science fiction to poetry, academic works, and Christian apologetics. Their collective output has been celebrated for its imagination, depth of thought, and the exploration of themes such as good versus evil, redemption, and the power of myth.
Cultural Legacy
Beyond their literary contributions, the Inklings left a legacy of intellectual rigor combined with imaginative exploration. They showed how friendship and shared values could foster creativity and impact the world. Today, the Inklings inspire writers, scholars, and readers who are drawn to the intersection of faith, fantasy, and philosophy.
Conclusion
The Inklings were more than a literary group; they were a phenomenon that bridged the worlds of academia and popular literature, leaving a lasting legacy on both. Their meetings in Oxford may have concluded decades ago, but the works they produced and the ideals they championed continue to inspire and captivate.
As we reflect on the Inklings and their contributions, it’s clear that their spirit of camaraderie, intellectual exploration, and creative courage is something that remains relevant and powerful today. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to their works, the Inklings have left an indelible mark on the literary world, one that continues to inspire generations of writers and readers alike.
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