Which Oxford literary group did J.R.R. Tolkien help make famous?

J.R.R. Tolkien was a prominent member of The Inklings, an informal Oxford literary discussion group.

The Inklings met mainly in Oxford during the 1930s and 1940s. Members read works in progress aloud, discussed literature, and shared criticism. C.S. Lewis was another leading member, and Tolkien’s friendship with Lewis was one of the group’s most important connections.

The group was not a formal society with a fixed membership list or official constitution. Its name was adopted from an earlier student literary club associated with Lewis. Meetings took place in college rooms and at the Eagle and Child pub, commonly known by its nickname, the Bird and Baby.

Tolkien read parts of The Lord of the Rings to fellow Inklings while the work was developing. The group did not write Tolkien’s books or publish them collectively; its importance lies in the encouragement and criticism its members gave one another.