The Tolkien Society’s 2012 Oxenmoot takes place September 21-23 at Lady Margaret Hall, Oxford. The annual event always coincides with the birthdays of Bilbo and Frodo, but the date is especially significant this year because it occurs on the 75th anniversary of The Hobbit’s publication on September 21, 1937. Tolkien’s popular book has been translated into over 50 languages and sold an estimated 100 million copies worldwide.

Helen Armstrong, Oxonmoot’s chair, further promises “We have a little surprise for attendees in honour of this momentous occasion.”

The Tolkien Society was founded in 1969 by Vera Chapman. Tolkien himself supported the organization and gave it his seal of approval by agreeing to become The Tolkien Society’s President. On Tolkien’s death the family recommended he stay as President, therefore he continues as The Tolkien Society’s Honorary President in perpetuo. (And here I thought that “Death will not release you” clause was exclusive to LASFS!)