Fantasy is now an established and lucrative genre with a dizzying array of popular iterations across literature, games, and film. But the story of how hobbits, dungeons, knights, and dragons took over our collective imaginations is a long, complex one, with many surprising twists and turns. Historian Justin M. Jacobs explores the origins of the modern fantasy genre, from the evolution of obscure Gothic novels to the iconic works of J.R.R. Tolkien, Robert E. Howard, and the co-creators of Dungeons & Dragons.   

Jacobs, a professor of Chinese and global history at American University, is the author of several books, including Plunder? How Museums Got Their Treasures. He is currently designing a tabletop roleplaying game inspired by Chinese history.

Session Information

J.R.R. Tolkien and High Fantasy

Now widely regarded as the father of the modern fantasy literary genre, J.R.R. Tolkien spent most of his life struggling to find anyone willing to take his so-called fairy tales seriously as respectable literature for adults. Jacobs explores the life and influences of the most influential fantasy writer of all time, highlighting how the after-hours diversions of an Oxford professor led to the elevation of what were originally seen as children’s fairy tales into the pantheon of a newly respected fantasy genre.

Additional Sessions of A History of Fantasy Series

• October 22: Evolution of Fantastic Storytelling
• October 29: Robert E. Howard and Pulp Fantasy
• November 12: The Creation of Dungeons & Dragons
• November 19: Fantasy After Dungeons & Dragons

General Information

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