Tolkien: The Theology & Philosophy of ‘The Lord of the Rings’

Join us at St Wilfrid's Hall, the Brompton Oratory, on Jan 30th for, 'Tolkien: The Theology & Philosophy of ‘The Lord of the Rings.’

This event will be a book launch of Fr Michael Halsall's newest book, 'A Light from the Shadows: A Theological & Philosophical Journey Through the Writings of JRR Tolkien’.

It will also be the live podcast recording of a lively conversation between Pierpaolo Finaldi and author Fr Michael Halsall, exploring Tolkien's Catholic faith and philosophy.

Where & When
St Wilfrid's Hall at the Brompton Oratory

Friday, Jan 30th 2026

Ticket price
£15

Format of the night
6:30 Arrivals
6:45 Introduction by Pierpaolo Finaldi
6:50 Talk from Fr Michael
7:10 Live Podcast - hosted by Pierpaolo Finaldi
8 Q&A
8:20 Drinks Reception & Book Signing
9:30 Ends

About the book
This is not a biography of JRR Tolkien. But, ‘no author writes in a vacuum’ (as the author of this book, Fr Michael J Halsall reminds us), so there are abundant biographical details in this considered commentary on the demonstrably Catholic framework of Tolkien’s writings: his experiences as a scholar, an army officer, and a husband and father. All these facets of a life are keys to unlocking Tolkien’s perspective on his own work.

This book takes the reader on a journey alongside the characters of Middle Earth who so vividly exemplify the key themes of Tolkien’s literary project: the urgency of re-enchanting our narratives, the reality of the struggle between good and evil, the question of what it meant to be virtuous, and finally, what the inescapability of death and what lies beyond it means for each and every person.

About Fr Michael
Fr Michael Halsall is a priest of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham, and presently serves as Episcopal Vicar for Vocations & Formation, covering England, Scotland, and Wales. His recent book - 'Creation and Beauty in Tolkien's Catholic Vision' - explores the philosophical themes in Tolkien's crafted creation narratives, alongside those of the Christian tradition. His newest book is , ‘A Light from the Shadows: A Theological & Philosophical Journey Through the Writings of JRR Tolkien’.