The Book Lover's Guide to Oxford

Renowned for its links with Tolkien, C S Lewis, Lewis Carroll, and Morse writer Colin Dexter; Oxford’s literary and film associations are diverse and wide ranging from King Arthur to Harry Potter. Ever since its foundation in the eleventh century, Oxford University has attracted authors ranging from Gerald of Wales to the Mitford sisters and Philip Pullman, many of whom studied ar the various Colleges. Shakespeare is just one of the many writers who spent time in Oxford, or have used it as a location for their stories. This is an area full of literary associations, with authors such as Agatha Christie having lived only a short distance away. Wherever you go in and around Oxford, there are literary links to be found as well as connected film and TV locations. It has been nicknamed ‘the murder capital of the UK’ due to the sheer number of murders based here by writers and film productions. Exploring these links attracts thousands of people every year. This book provides an informative, entertaining background to this longstanding literary involvement. Discover the world of Oxford, its Town and Gown links, and how nearby places Blenheim and Wantage have contributed to create a booklovers paradise. Find the Narnia door and lamppost, sit beside a statue of Agatha Christie, explore locations linked to the Dark Materials trilogy, the tavern where Shakespeare stayed, and Dylan Thomas’ home. Drink in the pubs frequented by Inspector Morse and Tolkien.