Report from the November, 2005, Past Watchful Dragons conference, Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee.

The Past Watchful Dragons conference was a delight. Tolkien and Lewis fans from all over the country and from several foreign countries converged to share their interest and research in the lives and writings of these men and other writers who have shared their interest in literature. A list of those speaking at the event can be found at the website for the conference, linked above. There were so many people speaking that we were not able to attend all the meetings but what we were able to hear was very interesting. According to Dr. Amy Sturgis, one of the organisers of the event, there is a likelihood that the papers will be published, hopefully next year. If they are, we will announce the publication on this website. The folks at Belmont were very hospitable and we sincerely hope they will host another conference like this in the future.

Rev. and Mrs. Beckmann meet Douglas Gresham, step-son of C. S. Lewis, author and co-producer of the new movie The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. Mr. Gresham has just published a new biography on Lewis entitled Jack's Life, which we highly recommend. The book contributes a number of personal insights into the life of Lewis. Our Society will view a 30 minute interview with Mr. Gresham at our November meeting on the 18th.


Rev. Beckmann talks to Bob Trexler, Editor of the Bulletin of the New York C. S. Lewis Society.


One of the panels of speakers at the conference, from left to right: Harley Sims of the University of Toronto, Rev. Beckmann, and Randy Pope, of Hattisburg, Mississippi.


Rev. Beckmann giving his address, "Fairy Tales: The Imaginary Worlds of J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis." Rev. Beckmann will present his paper at our society's meeting in February, 2006.

Return to the C. S. Lewis Society of Chattanooga Home Page.