The shaping of Middle-earth

the Quenta, the Ambarkanta, and the annals, together with the earliest 'Silmarillion' and the first map

Hardcover, 380 pages

English language

Published Nov. 13, 1986 by Houghton Mifflin.

ISBN:
978-0-395-42501-5
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3 stars (1 review)

In this truly indispensable reference, trace the development of the early lore of Middle-earth. Poems and prose, maps and chronologies, detours and diversions along the road to Middle-earth -- Christopher Tolkien has gathered archival materials that his late father, J.R.R. Tolkien, used to create the world and the history behind his classic stories. The Shaping of Middle-earth presents early versions of those first tales, from the creation myth to the fall of Morgoth. Writings include a chronology of the events in Beleriand, the first Silmarillion map, and the only known description of the physical nature of Middle-earth's universe. Detailed annotations highlight changes ranging from the spelling of Elvish names to pivotal emendations whose effects reach even to the War of the Ring. This extraordinary book will be fascinating reading for those just entering this world -- and a delight for fans of this endlessly beloved land. - Back cover.

8 editions

Subjects

  • Middle Earth (Imaginary place) -- Literary collections
  • Fantasy literature, English