Title: The Shaping of Middle-Earth
Subtitle: the Quenta, the Ambarkanta, and the annals, together with the earliest 'Silmarillion' and the first map
First published: 1986
Description: 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.
Subjects: English Fantasy literature, Literary collections, Middle Earth (Imaginary place), English Fantastic literature, British and irish fiction (fictional works by one author), Fiction, fantasy, general, Middle earth (imaginary place), fiction, Fiction, science fiction, general, Textual Criticism