The Atlas of Middle-earth provides many detailed maps of the lands described in Tolkien's books. The maps are treated as if they are of real landscapes, drawn according to the rules of a real atlas. For each area the history of the land is taken into account, as well as geography on a larger scale; from there maps are drawn. [7] Fonstad's discussion includes suggestions as to the geology that could explain various formations, and points that are contradictory between multiple accounts. Fonstad explains in the atlas, and in her article about it, how she came to decide on such matters. For example, she compares the western Emyn Muil with its two ridges to the Weald with its pair of inward-facing downs (an anticline). [2] Hundreds of two-color maps and diagrams survey the journeys of the principal characters day by day -- including all the battles and key locations of the First, Second, and Third Ages. Plans and descriptions of castles, buildings, and distinctive landforms are given, along with thematic maps describing the climate, vegetation, languages, and population distribution of Middle-earth throughout its history. An extensive appendix and an index help readers correlate the maps with Tolkien's novels. The depictions of Valinor and its relation to Middle-Earth were awe-inspiring, especially in relation to the myths and events narrated in the Silmarillion.

Brisbois, Michael J. (2005). "Tolkien's Imaginary Nature: An Analysis of the Structure of Middle-earth". Tolkien Studies. Project Muse. 2 (1): 197–216. doi: 10.1353/tks.2005.0009. ISSN 1547-3163. S2CID 170238657. a b c d e Fonstad, Karen Wynn (with prefatory note by Verlyn Flieger) (2006). "Writing "TO" the Map". Tolkien Studies. 3 (1): 133–136. doi: 10.1353/tks.2006.0018. ISSN 1547-3163. S2CID 170599010. Second Age: Númenor time (foundation, rise and fall). Ends with the Last Alliance of Elves and Men defeating Sauron. Isildur cuts Sauron's finger and takes the Ring. Númenor is submerged. Sauron’s body is destroyed but his spirit survives. No surprise, but I loved this book. I love Tolkien and I love maps. It doesn't get much better than this!

The maps are organised first by period, with chapters on the First, Second, and Third Ages of Middle-earth. [10] A chapter covers regional maps, and a short chapter focuses on The Hobbit. [11] A major chapter follows the action in The Lord of the Rings. [12] The book ends with a chapter of thematic maps, illustrating the landforms, climate, vegetation, population, and languages of Middle-earth. [13] Reception [ edit ] Fonstad created "the most comprehensive set" of thematic maps of Middle-earth, such as Frodo and Sam's route to Mount Doom to destroy the One Ring. [7]

The main regional maps of the Third Age are big and nice to look at: Shire, Misty Mountains, Mordor and others are all portrayed in detail. Included are also maps of the pathways taken by the various protagonists in LOtR, the Hobbit, the Silmarillion, so you can see which lands and landmarks the Fellowship, Merry + Pippin, Aragorn + Gimli + Legolas, Bilbo, Turin, etc. actually passed by. You can gaze at the interiors of the Prancing Pony, Isengard, Minas Tirith, Mount Doom, et al. Shelton, Luke (19 February 2021). "The Best (And Worst) Reference Books For Tolkien". Luke Shelton . Retrieved 29 October 2021. Karen Wynn Fonstad's THE ATLAS OF MIDDLE-EARTH is an essential volume that will enchant all Tolkien fans. Here is the definitive guide to the geography of Middle-earth, from its founding in the Elder Days through the Third Age, including the journeys of Bilbo, Frodo, and the Fellowship of the Ring. Authentic and updated -- nearly one third of the maps are new, and the text is fully revised -- the atlas illuminates the enchanted world created in THE SILMARILLION, THE HOBBIT, and THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Really cool book with maps of Middle-Earth across time. It also facilitates understanding the changes that happened in the various Ages. There are also some thematic maps: where each race lived and prospered; where the Great Plague spread; political maps across the ages; climate, vegetation, languages.It is a tremendous reference for all four novels in Tolkien's epic fantasy, with hand-drawn maps of all the regions of Middle Earth from First Age to Fourth, dated route maps of both Bilbo's journey to the Lonely Mountain and Frodo's journey to Mt. Doom, and maps of all the large battles, including the ones in Lorien, Mirkwood, and Dale that are only referenced in passing in the text. I love maps. One of the best parts about a fantasy series for me is a map that's had some thought put into it. I love opening the cover of a book and seeing the world laid out, and trying to imagine what it looks like before I read. What's on the other side of those mountains? Who lives in a city named "Fairhaven"? Sometimes the actual world doesn't measure up to the wonder inspired by the map, but there's still that beautiful moment at the beginning when everything is new and strange.

Bratman, David (2007). "Studies in English on the works of J.R.R. Tolkien". The Tolkien Estate . Retrieved 29 October 2021.Middle-earth is the fictional world created by the philologist and fantasy author J. R. R. Tolkien and presented in his bestselling books The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954–1955). [4] Tolkien provided overview maps for each book. [5] Book [ edit ] Publication history [ edit ] I'm rereading The Lord of the Rings as I do every few years since my freshman English teacher gave the books to me in high school. Many years later I stumbled across a copy of this book in a used book store and pounced on it. It is hard to believe that I haven't written a review of this wonderful book. The "Atlas of Middle-earth" is one of those resources that help to open up Tolkien's work for the reader in a way that adds to one's understanding of the original works. It is helpful to have multiple maps with explanatory material there to help the reader to visualize the geography and routes of all of the major works of J.R.R. Tolkien.