This iconic representation of the cartography of Middle-earth was originally created by Christopher Tolkien (note the monogram below the compass rose), using the close input of his father. Toponyms like Mordor, the Shire, Helm’s Deep, and Rivendell bring to life many of the most memorable locations from the rich lore. Bold colors and striking geographic features provide a lively overview of one of the most popular fantasy worlds ever imagined – one that now spans a media empire encompassing books, movies, television shows, video games, and more. Published by Boston-based Houghton Mifflin in 1967 to accompany the second edition of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The copyright date on these books reflects Tolkien’s update of 1965, used to close a legal loophole that ‘allowed’ for the printing of pirated paperback copies.
