Poems and prose maps and chronologies detours and diversions along the road to Middleearth . . . 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. This fourth volume of The History of Middleearth 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 Middleearths 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. The Shaping of Middleearth presents a solid framework by which to trace the development of the early lore of Middleearth. It is a truly indispensable reference work for those familiar with the history of that endlessly beloved landand fascinating reading for those just entering that world. show more