J
J.R.R. Tolkien
The History of Middle-earth
The History of Middle-earth
12 books
Complete series
About this series
Explore the evolution of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth with this comprehensive series. It presents early drafts, linguistic explorations, and expanded lore, offering a unique look into the creation of a beloved fantasy world.
Books
The Book of Lost Tales
The History of Middle-earth #1No cover available
The Book of Lost Tales 2
The History of Middle-earth #2
The Lays of Beleriand
Poetry
The History of Middle-earth #3
The Shaping of Middle-earth
The History of Middle-earth Series #4
The Lost Road and Other Writings
The History of Middle-earth Series #5
The return of the shadow
The History of Middle-earth #6
The Treason of Isengard
The History of The Lord of the Rings #2
The War of the Ring
The History of The Lord of the Rings #3
Sauron Defeated
The History of Middle-earth #9
Morgoth’s Ring
The History of Middle-earth #10
The War of the Jewels
The History of Middle-earth Series #11
The Peoples of Middle-earth
The History of Middle-earth Series #12Similar series
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Frequently asked questions
What is the recommended reading order for The History of Middle-earth?
The series is not meant to be read in a linear fashion like a typical narrative. It is a scholarly collection of Tolkien's drafts and notes, best approached by readers already familiar with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, who wish to delve deeper into the evolution of his mythology.
How does The History of Middle-earth relate to The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit?
This series provides the foundational material and early versions of the stories, characters, and languages that eventually formed The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. It offers insight into Tolkien's creative process and the extensive lore he developed for Middle-earth.
Are there any new stories or previously unpublished works in The History of Middle-earth?
The series primarily compiles and analyzes Tolkien's unpublished manuscripts, early drafts, and linguistic notes, many of which were not publicly available before its publication. It presents the development of his mythology rather than entirely new, complete narratives.
Who edited The History of Middle-earth series?
The entire series was meticulously edited by Christopher Tolkien, J.R.R. Tolkien's son, who compiled and organized his father's extensive papers after his death.