I have the leather-bound Easton Press version of this book. It would have been difficult to follow the Silmarillion without it. Correction: the version I have is The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad.
wow that's amazing. i bought fonstad's book in paperback which kinda sucks. HOw is the leatherbound to reaed thru btw? does it allow you to open flat to enjoy the 2page maps more?
I think Maps are one of the reasons why Nerd of the Rings succeeded so fast on RUclips. So many new fans could not crack the Silmarillion, however, when they watch him it is all visualised.
It's uncanny. I thought he was there for a long time and then I realized he only became popular in (Post-)Covid era. My favorite channel on the topic alongside Brewing Books 😅 (I actually really enjoyed your blog back in the day and it helped be find my way into Tolkien, especially the Tipp, to make proper use of maps - which brings this comment full circle I guess).
I've had two of the maps laminated, Beleriand and Middle - Earth, hanging on my walls for years now. I got them in the paperback editions, each a separate product with the same text as the one you showed. These are hard to find now so I am so glad I purchased them when I did! For an overall accompaniment to the books, Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas of Middle - Earth is an essential part of any serious study of the Legendarium as is The Complete Tolkien Companion by J.E.A.Tyler. I would also add David Day's 6 book series as well. Looking forward to the tour of your bookshelves James and your continued series of videos on the professor's works!
I do like the look of this as a collectors piece and the artwork is stunning. However, I have my reservations about using these maps as a reference when reading the books, partly due to their size (I'm not sure I would necessarily have space to have a map of this size spread out next to me all the time while I'm reading and I wouldn't want to have to keep unfolding and refolding it every time I need to check something) and partly due to the fact that they don't seem to provide any more detail than the maps already included in the books - which I've always found to be perfectly adequate as a general reference. However, I'm glad you mentioned Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas. Having recently purchased it myself, as I've been re-reading the Lord of the Rings I've found it's added hugely to my ability to get my heead around some of the more detailed aspects of the geography, and it's a convenient size to have next to me when I'm reading. As an aside, one thing I keep finding in relation to the maps and geographyof Middle Earth in general is that for some reason when I'm reading descriptions of landscapes and journeys in the books I always tend to imagine them on a much smaller scale than they are shown to actually be when referring to one of the maps. For example, when Frodo and Sam are at the Isenmouthe inside Mordor it describes how they look over the plain of Gorgoroth towards Mount Doom and the Barad-Dur. In the picture that forms in my minds eye they are only a few miles away - perhaps a few hours walk - but the maps shows they are actually still 50-60 miles (and several days walk) away! This sort of thing happens frequently despite my best attempts! Perhaps it is something to do with living in the UK where even the most dramatic and wild landscapes are usually on quite a small scale...
Thanks for your input :) It's true, these maps are quite awkward to handle at times; I just love the large paper size of them. It makes for such a tactile experience somehow...
I actually wanted to get these books, too, mainly because I tend to be a "completionist" but I actually dislike the map design a lot. But it's nice you and others love it so much!
@@brewingbooks IMO the design looks pretty outdated and just hits the unlucky middle-ground between "modern design" and "design, that's so old, it's nice to look at again". An older design which has more charm would be Pauline Baynes' "A Map of Middle-earth" while a more modern map can look like one from an artist called alba named "Mapa Tierra Media póster"
Great video! This was very helpful. It's much easier to grasp how big these maps are when presented that way. After watching this, I want to place an order for this "book" immediately! 😁
Great video and I’m jealous that you have the 2 volume set. The latest version is only one small book and the maps are about half the size of those in the original. Buyer beware, as the new format is quite a let down. Love your reviews though!
Another great video, thanks James! I was wondering if you planned to do a video on "The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún" (noticed your copy of it over your left shoulder in this video, and can't recall a video by you on it)?
I received this boxset as a Christmas gift from my parents shortly after the Peter Jackson films came out (which began my life-long Tolkien obsession). I still have it, and in very nice condition-- though, I still want to have the maps properly framed to hang in my library someday: they are absolutely gorgeous. I read the Silmarillion for the first time ever shortly after receiving this set, and it was incredibly helpful and enhancing to my reading experience to have this big, beautiful map of Beleriand sprawled out in front of me as I read. I especially love the map of Wilderland from the Hobbit: it's a less detailed map, which allowed John Howe to go ham with illustrations; I also always loved the diorama-like perspective of that particular map. Edit to add: the accompanying book also happens to contain probably my all-time favorite John Howe illustration; it's called "Descent to Rivendell" and there's also a cropped version of it on the book's front cover. I don't know why I love that illustration so much-- I just find it so evocative of Tolkien's world (the rich and ancient lore, the mystery, the longing and nostalgia for ages gone) and everything I love about escaping to that world.
Fonstad’s bookmis certainly a must if you’re interested in the geography of the lands. It helps readers visualize Tolkien’s descriptions (which are sometimes, admittedly, quite complex to comprehend) This Sibley/Howe “book” is great in its own rights simply due to its colourful and artistic nature. Plus, you get a set of large scale maps which is always great! 😁
Nice, but too big to be a practical reference while reading. What I'd really like is a set of 12x9 laminated card stock maps! The Atlas book of maps is great however!
I have it too. John Howe is my favorite out of the famous trio of illustrators. I would really appreciate if Harpercollins UK could publish a 12 volumes hardback versions of Howe's paperback frontcover editions.
In my judgement this Atlas seems to be head and shoulders above the maps you talked about in this video. So I'm looking forward to watching you discuss that particular book.
Just bought the Brian Sibley version, beware, things have changed and as usual, not for the better. No longer in a slip case and maps are not only loose within the book, but are no longer glossy, and far smaller. Was so looking forward to this, now very disappointed. The maps are still folded, but nowhere near as large. Anyway, thanks for all your videos James, and your lovely one of your trip to New Zealand
These are more like beautiful giant posters than real maps. I prefer Atlas of Middle-earth book or perhaps even more Journeys of Frodo by Barbara Strachey.
i have the fonstad book, which is awesome, very fun to look thru the maps as you're reading. But the binding was genuinely "someone needs to get fired" bad. I'm not complaining about paper and glue on a $30 book but it 100% needed the kind of binding that road atlas' use (back when they where a thing). Still cheap but it was bound in a way to allow for pages to be opened flat so maps that were drawn across 2 pages would be able to be viewed fully.
@@brewingbooks it's not really the cost the bigger issue was that it made it impossible to see the inside edge of any page... Maybe i can get it rebound?
It is purely a cost saving exercise. HarperCollins have reissued a number of Tolkien books without a slipcase. So far the retail price of these has remained the same...
Beautiful set! I always have a copy of the atlas of middle-earth as well as the complete guide to middle-earth out as a reference while I am reading, but I might have to grab a copy of this as well for additional reference (Also to add to the beauty of my collection. Just like Bilbo, I am a sucker for maps!)
So it would seem :/ though there are some second-hand copies around the net. As for your Gondolin question, one happens to be a standard copy, the other is signed by Alan Lee :)
Interesting, I might pick these up to cover my wall. But while we're talking about maps, you teased Fonstad's Atlas at the end and I got a question about it if you don't mind spoiling the your future video a little bit. From what I could gather online, it was first published somewhere in the 90's but got revised a few times to correct some inaccuracies. If I'm not mistaken, you're holding up the 2017 Harper Collins edition, correct? Can you tell me if that edition is the final corrected (most accurate) one? I've seen conflicting takes online about this so I figured it best to consult your expert opinion. Book Depository is closing down in a week and I'm frantically picking up anything Tolkien-related while I still can. Thanks in advance!
Hi sorry for my delayed reply. I believe my copy of the Atlas of actually 2004 or 2005. I’ve also heard as you rightly say that the 2017 should have remedied any typos or inconsistencies but I’m afraid I cannot verified that as I do not have that particular edition 🙁
@@brewingbooks Hey no worries. I already ordered the latest 2017 edition and it should arrive in the mail any day now. It only makes sense for the latest edition to be the most accurate one, but I wanted to check with you just in case if you have any further insight into the matter :)
hi I am your subscriber from Türkiye I want buy the Lord of the Rings grey cover (The flexible one). Its cheap but nowadays we can't buy anything from abroad over the 30 euro because of a new law .Can you help me for this problem maybe you can share a website
I think the picture at the bottom of The Hobbit map is the dwarves gathering at Bag End rather than the Unexpected Party.I use Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas which has considerably more detail than these maps and for that reason I haven't got this set. But it seems you are secretly getting commission from Harper Collins (no, I know you are not,nits just that seeing them opened and shown properly always depletes my bank balance when you show something I don't have 🙄). I would really like these to have all the detail Karen added, but nevertheless I shall be off to see if I can get this direct from Harper Collins before midnight tonight. I have already had to buy a new Atlas because my original is starting to suffer from its years of use.
@brewingbooks You are, of course, absolutely correct. I have no idea what I was thinking of! I lost a comment yesterday so I shall put it here as the opportunity arises. I found your channel a few weeks ago and have been binge-watching (maybe it's addled what I like laughingly to refer to as my brain). Excellent content, but not good for my bank balance. I really liked the Silmarillion reading, though it stopped short somewhat. Now, many people like to say that Tolkien was creating a sort of English environment and you might think reading with another accent would not work, but I find your accent (no idea where it's from) is really suited to this material, for me. Perhaps you should do audio books? Anyway, thanks for the great content, which I am loving.
I just bought a 3rd party middle earth map while for beleriand and numenor, I had to draw it by hand on canvas paper. Afterwards I stuck it on the wall beside the chair where I read for ease of glancing. I find it annoying having to flip through the back or front of the book every now and then just to look at the map. This would have been nice for me but I think taking the map and sticking it on the wall, as I have, is such a waste of everything else that is included in thr package.
But Tolkien lied. Reading The History of Middle-earth makes it blatantly obvious that he didn't begin with a map and made the story fit. When he began writing Fellowship there was no map showing anything south of the map in the Hobbit. The map was drawn and edited as he wrote, with distances changing and places moving as he wrote - Christopher Tolkien goes to great pains to document this in the HoME books.
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I have the leather-bound Easton Press version of this book. It would have been difficult to follow the Silmarillion without it. Correction: the version I have is The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad.
An Easton Press edition of Fonstad's book? That's amazing! Well done to you my friend :)
wow that's amazing. i bought fonstad's book in paperback which kinda sucks. HOw is the leatherbound to reaed thru btw? does it allow you to open flat to enjoy the 2page maps more?
I reallyreallyreallyreally want a hardcover edition of that. It doesn't even have to be a first edition, I'll gladly buy a reprint!
I was referencing maps using the atlas by Fonstad. It had alot of detail and was a great companion. But this set has beautiful artwork.
Fonstad's is perhaps the undisputed book of books about Tolkien's maps.
I think Maps are one of the reasons why Nerd of the Rings succeeded so fast on RUclips. So many new fans could not crack the Silmarillion, however, when they watch him it is all visualised.
That's interesting! Never knew ...
It's uncanny. I thought he was there for a long time and then I realized he only became popular in (Post-)Covid era. My favorite channel on the topic alongside Brewing Books 😅
(I actually really enjoyed your blog back in the day and it helped be find my way into Tolkien, especially the Tipp, to make proper use of maps - which brings this comment full circle I guess).
I've had two of the maps laminated, Beleriand and Middle - Earth, hanging on my walls for years now. I got them in the paperback editions, each a separate product with the same text as the one you showed. These are hard to find now so I am so glad I purchased them when I did!
For an overall accompaniment to the books, Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas of Middle - Earth is an essential part of any serious study of the Legendarium as is The Complete Tolkien Companion by J.E.A.Tyler. I would also add David Day's 6 book series as well.
Looking forward to the tour of your bookshelves James and your continued series of videos on the professor's works!
Well said! And thanks for your kind words :) Actually laminating such maps is a great idea!
I do like the look of this as a collectors piece and the artwork is stunning. However, I have my reservations about using these maps as a reference when reading the books, partly due to their size (I'm not sure I would necessarily have space to have a map of this size spread out next to me all the time while I'm reading and I wouldn't want to have to keep unfolding and refolding it every time I need to check something) and partly due to the fact that they don't seem to provide any more detail than the maps already included in the books - which I've always found to be perfectly adequate as a general reference.
However, I'm glad you mentioned Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas. Having recently purchased it myself, as I've been re-reading the Lord of the Rings I've found it's added hugely to my ability to get my heead around some of the more detailed aspects of the geography, and it's a convenient size to have next to me when I'm reading.
As an aside, one thing I keep finding in relation to the maps and geographyof Middle Earth in general is that for some reason when I'm reading descriptions of landscapes and journeys in the books I always tend to imagine them on a much smaller scale than they are shown to actually be when referring to one of the maps. For example, when Frodo and Sam are at the Isenmouthe inside Mordor it describes how they look over the plain of Gorgoroth towards Mount Doom and the Barad-Dur. In the picture that forms in my minds eye they are only a few miles away - perhaps a few hours walk - but the maps shows they are actually still 50-60 miles (and several days walk) away! This sort of thing happens frequently despite my best attempts! Perhaps it is something to do with living in the UK where even the most dramatic and wild landscapes are usually on quite a small scale...
Thanks for your input :) It's true, these maps are quite awkward to handle at times; I just love the large paper size of them. It makes for such a tactile experience somehow...
I actually wanted to get these books, too, mainly because I tend to be a "completionist" but I actually dislike the map design a lot. But it's nice you and others love it so much!
I’m interested in your opinion on what you think makes these not very likeable if you care to share 🙂
@@brewingbooks IMO the design looks pretty outdated and just hits the unlucky middle-ground between "modern design" and "design, that's so old, it's nice to look at again". An older design which has more charm would be Pauline Baynes' "A Map of Middle-earth" while a more modern map can look like one from an artist called alba named "Mapa Tierra Media póster"
Great video!
This was very helpful. It's much easier to grasp how big these maps are when presented that way.
After watching this, I want to place an order for this "book" immediately! 😁
Glad it helped!
Great video and I’m jealous that you have the 2 volume set. The latest version is only one small book and the maps are about half the size of those in the original. Buyer beware, as the new format is quite a let down. Love your reviews though!
Thanks for the lovely comments! And that's too bad about the new edition really :/
Another great video, thanks James! I was wondering if you planned to do a video on "The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún" (noticed your copy of it over your left shoulder in this video, and can't recall a video by you on it)?
Thanks! And, yes, absolutely :) Hopefully should be done soon.
I received this boxset as a Christmas gift from my parents shortly after the Peter Jackson films came out (which began my life-long Tolkien obsession). I still have it, and in very nice condition-- though, I still want to have the maps properly framed to hang in my library someday: they are absolutely gorgeous.
I read the Silmarillion for the first time ever shortly after receiving this set, and it was incredibly helpful and enhancing to my reading experience to have this big, beautiful map of Beleriand sprawled out in front of me as I read.
I especially love the map of Wilderland from the Hobbit: it's a less detailed map, which allowed John Howe to go ham with illustrations; I also always loved the diorama-like perspective of that particular map.
Edit to add: the accompanying book also happens to contain probably my all-time favorite John Howe illustration; it's called "Descent to Rivendell" and there's also a cropped version of it on the book's front cover. I don't know why I love that illustration so much-- I just find it so evocative of Tolkien's world (the rich and ancient lore, the mystery, the longing and nostalgia for ages gone) and everything I love about escaping to that world.
Thanks for sharing! :) And yes, the Descent to Rivendell is absolutely stunning. Very evocative.
Well done. Looking forward to your review of The Atlas of Middle Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad.
I was thinking on getting this but, they more like poster kind of map... now that book by Karen Wynn Fonstad, looks something I'm more after ...
Fonstad’s bookmis certainly a must if you’re interested in the geography of the lands. It helps readers visualize Tolkien’s descriptions (which are sometimes, admittedly, quite complex to comprehend)
This Sibley/Howe “book” is great in its own rights simply due to its colourful and artistic nature. Plus, you get a set of large scale maps which is always great! 😁
i am currently reading the atlas of middle earth revised edition (hard to find apparently), beautiful thing although i noticed a couple of errors
It's a great read - with, perhaps, some inconsistencies; but it's still one of the best books on Tolkien scholarship out there.
Nice, but too big to be a practical reference while reading. What I'd really like is a set of 12x9 laminated card stock maps! The Atlas book of maps is great however!
Cool idea!
I have it too. John Howe is my favorite out of the famous trio of illustrators. I would really appreciate if Harpercollins UK could publish a 12 volumes hardback versions of Howe's paperback frontcover editions.
Well that would be something :) The entire HoME series in hardback with Howe's illustrations ... yes please!
I agree! 😎🤜🤛
Where did you get your copy of the Atlas of Middle Earth that you show at the end of the video ? ✨
Hi there! I got that from Book Depository which, alas, is no longer available 😟
You might want to try ABE Books. I bought a lot of my Tolkien books there.
In my judgement this Atlas seems to be head and shoulders above the maps you talked about in this video. So I'm looking forward to watching you discuss that particular book.
Atlas reviewing hopefully coming soon 🙂
Well Said! This is one of my Favorite Maps of all time. I have had it on my wall for 10+ years. :D
Awesome! And now we learn a new edition of this publication is about to be released 😃
Just bought the Brian Sibley version, beware, things have changed and as usual, not for the better. No longer in a slip case and maps are not only loose within the book, but are no longer glossy, and far smaller. Was so looking forward to this, now very disappointed. The maps are still folded, but nowhere near as large. Anyway, thanks for all your videos James, and your lovely one of your trip to New Zealand
These are more like beautiful giant posters than real maps. I prefer Atlas of Middle-earth book or perhaps even more Journeys of Frodo by Barbara Strachey.
What's your take on Journeys of Frodo? I'm interested in getting a copy, if I can find one ...
i have the fonstad book, which is awesome, very fun to look thru the maps as you're reading. But the binding was genuinely "someone needs to get fired" bad. I'm not complaining about paper and glue on a $30 book but it 100% needed the kind of binding that road atlas' use (back when they where a thing). Still cheap but it was bound in a way to allow for pages to be opened flat so maps that were drawn across 2 pages would be able to be viewed fully.
I never considered the binding was cheap on my Fonstad version, but I’ll certainly have a second look at it. Cheers
@@brewingbooks it's not really the cost the bigger issue was that it made it impossible to see the inside edge of any page... Maybe i can get it rebound?
This is getting a new edition in April 2024. It will be a single hardback volume with loose maps and no slipcase.
Indeed 👍
Will that be worth it?
It is purely a cost saving exercise. HarperCollins have reissued a number of Tolkien books without a slipcase. So far the retail price of these has remained the same...
This video created a hole in my pocket. I look forward to the (detailed) review of the Atlas.
Ouch! Sorry! As for the review on 'Atlas' that should be coming soon :)
Beautiful set! I always have a copy of the atlas of middle-earth as well as the complete guide to middle-earth out as a reference while I am reading, but I might have to grab a copy of this as well for additional reference (Also to add to the beauty of my collection. Just like Bilbo, I am a sucker for maps!)
Cheers!
This book looks amazing❤
It truly is :)
i think it must be out of print, cant find it anywhere :( if you dont mind me asking, why do you have 2 copies of The Fall of Gondolin behind you ?
So it would seem :/ though there are some second-hand copies around the net. As for your Gondolin question, one happens to be a standard copy, the other is signed by Alan Lee :)
Interesting, I might pick these up to cover my wall. But while we're talking about maps, you teased Fonstad's Atlas at the end and I got a question about it if you don't mind spoiling the your future video a little bit. From what I could gather online, it was first published somewhere in the 90's but got revised a few times to correct some inaccuracies. If I'm not mistaken, you're holding up the 2017 Harper Collins edition, correct? Can you tell me if that edition is the final corrected (most accurate) one? I've seen conflicting takes online about this so I figured it best to consult your expert opinion. Book Depository is closing down in a week and I'm frantically picking up anything Tolkien-related while I still can. Thanks in advance!
Hi sorry for my delayed reply. I believe my copy of the Atlas of actually 2004 or 2005. I’ve also heard as you rightly say that the 2017 should have remedied any typos or inconsistencies but I’m afraid I cannot verified that as I do not have that particular edition 🙁
@@brewingbooks Hey no worries. I already ordered the latest 2017 edition and it should arrive in the mail any day now. It only makes sense for the latest edition to be the most accurate one, but I wanted to check with you just in case if you have any further insight into the matter :)
@@WarriorWithin111 Great! If you have a moment do let me know about the 2017 edition. I’d appreciate that, cheers 😃
hi I am your subscriber from Türkiye I want buy the Lord of the Rings grey cover (The flexible one). Its cheap but nowadays we can't buy anything from abroad over the 30 euro because of a new law .Can you help me for this problem maybe you can share a website
I think the picture at the bottom of The Hobbit map is the dwarves gathering at Bag End rather than the Unexpected Party.I use Karen Wynn Fonstad's Atlas which has considerably more detail than these maps and for that reason I haven't got this set. But it seems you are secretly getting commission from Harper Collins (no, I know you are not,nits just that seeing them opened and shown properly always depletes my bank balance when you show something I don't have 🙄).
I would really like these to have all the detail Karen added, but nevertheless I shall be off to see if I can get this direct from Harper Collins before midnight tonight.
I have already had to buy a new Atlas because my original is starting to suffer from its years of use.
Yep, just in time, no slipcase edition but the hardback was there. £12.50 on the Black Friday sale - bargain!
Isn’t the dwarves gathering at Bag End the very same Unexpected Party?
@brewingbooks You are, of course, absolutely correct. I have no idea what I was thinking of!
I lost a comment yesterday so I shall put it here as the opportunity arises.
I found your channel a few weeks ago and have been binge-watching (maybe it's addled what I like laughingly to refer to as my brain).
Excellent content, but not good for my bank balance.
I really liked the Silmarillion reading, though it stopped short somewhat. Now, many people like to say that Tolkien was creating a sort of English environment and you might think reading with another accent would not work, but I find your accent (no idea where it's from) is really suited to this material, for me.
Perhaps you should do audio books?
Anyway, thanks for the great content, which I am loving.
I just bought a 3rd party middle earth map while for beleriand and numenor, I had to draw it by hand on canvas paper. Afterwards I stuck it on the wall beside the chair where I read for ease of glancing.
I find it annoying having to flip through the back or front of the book every now and then just to look at the map. This would have been nice for me but I think taking the map and sticking it on the wall, as I have, is such a waste of everything else that is included in thr package.
I like your approach to this hehe brilliant 👍
Where did you purchase your copy of this book?
I believe it was from Amazon, quite a number of years ago...
I have Vologda Mapping
you should make book reading vlogs aswell
Interesting suggestion, thanks!
Hi - could you recommend another resource - not as large?
Atlas of Middle-earth or perhaps even better Journeys of Frodo by Barbara Strachey.
Secound atlas think the author is karen Wyn Fonstad
Agreed with the above suggestions; and yes, 'Atlas of Tolkien's Middle-earth' is a great resource.
Why do a video about a book that is no longer widely available for people to purchase.
You're quite right; though there are a few second-hand copies available online if one's interested in acquiring one :)
But Tolkien lied. Reading The History of Middle-earth makes it blatantly obvious that he didn't begin with a map and made the story fit. When he began writing Fellowship there was no map showing anything south of the map in the Hobbit. The map was drawn and edited as he wrote, with distances changing and places moving as he wrote - Christopher Tolkien goes to great pains to document this in the HoME books.
No all you need is the books
I disagree :)