The History of Middle-earth

Presents the chronological and geographical structure of the legends of Middle-earth and Valinor.

A collection of pieces discussing the legends of the Elder Days before the Hiding of Valinor, including the text of "The Annals of Aman.".

Study of the Appendices to "The Lord of the Rings," which contain the historical structure of the Second and Third Ages, with additional writings from Tolkien's later years offering new insights into his fictional world, and the abandoned beginnings of two other stories.

A recently discovered prelude to the Lord of the Rings saga.

Discusses the Battle of Helm's Deep.

The main selections in this third volume of Tolkien's previously unpublished writings are "The Lay of the Children of Hurin," written in the alliterative style of Anglo-Saxon verse, and "The Lay of Leithian," written in iambic pentameter couplets.

Describes the evolution of "The Fellowship of the Ring.".