criticism, textual

Chronicles the writing of the conclusion of J. R. R. Tolkien's epic work, presenting manuscript excerpts and previously unpublished drawings; and also includes "The Notion Club Papers," two versions of "The Drowning of Anad?un?e," and an analysis of Tolkien's Adunaic language.

Part two of the continuing history of the writing of Tolkien's classic trilogy "The Lord of the Rings," featuring an account of the original map of Middle Earth.

Christopher Tolkien chronicles his father's creation of the novel "The Lord of the Rings," presenting early drafts and showing how the cast of characters grew after the first stage of writing. Also discusses Tolkien's changing map of Middle-earth, and the runic alphabets.