This is a little tricky, because there’s very little purely new information in the Histories of Middle Earth. Most of it is at least introduced as part of an “alternate” version, or is just a vastly more detailed version of a story only briefly described in the main published versions. That being said, these are the… Continue reading Hello! Love your blog! I’ve been thinking of delving into some of the HoM-e, and wanted to ask you something. I’m wondering how much new material there is and in which volumes it’s in? It’s hard enough for me to remember the actual canon events, without confusing myself with alternate versions of the events. And I’m not as interested in how Tolkien created the world of Arda. As of right now, I’m just looking for new stories and info. What do you recommend?
Tag: outside resources
I would to start reading the volumes of The History of Middle Earth. Does it focus mainly on the Silmarillion and what does include material that the Silmarillion doesn’t? Thanks!
Certain volumes of the series focus on the Silmarillion, but not all of them. Here’s a very very basic outline of what you’ll find in each book: (Vol. 1 and 2) Tolkien’s earliest writings about Middle Earth and the earliest versions of The Silmarillion; (Vol. 3) early versions of the Children of Hurin and the… Continue reading I would to start reading the volumes of The History of Middle Earth. Does it focus mainly on the Silmarillion and what does include material that the Silmarillion doesn’t? Thanks!
Have you heard of the Lord Of The Rings Project? It’s like you but available anytime.
The LotR Project is awesome. They’ve collected some of the most fascinating statistical data on Middle Earth, and all of their projects are simply beautiful. For those of you who haven’t checked this website out yet, here are some important links: The main page – which is also a family tree of all Tolkien’s characters… Continue reading Have you heard of the Lord Of The Rings Project? It’s like you but available anytime.
Tolkien Database – English | Wheaton College
Doing research? Working on a paper? Writing meta? The Wheaton College English Department maintains a searchable database of books and articles related to Tolkien studies!
VERY EXCITING, especially for all those who’ve written to me about working on school projects
Where can I read The New Shadow (online)?
Well, you can read it in The Histories of Middle Earth, volume 12 (“The Peoples of Middle Earth”). It’s one of my favorite volumes of the series, so I’d highly recommend it. You can buy it on Amazon, or you might be able to find it in a library. (Or if you can find it… Continue reading Where can I read The New Shadow (online)?

The newest title from Mythopoeic Press is now released!
Perilous and Fair: Women in the Works and Life of J. R. R. Tolkien.
I made the cover illustration and design. 🙂
Do check out this fantastic article collection!Print book available here:
http://www.amazon.com/Perilous-Fair-Women-Works-Tolkien/dp/1887726012/Ebook available here:
https://www.smashwords.com/books/view/510784
Heads up for those interested.
Hi! I’m writing an essay on Tolkien’s influence on literature. Do you have any useful sources about this topic??? love your blog xxxx
I don’t have anything specific to that topic… but here’s a few posts to check that might give you some research ideas: Lord of the Rings and ASOIAF/Game of Thrones Books Inspired by Tolkien a list of Tolkien-related scholarly sources (check the notes for more ideas!) Good luck!
Hi there! I’m someone who… Finds myself unable to get into Tolkein’s writing style, despite having great admiration for his work. Ironically (?) Though, I enjoy reading reference material, and was wondering if there are any works that I can learn more about the LoTR universe through in a more reference-work format? (Also side question- do you have a tag for Shadow of Mordor/ have you played it?)
Don’t worry, I totally get what you mean. If you’ve tried The Hobbit, LotR, and The Silmarillion and didn’t really enjoy any of them, then it’s time for you to give the “supplementary” books a try. Here’s a guide to the main ones, designed to help you decide which to read (or in what order.)… Continue reading Hi there! I’m someone who… Finds myself unable to get into Tolkein’s writing style, despite having great admiration for his work. Ironically (?) Though, I enjoy reading reference material, and was wondering if there are any works that I can learn more about the LoTR universe through in a more reference-work format? (Also side question- do you have a tag for Shadow of Mordor/ have you played it?)
Hello.. Thank you for creating a very helpful blog.. I just read Lee Pace interview where he thinks Thranduil is cold because he had been heartbroken. Can you give me point where should I begin to read more about Thranduil past? Thank you :)
The only place outside of The Hobbit that you’re going to find any real information on Thranduil is The Unfinished Tales, specifically in the essay “The History of Galadriel and Celeborn.” Despite the title, this essay includes information on a pretty large group of elves, since it gets into the history of all the different… Continue reading Hello.. Thank you for creating a very helpful blog.. I just read Lee Pace interview where he thinks Thranduil is cold because he had been heartbroken. Can you give me point where should I begin to read more about Thranduil past? Thank you 🙂
Guess who does NOT speak any elvish languages?
Yes, that’s right, it’s me. I’ve gotten a ton of requests for help translating things either to or from a variety of Tolkien’s languages this past week, and I’m sad to say that I have absolutely no talent in that area, so I really can’t help you. But, luckily I know someone who can (at… Continue reading Guess who does NOT speak any elvish languages?