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#jw0027 - The Atlas of Middle-earth – Karen Wynn Fonstad – First Edition, Inscribed and Signed, 1981 - SOLD

First edition and first printing of Karen Wynn Fonstad’s Atlas of Middle-earth, Houghton Mifflin 1981, inscribed and signed by the author, with exceptional direct provenance from the original owner.

This copy has been sold.

The Atlas of Middle-earth – Karen Wynn Fonstad – First Edition, Inscribed and Signed, 1981

First edition and first printing of Karen Wynn Fonstad’s Atlas of Middle-earth, Houghton Mifflin 1981, inscribed and signed by the author, with exceptional direct provenance from the original owner.

Fonstad’s pioneering cartographic study maps Tolkien’s world by age, region, journey, battle and settlement, with explanatory text tied closely to the published legendarium. The author writes to the recipient: “I hope you enjoy the atlas, and that it will add even more interest to your readings of Tolkien’s marvelous books!”

Provenance:
This copy is accompanied by a signed provenance statement from its original owner, Jon Weil, dated 20 September 2026. Weil records that he studied Geography at the University of Wisconsin–Oshkosh from 1983 to 1987 and purchased this copy from a local bookshop in autumn 1985. While taking a cartography class with Dr Todd Fonstad, he learned that his lecturer was Karen Wynn Fonstad’s husband. Weil asked Dr Fonstad whether Karen would sign his Atlas; he handed over this copy and received it back a week later bearing her personal message and signature. According to Weil, Dr Fonstad reported that Karen said she had never previously been asked to sign a copy. Weil consequently believes this may be the only known author-signed copy, although that rarity claim cannot presently be independently verified.

The direct, documented chain from the original purchaser through the author’s husband to Karen Wynn Fonstad gives the inscription unusually strong and personal provenance. The signed provenance statement accompanies the book.

Bibliographical details:
– Author: Karen Wynn Fonstad
– Publisher: Houghton Mifflin, Boston
– Edition: First edition, first printing
– Year: 1981
– Format: Burgundy cloth hardcover in original dust jacket; maps throughout
– ISBN 0-395-28665-4

Condition report:
The original cream dust jacket is present and price-clipped, with toning, surface marks, rubbing and short edge tears. The burgundy cloth binding and map-filled interior appear clean and sound. The front free endpaper bears a full-page presentation inscription dated December 9, 1985, signed Karen Wynn Fonstad.

A genuinely personal association copy of the foundational Middle-earth atlas, signed with a warm message from its celebrated cartographer.

Pictures (click to enlarge):

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Interested: Please send email to info@tolkienlibrary.com.