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Middle-earth maps in LOTR translations
17 Jan, 2023
2023-1-17 6:35:32 PM UTC
2023-1-17 6:35:32 PM UTC
I was intrigued to see that the first translations of LOTR into Swedish (1959-61) included maps which were distinctly different from those drawn by Christopher Tolkien. As you can see, there is a notable difference in style (extracts from the large scale map from ROTK).
I wonder what the reasons were for this. Perhaps there were (technical) difficulties in constructing a copy adequate for the local printers. Perhaps the original (large, fold-out) maps were not easily reducible to the size required. Perhaps the publisher thought it could be improved upon!
I think I recall seeing that map reproductions (i.e. of the original) enter into the Swedish editions from the 1980s onwards (I don't have any so can't check!) - using the map redrawn for Unfinished Tales.
I've also seen online that the first Dutch translations (which pre-date the Swedish) included maps much closer to Christopher Tolkien's style, but still not reproductions.
In any event, what particularly interests me is how common this practice was in other translations, and if it continues to this day?
Any insights here would be gratefully received!
I wonder what the reasons were for this. Perhaps there were (technical) difficulties in constructing a copy adequate for the local printers. Perhaps the original (large, fold-out) maps were not easily reducible to the size required. Perhaps the publisher thought it could be improved upon!
I think I recall seeing that map reproductions (i.e. of the original) enter into the Swedish editions from the 1980s onwards (I don't have any so can't check!) - using the map redrawn for Unfinished Tales.
I've also seen online that the first Dutch translations (which pre-date the Swedish) included maps much closer to Christopher Tolkien's style, but still not reproductions.
In any event, what particularly interests me is how common this practice was in other translations, and if it continues to this day?
Any insights here would be gratefully received!
Mr. Underhill wrote:
LanceFormation wrote:
I wonder if maps were purposely redrawn to match the artistic style required or for readability purposes, especially in smaller format editions (like paperbacks)?
These are interesting, LanceFormation can you post images of the Dutch maps too just for comparison? I would, but I am not at home to dig mine out.
Here you go, 1957 Dutch:
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