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Middle-earth maps in LOTR translations
17 Jan
2023/1/17 18:35:32 (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time, London, Dublin, Lisbon, Casablanca, Monrovia
2023/1/17 18:35:32 (GMT) Greenwich Mean Time, London, Dublin, Lisbon, Casablanca, Monrovia
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!
I wonder if maps were purposely redrawn to match the artistic style required or for readability purposes, especially in smaller format editions (like paperbacks)?
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.
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:
LanceFormation wrote:
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:
These are really nice maps, very impressive.
Thanks for sharing! Yes those Dutch ones have been really nicely done. The representation of mountains is quite reminiscent of those in John Thomson's Atlas of Scotland (1832) - here in case anyone is curious:
https://maps.nls.uk/atlas/thomson/index.html
https://maps.nls.uk/atlas/thomson/index.html
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)?
The readability angle does seem very plausible.
It may be a wild goose chase but I'm tempted to see if the successor to AWG (the Swedish publisher) has any records that can be consulted.
Predictable Matt wrote:
Thanks for sharing! Yes those Dutch ones have been really nicely done. The representation of mountains is quite reminiscent of those in John Thomson's Atlas of Scotland (1832) - here in case anyone is curious:
https://maps.nls.uk/atlas/thomson/index.html
Yes! I see the similarities.
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