The set for sale comprises all three maps. They are ‘reproduced and distributed with the kind permission of the J R R Tolkien Estate Limited’, having these words, as well as ‘© The J R R Tolkien Estate Limited 2003’, printed on each sheet. The paper, specially bought in from Italy, is 200gsm watermarked Fabriano Artistico 100% cotton, acid free and mould-made with two deckle edges. It will not deteriorate in the same way as a wood pulp paper does. They are printed by offset litho. The maps will be despatched without frames in a 25 X 4 inch tube. Each mailing will be insured and a signature is required on receipt.
In ‘The Lord of the Rings’ book, The West of Middle-earth map is reproduced in four sections on four pages. Its limited edition print will be the first (and only) time this map will be available to buy as it was originally created in its entirety on one sheet by Stephen Raw. It will be reproduced at the size it was drawn, as too will the ‘Shire’ and ‘Gondor’ maps. Although they were created at different sizes all three maps are printed for this limited edition on the same size of paper (76 X 56 cms). This is to allow those who want the set of all three mounted in frames of the same size to create a ‘triptych’.
The West of Middle-earth Map
Size of map 43 X 60 cms; paper size 56 X 76 cms
(Please note that this map is reproduced in ‘The Lord of the Rings’ (HarperCollins, London 1994) in four sections on four pages, hence the numbers in each corner. In this limited edition it is printed in the size it was originally drawn in its entirety on one sheet.)
The Gondor Map
Size of map 40 X 52 cms; paper size 56 X 76 cms
The Shire Map
Size of map 26 X 46 cms; paper size 56 X 76 cms