Step beyond the familiar tales of The Lord of the Rings and journey into the Second Age—the era that shaped the fate of Middle-earth. The Encyclopedia of Middle-earth is the definitive guide to this pivotal period, exploring the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of legendary artefacts like the Palantíri, and the epic struggle against Sauron that culminated in the War of the Last Alliance. Drawing on J.R.R. Tolkien’s unfinished writings, this richly detailed volume has entries on all the characters, cultures, languages and landscapes that defined an age of grandeur and tragedy. From the proud Númenóreans to the Elves of Lindon and the Dwarves of Khazad-dûm, every entry deepens your understanding of the world that set the stage for the Third Age. Written by six leading Tolkien scholars—renowned for their acclaimed Hobbit Encyclopedia—this work combines scholarly rigour with accessible storytelling, making it an essential companion for fans, collectors, and lore enthusiasts alike. Whether you’re revisiting Tolkien’s legendarium or discovering its hidden depths for the first time, this encyclopedia is your gateway to the age that shaped the Tolkien universe.