The Treason of Isengard (The History of Middle-earth, Book 7)

# The Treason of Isengard (The History of Middle-earth, Book 7)

## Part I: Early Versions of The Lord of the Rings
- The First Map of Middle-earth
  - Initial sketches and ideas
  - Evolution of geographical features
  - Influence on later drafts
- The Shire and Its Inhabitants
  - Development of Hobbit culture
  - Introduction of key characters (Frodo, Sam, Merry, Pippin)
  - Changes in character roles over time
- The Journey Begins
  - Early concepts of the Fellowship
  - Different paths considered for the quest
  - Tolkien's notes on narrative structure

## Part II: The Mines of Moria and Beyond
- The Mines of Moria
  - Original conception of Moria
  - Balin’s fate and early drafts
  - The Watcher in the Water: origins and revisions
- Lothlórien
  - Galadriel and Celeborn’s evolving roles
  - The concept of the Golden Wood
  - Gifts of the Elves: development and symbolism
- Boromir and the Breaking of the Fellowship
  - Boromir’s character arc
  - Early versions of Amon Hen
  - The decision to split the Fellowship

## Part III: Isengard and Saruman’s Betrayal
- Isengard as a Location
  - Architectural descriptions and changes
  - Orthanc and its significance
  - Notes on industrialization in Middle-earth
- Saruman’s Fall from Grace
  - Early depictions of Saruman
  - His alliance with Sauron: motivations and consequences
  - Themes of corruption and betrayal
- The Ents and the Destruction of Isengard
  - Creation of the Ents
  - Treebeard’s role in the story
  - Environmental themes and their relevance

## Part IV: Editorial Commentary and Analysis
- Christopher Tolkien’s Insights
  - Overview of his father’s writing process
  - Challenges in compiling unfinished manuscripts
  - Connections between this book and other volumes in the series
- Unpublished Material
  - Deleted scenes and alternate endings
  - Unused plotlines and characters
  - Speculative ideas that didn’t make it into the final work
- Historical Context
  - Influence of World War II on Tolkien’s writing
  - Parallels between real-world events and fictional narratives
  - Reflections on morality and power in literature