The Retelling of an Unforgettable Journey.
Author Steve Ponty takes a unique look at J.R.R. Tolkien’s map-making methodology, in Middle – earth in Magic Mirror Maps… of the Wilderland in Wales… of the Shire in England.
This work is a fresh look at the Maps of the Wilderland of The Hobbit, leading to the discovery of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien’s hidden clue to the geography of Wales, which we learn the Professor loved, including its language. The focal point of The Hobbit, the Lonely Mountain, is identified as Cadair Idris of North West Wales. Many of the topographical features of the Mountain coincide. The Volcano-mouth lake of the Lonely Mountain so resembles Llyn Cau of Cadair Idris, the marvel is that the lake has been overlooked for so long, not only by Smaug the Dragon, but also by most commentators on 
The Hobbit. Which reader remembers there is a lake at all? Steve interprets many of the allusions borrowed by Tolkien in his fantastic tale, including Beorn at the Carrock, the Herons of Wales at Lake Town and Dragon fire on the Withered Heath. The work is divided into nine parts, with three site groupings. His unique focus on Tolkien’s map-making methodology will make his book relevant not only to Tolkien fans Worldwide, but also those interested in Geography and History too.
Steve has written his definitive view on the creativity of Professor J.R.R. Tolkien in ‘The Hobbit’ along with the close relationship Tolkien had with Wales. Steve has managed to uncover within his book, the mindset of Tolkien and why he chose Wales and the Cotswolds as the backdrop for ‘The Hobbit’ and ‘The Lord of the Rings’ through their place names, locations and history. Steve also believes the Professor left us all a puzzle to work through and the Author seems to have cracked the code. It has taken the Author over 5 years to unearth the trail of crumbs left by Tolkien and gives us a new perspective.
Steve Ponty who lives in Broadway, Worcestershire, was born in Wales. He studied Latin, French Literature and Poetry for entry into Cambridge University in use of English, leading to a Law Degree and legal experience in London. He worked abroad for a while returning to England in 2003, where he researched the topography of Worcestershire, Oxfordshire and Gloucestershire. He discovered ‘The Shire’ using close map comparison, and went on to discover the Wilderland from The Hobbit in Wales.
