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The Wisconsin cartographer who mapped Tolkien's fantasy world


Rob Ferrett and Beatrice Lawrence from WPR's "Wisconsin Today" went to see Karen Wynn Fonstad’s original hand-drawn maps in-person.

Mark Fonstad, left, shows “Wisconsin Today” host Rob Ferrett, right, his mother’s work Friday, March 28, 2025, in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR “It’s a little bit of an overwhelming process because, first of all, there’s hundreds of maps. Karen Wynn Fonstad’s annotated books and other belongings are on display Friday, March 28, 2025, at UW-Madison in Madison, Wis. Angela Major/WPR And she wanted to share those maps with the world. Alan Lee, one of the lead concept artists for Peter Jackson’s “The Lord of the Rings” films, signed Karen’s copy of the atlas: “With thanks for your discreet guidance throughout our journey.”

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