other continents on Arda.

[Elora]

Each of us are in essence entitled to our opinions on why the definitive maps resemble loosely continental forms present on earth.

I respect that you think allowances the professor made in his shaping of the mythological lands is not due to his consideration of how the actual lands varied from ancient times to those we presently inhabit. Personally, I think it is a possibility.

I would add that I doubt there is an Australia loosely represented on the maps you discuss. Having studied the location of my island home at length, I can't say I recognise it in Tolkien's works. That's a shame, as I would think it nice if it was there in some form.

Lastly, the only maps referenced in the atlas I discussed were maps sourced directly from J R R Tolkien, and not his son whom compiled HoME from his father's notes and records. This atlas is not written by David Day, and I am aware of how wide the variances between published anaylses of Tolkien's work can be between various scholars and students.

For your reference, the author of the Atlas I based my contributions upon (Karen Wynn Fonstad) acknowledges the following for her review of Middle-earth geoography and cartography

The staff at Marquette University's Department of Special Collections and University Archives, who cheerfully gave me access to the Tolkien Manuscript Collection, notably Chuck Easton and Taum Santoski. Without the drawings made available at Marquette, this Atlas would have require much more work in the beginning, and would have required far more extensive revision.

The author goes on to include Christopher Tolkien's Histories as further impetus to embark upon her project. She is a noted cartographer herself, and so I am inclined to give her the benefit of the doubt when it comes to her accuracy and selection of reputable and appropriate source material from which to build her atlas. Her list of references make no mention, for example, of David Day's publications where a great deal of conjecture over his conclusions and theories can be found.

I think it's a hazard that goes with the territory this question falls in, to rely on notes, maps and sketches that are not as prescriptive and authortative as to make all clear to us. But then, had the good Professor explained all fully, we would not have the joy of discussing such matters as we presently are.