Which Tolkien family member edited and published much of J.R.R. Tolkien’s posthumous work?

Christopher Tolkien edited and published much of J.R.R. Tolkien’s posthumous work. J.R.R. Tolkien’s third child became the principal literary executor of his father’s papers after Tolkien’s death in 1973.

Christopher had unusual knowledge of the material because his father shared parts of the mythology with him from childhood. He also drew maps for The Lord of the Rings and served as an RAF pilot during the Second World War before pursuing an academic career.

His editorial work produced The Silmarillion in 1977, followed by collections and editions such as Unfinished Tales, The History of Middle-earth, and The Children of Húrin. These publications often required him to compare drafts, resolve conflicting versions, and explain Tolkien’s changing ideas. Christopher’s role was therefore that of editor and interpreter, not simply a publisher reprinting finished manuscripts.