Who edited J.R.R. Tolkien’s posthumously published book The Silmarillion?

Christopher Tolkien edited J.R.R. Tolkien’s posthumously published book The Silmarillion.

J.R.R. Tolkien died in 1973, leaving behind numerous versions, notes and unfinished writings about the mythology of his invented world. Christopher Tolkien organized this material and prepared The Silmarillion for publication, which took place in 1977.

The book presents the creation of Eä, the history of the Valar and the Elves, and major events of the First Age. Its sections include the Ainulindalë, the Valaquenta, the Quenta Silmarillion, the Akallabêth and the Rings of Power.

Christopher Tolkien’s editorial work required choices about how to arrange inconsistent drafts. The published book is therefore not a single completed manuscript written in final form by his father. It is a carefully constructed edition based on Tolkien’s extensive posthumous papers.