1997 Robert Jordan / Tor / Mitchell Map of the 'Wheel of Time' 'Westlands'

An uncommon large-scale 1997 promotional map illustrating the 'Westlands', the primary setting of Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time series. It was issued to promote Book 7 of the series, A Crown of Swords based upon the original map art. Jordan fans will recognize the map from the endpapers of the hardcover editions of each volume designed by Elissa Mitchell. Coverage extends from the Spine of the World to the Aryth Ocean, and from the Blight (Shayol Ghul) to the Sea of Storms. The verso features glowing reviews for the Wheel of Time series.

The Wheel of Time

The Wheel of Time, by Robert Jordan (James Oliver Ringney Jr.), was published between 1984 and 2013. From its first volume, (Eye of the World) (1984), it became one of the most beloved high fantasy epics of modern times. In time, it also became the longest, spanning 14 volumes and outliving Robert Jordan himself - the final volumes were penned by Branden Sanderson from Jordan's notes. The epic presupposes a cyclical time structure and has a well-developed magic system. It tells the story of Rand al'Thor and his companions, Matrim Cauthon, and Perrin Aybara, as they come of age and adventure (together and alone) across the Westlands. Al'Thor discovers that he is the 'Dragon Reborn', a kind of Messiah figure destined to both save the world from the evil Shai'tan and bring about an armageddon.

Publication History and Census

This map was drawn by Elissa Mitchell and published by Tor to promote the 7th book of the series, A Crown of Swords, suggesting it must have been made in 1997. This date is further underscored by the verso content, which does not mention the next book in the series, Path of Daggers, which appeared in 2008. For a recent publication, it is surprisingly rare, with no references online or in fan literature. A reduced variant, without the borders, was issued as a fold-out in the 2001 Wheel of Time calendar.