What is the purpose of the The Shaping of Middle-Earth, Volume IV? In other words, why did Christopher Tolkien compile and publish it? What is its significance?

What is the Silmarillion? What is its relation to the "Earliest" Silmarillion and the Quenta?

Take three of the major pieces in the book that have substantial changes between two versions of itself; describe the changes and their significance.

Explain, in brief outline, the basic creation story of The World, include the role of Illuvatar, the nine Valar, Valinor, the Trees and Morgoth.

Who are the elder children of Illuvatar? Who are the young children? When did they "awake," respectively?

Which race was cursed and why? When and why was the curse given? How did the curse manifest itself? How was it ended?

Describe the conflict wrought by the Sons of Feanor.

Explain, in brief outline, the...