The Middle Earthworm

The Middle Earthworm was a letter zine devoted to the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, published by Archie Mercer and Beryl Mercer.

Published first in Bristol, UK, and then in Cornwall, England, 29 issues were released between October, 1968 and June, 1976.

Issue 2 appeared March, 1969. #4 in 1969, #5 in October, 1969; #6 was 6 pages, released in November, 1969; #7 in January, 1970; #8 in March, 1970; #9 in May, 1970, #10 was 10 pages, appearing in July, 1970; #11 was 12 pages, published in September, 1970; #12 in 1970; #13 in January, 1971; #14 in June, 1971; #15 was 15 pages, released in October, 1971; #16 was 20 pages, appearing in February or March, 1972; #17 in June, 1972; #18 in October, 1972; #19 in January or February, 1973; #20 in June, 1973 - 20 pages, #21 in October, 1973; #22 - February, 1974; #23 in June, 1974; #24 in October, 1974; #25 was 22 pages, released in February, 1975; #26 was 16 pages, appearing in August, 1975; #27 in October, 1975; #28 in February, 1976; Issue 29, the last, was 16 pages and published in June, 1976.

Archie Mercer had previously been one of the editors of Vector.

Beryl Mercer's first fanzine, co-edited with Mary Reed (Crabapple), was Link, released in 1964. After that title folded, she continued publishing, with titles such as Oz, and The Damned Patrol with Joe Gibson (G2), John Berry (Pot Pourri), and Terry Jeeves (ERG).