Abstract: A densified high performance rare earth-iron-nitrogen permanent magnet obtained from a powder of a Th.sub.2 Zn.sub.17 compound containing nitrogen at interlattice sites, without using autogeneous sintering and yet preventing decomposition and/or denitrification from occurring. The process for producing the same need not necessarily use a binder, and it comprises compaction molding, or charging while applying a magnetic field, a powder of a nitrogen intrusion T--R--N compound having a specified composition and a Th.sub.2 Zn.sub.17 crystal structure, and applying thereto shock compression at a drive pressure of from 10 to 25 GPa as reduced to an equivalent drive pressure in an iron capsule.