The Silmarillion

5b J. R. R. Tolkien, edited by Christopher Tolkien. London: George Allen & Unwin, 1977. UK First Edition

Notes

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien is a sweeping mythological history of Middle-earth, published posthumously in 1977 and edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien. Unlike The Lord of the Rings, which is a narrative-driven epic, The Silmarillion reads more like a collection of ancient legends and chronicles, a Genesis of Middle Earth if you will. It details the creation of the world (Eä), the shaping of Middle-earth, and the epic struggles of Elves, Men, and other beings long before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Central to the book is the story of the Silmarils—three radiant jewels crafted by the Elven smith Fëanor—and the tragic wars and betrayals they incite as different races and powers, including the dark lord Morgoth, vie for control of them.

The book is divided into five parts: Ainulindalë (the creation myth), Valaquenta (descriptions of the gods and spirits), Quenta Silmarillion (the main narrative), Akallabêth (the downfall of Númenor), and Of the Rings of Power and the Third Age, which links it to The Lord of the Rings. Though its style is more archaic and dense than Tolkien's other works, The Silmarillion is essential for understanding the full scope of his legendarium. It provides deep context and history for the conflicts, races, and cosmology that appear in his more famous novels, and is revered by devoted fans for its grandeur and mythic complexity.

Description

Original deep blue cloth binding with gilt ornamentation and lettering on the spine. Original dust jackets as well. Navy top edge. Pristine condition.