Unfinished Tales - Softcover

Tolkien, J. R. R.

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0261103628 ISBN 13: 9780261103627

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1998

Synopsis

The popular paperback edition of this fascinating collection of stories, which continue the tales of The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion and contains an alternative version of The Children of Hurin.

Unfinished Tales is a collection of narratives ranging in time from the Elder Days of Middle-earth to the end of the War of the Ring, and provides those who have read The Lord of the Rings with a whole collection of background and new stories from the twentieth century’s most acclaimed popular author.

The book concentrates on the realm of Middle-earth and comprises such elements as Gandalf’s lively account of how it was that he came to send the Dwarves to the celebrated party at Bag-End, the emergence of the sea-god Ulmo before the eyes of Tuor on the coast of Beleriand, and an exact description of the military organization of the Riders of Rohan.

Unfinished Tales also contains the only story about the long ages of Numenor before its downfall, and all that is known about such matters as the Five Wizards, the Palantiri and the legend of Amroth. The tales were collated and edited by JRR Tolkien’s son and literary heir, Christopher Tolkien, who provides a short commentary on each story, helping the reader to fill in the gaps and put each story into the context of the rest of his father’s writings.

About this title

About the Author

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

From the Back Cover

J.R.R.Tolkien's 'Unfinished Tales' is a collection ranging from the time of 'The Silmarillion' – the Elder days of Middle-earth – to the end of the War of the Ring in 'The Lord of the Rings'. Its many treasures include Gandalf's lively account of how he came to send the Dwarves to the celebrated party at Bag-End, the emergence of the sea-god Ulmo before the eyes of Tuor on the coast of Beleriand, and a description of the military organisation of the Riders of Rohan.

Lovers of Tolkien's mythology will be fascinated to read the only story from the long ages of Numenor before its downfall, and all that is known of such matters as the Five Wizzards, the Palantiri, and the legend of Amroth.

The collection has been edited by Christopher Tolkien, who provides a commentary placing each of the Tales in the context of his father's work.

"Moments of mythic grandeur"
SUNDAY TIMES

"Another monument to the incredible imagination of Tolkien"
SUNDAY TELEGRAPH

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1998
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0261103628
• ISBN 13: 9780261103627
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 624