The Silmarillion, Vol. 2

Tolkien, J.R.R.

ISBN 10: 0553525018 ISBN 13: 9780553525014

Publisher: Random House Audio, 1998

Synopsis

Set in a time far earlier than Tolkien's master works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this is the epic history of the elves, and the grand story of the creation of Tolkien's magical world. The Lord of the Rings narrated the great events at the end of the Third Age; but the tales of The Silmarillion are legends deriving from a much deeper past, when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils. Never published in the author's lifetime, The Silmarillion is an essential compendium for all Tolkien fans. It will be published in five consecutive volumes, each completely unabridged. The series contains not only the Quenta Silmarillion, but four other short works: the Ainulindale, Valaquenta, Akallabeth and Of the Rings of Power.

About this title

From Library Journal

Tolkien's 1977 tale could be called the Paradise Lost of Middle Earth. It tells of the Godlike Iluvatar's creation of all things, both physical and spiritual, in the Elder Days of Middle Earth in the First Age before the coming of elves and men. All was well until Melkor, Iluvatar's mightiest and brightest offspring, grew jealous of his master, desired his own creations, and made things in private while corrupting the designs of Iluvatar. Upon the discovery of his ill deeds, Melkor was cast down and became the first Dark Lord and scourge of Middle Earth (sound familiar?). Although it takes quite a while to get moving, the story eventually serves up epic battles of good and evil as Melkor, aided by his lieutenant, Sauron, who later figures prominently in The Lord of the Rings, is defeated by the human and elvin hosts of Middle Earth in a long and bitter war. Part 1 moves slowly while introducing numerous characters and plot points. Parts 2 and 3 have considerably more action. Actor Martin Shaw's reading is solid; it's the cardboard packaging that's flimsy. Recommended.?Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About this edition

• Publisher: Random House Audio
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0553525018
• ISBN 13: 9780553525014
• Binding: Audio Cassette