The Silmarillion

J.R.R. Tolkien. Edited by Christopher Tolkien.

ISBN 10: 0048231398 / ISBN 13: 9780048231390

Published by George Allen & Unwin, London, 1977

About this Item

The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited and published after the author's death by his son Christopher Tolkien, presents the mythic prehistory of Middle-earth, recounting the creation of the world and the great struggles of the First Age that set the stage for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Issued by George Allen & Unwin in 1977, it was the first publication of Tolkien's lifelong legendarium, bringing together the ancient tales, languages, and histories that form the foundation of his fictional universe.

The Silmarillion, by J.R.R. Tolkien. Edited by Christopher Tolkien.

Published by George Allen & Unwin, London, 1977. First UK domestic edition. Printed by Billings & Sons Limited, Guildford, London and Worcester.

This is the true first UK domestic edition, first impression. The book contains the following identifying features:

- Printed by Billings (export edition printed by William Clowes);

- £4.95 price on flap (export is unpriced);

- 'asssembled' spelt incorrectly on p.190; 

- and dark tint to top edge of text block.

A near fine blue cloth hardback with gilt titles, with original dustjacket. Minor rubbing to book. The very good dustjacket is now covered in removable protective plastic, and is slightly sunned to spine, and top edge. Jacket with some rubbing and wear. Flaps are unclipped.

Text is near fine and is soundly bound. Bright and clean throughout.

The fold-out map is exceptionally good, with no faults, and remains bright and clean.

A smart first edition.

Text in English.

365pp + fold-out map affixed to final blank.

Dimensions: approx 230mm high x 150mm wide x 33mm deep.

Weight: approximately 656g (unpacked).

Seller Inventory # LAN9991

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Silmarillion
• Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, London
• Publication Date: 1977
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0048231398
• ISBN 13: 9780048231390
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Dust Jacket Included
• Dimensions: 150W x 230H x 33D millimeters 150 millimeters width by 230 millimeters height by 33 millimeters depth
• Weight: 635 grams
• Seller catalogs:
  • Science Fiction

About this title

Synopsis

An edition of the forerunner to THE LORD OF THE RINGS, which gives an account of the Elder Days when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwells in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves make war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

Review

The Silmarillion is J.R.R. Tolkien's tragic, operatic history of the First Age of Middle-Earth, essential background material for serious readers of the classic Lord of the Rings saga. Tolkien's work sets the standard for fantasy, and this audio version of the "Bible of Middle-Earth" does The Silmarillion justice. Martin Shaw's reading is grave and resonant, conveying all the powerful events and emotions that shaped elven and human history long before Bilbo, Frodo, Gandalf and all the rest embarked on their quests. Beginning with the Music of the Ainur, The Silmarillion tells a tale of the Elder Days, when Elves and Men became estranged by the Dark Lord Morgoth's lust for the Silmarils, pure and powerful magic jewels. Even the love between a human warrior and the daughter of the Elven king cannot defeat Morgoth, but the War of Wrath finally brings down the Dark Lord. Peace reigns until the evil Sauron recovers the Rings of Power and sets the stage for the events told in the Lord of the Rings. This is epic fantasy at its finest, thrillingly read and gloriously unabridged. (Running time: 14 hours, 6 CDs)