The Silmarillion (First Edition and First Printing: Export Edition - Signed)

Tolkien, J.R.R.

ISBN 10: 0048231398 / ISBN 13: 9780048231390

Published by George Allen & Unwin, London, England, 1977

This listing includes a near fine copy of the scarce Export Edition; commonly referred to as the true first edition. Guy Gavriel Kay has signed the book at the end of the book's Forward where he is acknowledged by Christopher Tolkien for his contribution in completion of the book. The export edition, first impression, was printed by William Clowes & Sons, Ltd. The dust jacket is fully intact and does not have the price on the inner dust jacket as does the UK First Impression. There is a small mark on the back inner fold of the dust jacket, otherwise in fine condition. Dark blue cloth binding, with blue and white striped headband, dyed blue top edge and dark blue coloured dust jacket. Folding map at the back end paper is present but is laid in and not adhered in place. Scarce signed by Guy Gavriel Kay and in near fine condition. Seller Inventory # 003718

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)

Bibliographic Details

Title: The Silmarillion (First Edition and First ...
Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, London, England
Publication Date: 1977
Binding: Hardcover
Illustrator: Tolkien, Christopher
Condition: Near Fine
Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
Signed: Signed by Author(s)
Edition: 1st Edition