The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien - Illustrated Middle-earth Fantasy Classic - Hardback

Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Hardback
ISBN: 9780008537890
Publisher: HarperCollins
Age Range: Adult / General Readers

Overview:
The Silmarillion is J.R.R. Tolkien's foundational mythology of Middle-earth, presented here in a special illustrated hardback edition. Edited and published posthumously by his son Christopher Tolkien, it gathers the ancient histories referenced throughout The Lord of the Rings. This edition is illustrated throughout in colour using Tolkien's own paintings and drawings, with the complete text printed in two colours. It is essential reading for anyone wanting the full depth of Tolkien's legendarium, from the creation of Arda to the wars against Morgoth.

About the Book:
The Silmarillion tells of the three Silmarilli, flawless jewels crafted by Fëanor, most gifted of the Elves, which held the last light of the Two Trees of Valinor. When Morgoth steals the jewels and sets them into his iron crown, Fëanor and his kindred swear a terrible oath and rebel against the gods, abandoning Valinor to pursue him. What follows is centuries of war, doomed love, and extraordinary heroism against overwhelming odds. Alongside this saga, the book includes the Ainulindalë, Tolkien's creation myth, and the Valaquenta, describing the Valar and Maiar. These tales form the ancient drama to which the characters of The Lord of the Rings look back with reverence, and in which figures such as Elrond and Galadriel themselves took part. This illustrated edition pairs Tolkien's own artwork with his prose for a richer reading experience, deepening every subsequent reading of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, while standing remarkably well on its own for newcomers.

Key Benefits:

• Illustrated throughout in colour with Tolkien's own artwork
• Complete text printed in two colours for the first time
• Provides the essential mythological backstory to The Lord of the Rings
• Reveals the origins of Elrond, Galadriel, and the struggle against darkness
• A beautiful hardback edition, ideal for gifting or collecting
• Edited by Christopher Tolkien from his father's manuscripts

About the Author:
J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became an eminent Oxford scholar of language and myth, best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, which together have sold over 150 million copies in more than 40 languages worldwide. He was awarded the CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, and died in 1973 aged 81. The Silmarillion was compiled and edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, from decades of his father's manuscripts, notes, and drafts, finally bringing the mythology of Middle-earth to readers in complete form.

Why You'll Love This Illustrated Edition:
This beautiful hardback brings Tolkien's own artwork to the mythic foundation of Middle-earth. Every illustrated page adds new depth to stories you already love, making your next reread of The Lord of the Rings even more rewarding.

Please Note: Cover design and edition may vary slightly from images shown; this listing is for the UK edition with ISBN 9780008537890 as stated.