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:
This special illustrated hardback brings J.R.R. Tolkien's legendary prequel to The Lord of the Rings to life through his own artwork. Edited by his son Christopher Tolkien, The Silmarillion traces the earliest ages of Middle-earth, from the shaping of the world to the wars against the Dark Lord Morgoth. Featuring dozens of Tolkien's original paintings and drawings alongside the complete two-colour text, this edition offers devoted fans and newcomers a richer way to experience the mythology behind Middle-earth's greatest tales.

About the Book:
The Silmarillion recounts the ancient history of the Silmarilli, three flawless jewels crafted by Fëanor, most gifted of the Elves, which once held the final light of the Two Trees of Valinor. When the Dark Lord Morgoth steals the jewels and sets them in his iron crown within the fortress of Angband, Fëanor and his kindred swear a terrible oath and rebel against the gods, abandoning Valinor to pursue their vengeance. What follows is an age of war, doomed love and extraordinary heroism against impossible odds. The volume also gathers Tolkien's shorter works: the Ainulindalë, his myth of creation, and the Valaquenta, describing the Valar and Maiar, plus the Akallabêth and Of the Rings of Power. These are the ancient tales to which the characters of the later saga look back with reverence, in which figures such as Elrond and Galadriel took part. This edition is the first to present Tolkien's own paintings and drawings alongside his prose, deepening every subsequent reading of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, while standing remarkably well on its own for readers meeting Middle-earth's deep history for the first time.

Key Benefits:

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

About the Author:
J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became a distinguished Oxford scholar of language and myth, best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, works that together have sold more than 150 million copies 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 and drafts, bringing the mythology of Middle-earth to readers in complete form.

Why You'll Love This Illustrated Edition:
This beautiful hardback pairs Tolkien's own artwork with 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 may vary slightly from images shown; this listing is for the UK edition with ISBN 9780008537890 as stated.