The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion is a special edition of the forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien himself and with the complete text printed in two colors. It is the history of Fëanor and his kindred's rebellion against the gods, their exile from Valinor, and their war against the great Enemy. It also includes several shorter works, such as the Ainulindalë, the Valaquenta, the Akallabêth, and Of the Rings of Power. Tolkien could not publish it in his lifetime, so he left it to his son, Christopher Tolkien, to edit the work and bring his father's vision to publishable form. This edition presents a new step towards mapping out the posthumous publishing of Middle-earth and the beginning of an illustrious forty years and more than twenty books celebrating his father's legacy.

Format: Hardback
Length: 225 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The Silmarillion, a prelude to The Lord of the Rings, is a remarkable work that has been brought to life in a truly special edition. Illustrated throughout in vibrant color by the legendary J.R.R. Tolkien himself, this edition also features the complete text printed in two colors.

Crafted by Fëanor, the most gifted of the Elves, the Silmarilli were three perfect jewels that held within them the last Light of the Two Trees of Valinor. However, the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, seized these precious jewels and placed them within his iron crown, guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth.

The Silmarillion unfolds the epic tale of Fëanor and his kindred's rebellion against the gods, their exile from Valinor, and their eventual return to Middle-earth. Despite their valiant efforts, their war against the great Enemy proved to be an arduous and ultimately hopeless endeavor. This ancient drama serves as a backdrop for the characters in The Lord of the Rings, with some, such as Elrond and Galadriel, participating in its events.

In addition to its main narrative, The Silmarillion includes several shorter works that provide further insight into the world of Middle-earth. The Ainulindalë, a myth of Creation, offers a glimpse into the origins of the universe. The Valaquenta delves into the nature and powers of each of the gods, while the Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age. Of the Rings of Power, on the other hand, tells of the significant events that unfolded at the end of the Third Age, as narrated in The Lord of the Rings.

Tolkien, unable to publish The Silmarillion in his lifetime due to its ever-growing nature, entrusted the task of editing the work to his son, Christopher Tolkien. With unwavering dedication, Christopher painstakingly compiled the various manuscripts and brought his father's vision to fruition. This special edition marks the completion of a literary achievement that spans a lifetime, marking the beginning of an illustrious forty years and more than twenty books that would further expand the world of Middle-earth.

This remarkable edition of The Silmarillion not only presents the original text in its entirety but also showcases Tolkien's stunning illustrations, adding an extra layer of beauty and depth to the storytelling. Whether you are a fan of The Lord of the Rings or a newcomer to the world of Middle-earth, this edition is a must-have for anyone seeking to delve deeper into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's imagination.

Weight: 1054g
Dimension: 153 x 230 x 45 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008537890
Edition number: Illustrated ed