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)

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-The epic history of the elves, and the creation story of Tolkien's magical world.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is in trouble?the face she has just reconstructed belongs to a man who is supposedly alive.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
THE SILMARILLION is J.R.R. Tolkien's creation myth, a lovingly crafted history of elves, men, and all of Middle-Earth that informs the worlds of THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Here are the origins of familiar characters Elrond, Galadriel, and dark lord Sauron. Martin Shaw narrates with reverent religious solemnity, guiding listeners through epic battles and legions of characters. Shaw skillfully handles the difficult pronunciations of Tolkien's invented languages and inspires a frisson of pleasure when he breaks the straight narration to slip into character voices. This might be the most accessible way to experience THE SILMARILLION, a surprisingly compelling work and a must for Tolkien fans. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

ANNOTATION

This is the story of the First Age, the ancient drama to which characters in "The Lord of the Rings" look back.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

A number-one New York Times bestseller when it was originally published, The Silmarillion is the core of J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative writing, a work whose origins stretch back to a time long before The Hobbit.

Tolkien considered The Silmarillion his most important work, and, though it was published last and posthumously, this great collection of tales and legends clearly sets the stage for all his other writing. The story of the creation of the world and of the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Feanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion is the history of the rebellion of Feanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy.

This second edition features a letter written by J.R.R. Tolkien describing his intentions for the book, which serves as a brilliant exposition of his conception of the carlier Ages of Middle-earth.

FROM THE CRITICS

Washington Post

A creation of singular beauty... magnificent in its best moments.

"A creation of singular beauty... magnificent in its best moments."

Library Journal

Tolkien is still as hot as the fires of Mount Doom, thanks to the immensely popular film adaptations of his Rings trilogy. This edition of his 1977 volume sports 48 striking full-color paintings by Ted Nasmith, plus a foldout map. Biblical in style, it chronicles Middle-earth's creation, the ancient histories of elves, and the initial corruption of Sauron long before the forging of the Ring of Power. No doubt the most lush edition of The Silmarillion yet; be all over this one like a hobbit on a ham sandwich. Copyright 2004 Reed Business Information.

School Library Journal