The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions)

The "Tolkien illustrated editions" are editions that incorporate J.R.R. Tolkien's own illustrations and drawings. If what you're looking for is a big, fancy book with professionally-painted illustrations throughout, then what you're looking for is probably the 2004 hardcover edition with illustrations by Ted Nasmith, a fantastic edition on its own merits. However, this edition will probably be of more interest to those hardcore Tolkien enthusiasts who are more interested in J.R.R. Tolkien's creative process than they are in having illustrations for the sake of having illustrations... so, your mileage may vary on that. As to the quality of this hardcover edition, it's fantastic. Aesthetically pleasing as a tome on one's shelf, and particularly nice-looking when set beside the matching Tolkien Illustrated "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit," this edition is both a fantastic collector's book and a fantastic way to READ the book. And as a bonus, it comes with two printed color maps of the Beleriand region of Middle-earth: one that is more fully colored and the other which is a simple "parchment brown." This is a step up from the maps included with the similar edition of The Lord of the Rings, which while they incorporate red text are otherwise merely black-and-white. The maps are still small-size print-outs on otherwise ordinary paper, however, so treat them with care. It should be stated that "The Silmarillion" is not a book to dive into lightly and is best approached by one who has already developed a strong interest in Middle-earth's history through "The Lord of the Rings," or else by a fantasy-literature veteran with a number of relatively dense novels under their belt. While not especially long, it is not written or structured as a traditional fantasy novel would be, but rather as a mythological history—reading "The Silmarillion" is a bit like reading translations of old mythology, or like reading the Bible (except for the long portions of the Bible dedicated to laying down religious law, of course). Rather than telling just one ongoing narrative as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" do, it lays out the history of Arda, Tolkien's world, from creation up to and including the background lore for the events before and (somewhat) during The Lord of the Rings, with different parts of the book being more or less detailed than others—many portions of the story being told in a distant historical/mythological mode rather than the scene-by-scene, in-the-character's-head mode novels favor. It is best to view "The Silmarillion" as Tolkien intended it to be viewed, as his narrative-framing conceit for all of his Middle-earth writings characterized them: as translated and assembled documents of the long-past history of Middle-earth itself. Indeed, because of the way "The Silmarillion" was posthumously assembled and edited together by Tolkien's son Christopher from the disparate parts and pieces of evolving, unfinished work he left behind, that characterization bears a kind of incidental authenticity in the structure and styles within the book itself. If "The Lord of the Rings" is a classic trailblazer of fantasy literature, then "The Silmarillion" is the gateway that separates Lord of the Rings fans from "Tolkien scholars..." those dedicated fans of Middle-earth who enjoy delving into all of the writings Tolkien left behind to glean as much as they can about his world beyond what is merely included in the main three books.

J.R.R. Tolkien worked on the tales which eventually became known as The Silmarillion for most of his life, beginning as a young schoolboy in the early 1900s and continuing through his years as a student at Oxford, his wartime service, and his long career as a scholar and professor. The Silmarillion is a prologue of sorts to Tolkien's better known books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, both of which contain numerous references to characters and events found therein. Tolkien never finished working on The Silmarillion, and after his death in 1973 his youngest son Christopher took on the task of editing and preparing the work for publication in 1977. The Silmarillion's appearance in print was a joyous moment in the lives of everyone who had fallen in love with Tolkien's world, and it continues to amaze and delight new readers. To summarize the plot briefly, The Silmarillion is the history of the creation of the three magnificent gems called the Silmarils or Silmarilli by Feanor, greatest of all the Elves. Morgoth, the Great Enemy, stole the Silmarils, and Feanor and his fellow Elves waged a long and destructive war to regain them. That's an extremely brief recapitulation of a tale that involves hundreds of characters and many, many, chapters in the finished work. Besides The Silmarillion itself the book also contains the Ainulindalie or Creation Story, the Valaquenta, detailing the history of the Valar, the Akallabeth on the history of Numenor in the Second Age, and Of The Rings Of Power And The Third Age, a summation of the later years of Middle-earth and the fall of Morgoth's chief servant Sauron. This edition of The Silmarillion is absolutely beautiful. It is elegantly produced with sewn bindings, a ribbon bookmark, runic writing on the foredge, and magnificent designs on the cover. The dust jacket is beautifully detailed as well. But the greatest treasure of this edition are the illustrations by Tolkien himself. Tolkien was a talented artist who created many illustrations and drawings throughout his life. This edition contains many of these designs, heading each chapter and including several full page paintings. Not all of them have direct relationships with the text of The Silmarillion, but all of them enhance the beauty of the book. There are also two maps of Beleriand included (but not attached to) with the book. A foreword written by Christopher Tolkien for the original 1977 edition is included, along with a preface to the Second Edition written later, an excerpt from a lengthy letter by J.R.R. Tolkien providing a synopsis of his creation, and a Note on the Illustrations by the notable Tolkien scholars Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull. This sumptuous edition of The Silmarillion will give pleasure to its readers for many years. It is worthy of being shelved in a library in Rivendell, Minas Tirith, Lothlorien, or even Bag End, and, frankly, it is worthy of its author.

I received this book, in addition to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings from the same series, as a gift from my wife for my birthday. It is a lovely book. The binding is sewn rather than glued, the paper is nice and thick and vibrant white, the printing quality is sharp and nice deep blues and blacks - it is printed in two colors - and there are a number of illustrated plates made by Tolkien himself throughout. Many of these are rough or unfinished, but it's still nice to see how the author visualized the things he was writing about. The Elvish edge painting of the pages looks very nice relative to the color scheme, and the book is very handsome, either with or without its dust jacket. The book also has a ribbon marker, which I quite liked...although it could have been a little thicker (although that is a very minor nitpick.) As for the book itself? Well, this one is pretty polarizing. People tend to either love it or think it overly dry and academic. It is not written in the narrative style of The Hobbit, or even Lord of the Rings. It's more of a historical summary in many sections, or ancient mythology in others, and is often written in a somewhat high style of English, akin to old mythological works (which Tolkien is clearly emulating - and quite successfully at that.) If I had to pigeonhole this book, I'd say it falls somewhere between The Bible / Beowulf and a history book (think Ancient Roman historians or the like). It covers Ainulindalë, the creation myth of Tolkien's Middle-Earth/Arda, and the early days spent in the light of the Two Trees of Valinor (the Middle-Earth conception of Paradise), the coming of the Elves (the firstborn) and then Men (the followers), plus the history of the eponymous Silmarils (three magical jewels - think of them as the First Age version of the One Ring and you'll get the idea) and the ensuing wars of the First Age that were fought over them between the Elves and the Big Bad, who in this book is Morgoth (think of him as Sauron's old boss, a more powerful and meaner version of the Dark Lord). For context in terms of the timeline of Tolkien's mythology - the First Age of Middle-Earth takes place some 7,000 years before the events of Lord of the Rings. The latter portions of the book also discuss the Second Age and the rise and fall of the Dúnedain of the island kingdom of Númenor, the Kings of Men of whom Aragorn, Faramir and Boromir are descendants. This is Tolkien's Middle-Earth version of the Atlantis myth. Some additional topics concerning the creation of the Rings of Power and their effect on the events of the the late Second & Third Ages are covered as well in the final section. With regards to this specific edition, this is in most ways nearly identical to the much more expensive slipcase edition. The printing, paper, and plates are identical. The maps in this version are smaller than in the slipcase edition, but are still quite nice (there are two maps, folded and fitted behind the front and back covers, and they are loose in both editions.) This edition is not quarterbound, and the hardcover is wrapped in paper rather than cloth - which can mean your hand oils could discolor it over time. However, it is worth mentioning that the slipcase edition has some notable QC issues. There are many reports of the silver embossed stamped foil text on the spine rubbing off quickly and easily, even after sparing and careful use. In my opinion, part of the point of getting books like this is to keep them for the long haul. If they're going to degrade in such a basic way, that defeats the purpose, as far as I am concerned. To me this makes this somewhat less expensive edition preferable - and one that is still likely to last for many years given the quality of its construction. Will you like this book? I think the only real way to answer that is to pick it up and give it a try. You will know after a few chapters if it's for you. I personally love it, and read it every couple of years. I consider it to be a treasure trove of lore and world-building that greatly enriches the world that underpins his more famous books, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. You will find much information here that is only hinted at or referred to in passing in those books, which will add depth and significance to those references in future readings. As I said, it's written in an older style of English, and some may consider it a tough read. If you stick with it though, it can be incredibly rewarding. There are some fantastic stories in here; love stories, tragic antiheroes, mythical battles, acts of heroism, valor, betrayal and evil. For those that are familiar with the book already, this is an excellent edition, and one that I can happily recommend. I am very glad to have these; I find that they are good for reading, but also look great on my shelf. This would make an excellent gift for the Tolkien enthusiast in your house. You can get this, plus the matching editions of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings together for a reasonable price here on Amazon. Any fan of Middle-earth is sure to love these!

"The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is an absolute treasure for any fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful storytelling. This edition, with its remarkable extras and bonuses, truly stands out from the regular version, elevating the reading experience to new heights. One of the most captivating aspects of this edition is the inclusion of illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. As you delve into the First Age of Middle-earth, you are accompanied by breathtaking visuals that bring Tolkien's vision to life. The illustrations not only showcase the grandeur and beauty of his artwork but also offer a unique glimpse into his creative process. The inclusion of hand-drawn maps of Middle Earth further enhances the immersive experience, allowing readers to trace the epic journeys of their favorite characters. The decision to print the complete text in two colors is a stroke of genius. The contrasting hues add a visually striking element to the pages, captivating the eye and enhancing the reading experience. Each word, each sentence, is imbued with an extra layer of significance, drawing readers even deeper into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world. Another gem of this edition is the introduction penned by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. In a letter written in 1951, Tolkien provides invaluable insights into the earlier Ages of Middle-earth, shedding light on the history and mythology that underpin "The Silmarillion." This addition enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the world Tolkien has created. Described as a definitive new edition, this illustrated masterpiece goes beyond being a mere book. It is a testament to Tolkien's artistic and literary achievements, a tribute to his enduring legacy. This edition showcases his unparalleled ability to weave a tale that transports readers to a world of wonder and magic. It is a collector's item, a cherished possession that will be passed down through generations, preserving the enchantment of Middle-earth for years to come. In conclusion, "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is a must-have for any Tolkien enthusiast. It stands out from the regular version, offering a visual feast through Tolkien's own illustrations, a captivating two-color printing, an illuminating introduction, and a definitive presentation of his seminal work. It is a work of art in its own right, preserving and celebrating the brilliance of Tolkien's imagination. Indulge in this extraordinary edition and embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and leave an indelible mark on your heart.

This is a review of the editions, with an image, not the text itself. If I'm wrong about anything let me know and I'll correct it. 1998 edition: Cover: “Maglor casts a Silmaril …” (male throwing white gem against red background) 18 illustrations by Ted Nasmith Readable, nice, can be found around $20-$30 used. Crazy that this edition is almost 35 years old. Art: 1. The Sea 2. The Lamp of the Valar 3. At Lake Cuiviénen 4. The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea 5. Fingolfin Leads the Host across the Helcaraxe 6. The First Dawn of the Sun 7. Maedhros's Rescue from Thangorodrim 8. Eöl Welcomes Aredhel 9. Felagund among Beor's Men 10. By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest 11. Lúthien Escapes upon Huan 12. Morgoth Punishes Húrin 13. Túrin and his Band are Led to Amon Radh 14. Finduilas is Led past Túrin at the Sack of Nargothrond 15. Ulmo Appears before Tor 16. Eärendil the Mariner 17. The Eagles of Manwe 18. The Ships of the Faithful Front over: Maglor Casts a Silmaril into the Sea Back cover: Beren and Luthien are carried to Safety 2004 edition: Cover: “White Ships of Valinor” (white boats sailing in fair weather, island in background) 45 illustrations by Ted Nasmith Glossy paper, which can be a positive or negative I guess Can be found around $25 new, which is a DEAL. This is mine for reading without fear of damaging a collector’s item. Art: 1. The Sea 2. The Lamp of the Valar 3. Aule Prepares to Destroy His Children 4. At Lake Cuiviénen 5. The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea 6. The Ships of the Teleri Drawn by Swans 7. The Kinslaying at Alqualonde 8. Fingolfin Leads the Host across the Helcaraxe 9. The First Dawn of the Sun 10. The Burning of the Ships 11. Maedhros' Rescue from Thangorodrim 12. The Gates of Sirion 13. Eöl Welcomes Aredhel 14. Eöl is Led to the Walls 15. Felagund among Beor's Men 16. Fingolfin's Wrath 17. The Orc-Host is Ambushed in Brethil 18. Tarn Aeluin 19. By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest 20. Lúthien Escapes upon Huan 21. Transformed 22. Beren and Lúthien are Carried to Safety 23. Huan's Leap 24. Morgoth Punishes Húrin 25. The Hill of Slain 26. Saeros' Fatal Leap 27. Túrin and his Band are Led to Amon Rûdh 28. Beleg is Slain 29. Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety 30. Finduilas is Led past Túrin at the Sack of Nargothrond 31. Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead 32. Up the Rainy Stair 33. Húrin Finds Morwen 34. Tuor Follows the Swans to Vinyamar 35. Ulmo Appears before Tuor 36. Tuor and Voronwe see Turin at the Pools of Ivrin 37. The Escape from Gondolin 38. Maglor Casts a Silmaril into the Sea 39. Earendil the Mariner 40. White Ships from Valinor 41. The Eagles of Manwe 42. Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave 43. The Ships of the Faithful 44. The Forging of the One 45. The White Tree 2021 edition: Cover: “Ships of the Faithful” ship sailing amidst storm/red sky 49 illustrations by Ted Nasmith Can be found closer to $40 Regular flat paper, not glossy. More standard book-shaped, whereas the 2004 version is more square, like a coffee table book. Mine was used and did NOT include a fold-out map, but the colorized Christopher Tolkien Beleriand map is in the front plate and endplate (inside the cover, both ends). Art: 1. The Sea 2. The Lamp of the Valar 3. Aule Prepares to Destroy His Children 4. At Lake Cuiviénen 5. The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea 6. The Ships of the Teleri Drawn by Swans 7. The Kinslaying at Alqualonde 8. Fingolfin Leads the Host across the Helcaraxe 9. The First Dawn of the Sun 10. The Burning of the Ships 11. Maedhros' Rescue from Thangorodrim 12. The Gates of Sirion 13. Eöl Welcomes Aredhel 14. Eöl is Led to the Walls 15. Felagund among Beor's Men 16. Fingolfin's Wrath 17. Turgon at Fingolfin's Cairn 18. The Orc-Host is Ambushed in Brethil 19. At Tarn Aeluin 20. By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest 21. Lúthien Escapes upon Huan 22. Transformed 23. Beren and Lúthien are Carried to Safety 24. Huan's Leap 25. Lúthien at Tol Galen 26. Morgoth Punishes Húrin 27. The Hill of Slain 28. Saeros' Fatal Leap 29. Túrin and his Band are Led to Amon Rûdh 30. Beleg is Slain 31. Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety 32. Finduilas is Led past Túrin at the Sack of Nargothrond 33. Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead 34. Up the Rainy Stair 35. The Slaying of Glaurung 36. Húrin Finds Morwen 37. Tuor Follows the Swans to Vinyamar 38. Ulmo Appears before Tuor 39. Tuor and Voronwe see Türin at the Pools of Ivrin 40. The Escape from Gondolin 41. Eärendil Searches Tirion 42. Maglor Casts a Silmaril into the Sea 43. Eärendil the Mariner 44. White Ships from Valinor 45. The Eagles of Manwe 46. Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave 47. The Ships of the Faithful 48. The Forging of the One 49. The White Tree 2022 edition: Blue cover with circular design 59 illustrations by Tolkien himself – BUT more than half of these are “devices,” neat little square symbols at the start of a chapter and so on—not big full color paintings or drawings. Around $40. Be aware, Tolkien’s artwork consists more of drawings and sketches with limited color. They are not the epic Ted Nasmith paintings you see in others. If you value his quaint older sketches, these are great. Personally, Nasmith’s objectively better work is more inspiring and helps me engage in the story. Tolkien is a GREAT writer, and a pretty good artist. Nasmith is a GREAT artist. I like them all. If I was only going to get one, I’d get the 2004 version because you get a ton of great Nasmith artwork for an insanely cheap twenty-five bucks (today). Tolkien’s own art is neat, but if you want to be encouraged through a dense book, Nasmith’s art helps pull you in and pull you along.

I can not say enough good things about these books! The quality is amazing. I like that they use Tolkien’s drawings. We bought the set for my son. They make a great collector item for the Tolkien lovers! The price was phenomenal compared to other places I found them!

Being someone who really likes quality things, I am very pleased with this book. I'm not leaving a review of the content as much as the actual physical attributes of which the contents are encased. The book is a solid hardcover, not the kind that slowly warps inward or outward. The colors provide an aesthetically pleasing contrast that catches your attention with the white, elvish (don't want to mess up which one in particular) inscription printed on the outside of the pages. I am pleased to note that the actual cover of the hardcover has the same inscriptions as the outer protective cover. The index inside,(which you will doubtlessly need to refer to every few minutes), is easy to navigate and locate. The font is an easy on the eyes size without being too small or large. It's like baby bear, "just right". I'm no paper expert, but these do present an ever-so-slight texture and thickness that exude an air of quality that I'm sure others will appreciate as much as I do. The illustrations are very tastefully presented throughout to give you a pop of color and a charming visual into one of the greatest artistic mind of all time. I find it enjoyable to see wla piece of what the master visualized when he was writing these works originally. I will admit I was a bit apprehensive to buy this edition of the book, where as what I really wanted was the deluxe version. However, $120 for a book is hard for even a generous spender as I. Whereas, I am sure the deluxe edition presents a quality even surpassing this one, at least I would hope so given the price difference. I am incredibly satisfied with my purchase and do NOT feel like they took the cheapest option on the materials to push the deluxe on you. I really like this book and appreciate Christopher Tolkien taking the helm and allowing us to experience this part of the legendarium. Harper Collins gave the book a quality that reflects the quality of story within the pages. (Also I found it on sale for $30 which I would say for that price is well worth it.)

The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien is an absolute gem for both Tolkien enthusiasts and newcomers to Middle-earth alike. This edition is a breathtaking tribute to J.R.R. Tolkien’s epic creation, offering a unique and visually stunning experience that brings the rich world of Arda to life. The illustrations included in this edition are nothing short of extraordinary. Tolkien’s own artwork beautifully complements the text, adding a new layer of depth and immersion to the already captivating story. Each illustration is meticulously detailed, enhancing the reader’s connection to the intricate lore and mythical landscapes described in The Silmarillion. The combination of Tolkien’s words and artwork makes this edition a true collector’s item. The quality of the book itself is superb. The hardcover binding is sturdy and elegant, and the high-quality paper showcases the illustrations in all their glory. The layout is thoughtfully designed, ensuring that the text and artwork are seamlessly integrated. It’s evident that a great deal of care went into producing this edition, making it a pleasure to read and admire. For fans of Tolkien’s legendarium, this illustrated edition offers a fresh perspective on the stories of The Silmarillion. It’s a wonderful way to explore the myths, characters, and epic battles of Middle-earth with a visual feast that enhances the reading experience. The additional artwork provides a new appreciation for Tolkien’s imaginative world and his talent as an artist. Overall, The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien is a magnificent edition that beautifully celebrates Tolkien’s legacy. It’s a must-have for any Tolkien fan or collector, and it makes a fantastic addition to any bookshelf. Highly recommended for anyone who wants to experience Middle-earth in a visually stunning and deeply immersive way.