The Book of Lost Tales 2

Let's be clear from the onset: Book 1 & 2 of the magnificent 12 volume 'History of Middle Earth' are not specifically the new or unpublished tales from Tolkien, edited by his son. It is primarily his son's work on the commentary and annotations to his father's work. If you have read 'Tuor and the The Fall of Gondolin' in The Silmarillion, it is just six and a half pages of print (2004, large hardcover, Houghton Muffin). Here, the chapter dedicated to it is voluminous. We even trace the probable 100 tear old age of the manuscript in pencil. Thus, what was once unpublishable notes and fragments by Tolkien, we have these thoughtfully framed by his son for posterity. While academics and scholars will find much of the work done for them here, what's in it for the 'lay' reader. If you have read the Bible and wished there was a comprehensive biblical commentary at arm's reach, then this is the appropriate companion to your 'Silmarillion'. So, first read the published stories in its known form. And if you wished there was more to know, open up 'The Lost Tales' (Books 1 & 2, unless you bought the three volume deluxe set of 'History') to satisfy your appetite. Bear in mind, it will open up your mind to the created cosmos as well as inform you of some of the Old English and ancient European tongues. The book reviewed is the 1984 first hardcover US edition. (I bought it to fill up the missing volumes in my collection, as this particular copy could not be obtained before. This was a used library copy with plastic cover and mint condition.)

But I finally read it. It thrilling to see this seed of the legendarium, with so many embryonic elements, as well as the many stillborn ideas. This is only for the Tolkien-obsessed or the scholar. These History of Middle Earth books aren't casual reading.

We bought this for a gift. It was pretty good quality for a paperback. No complaints.

Let us say that over all this is a great tome. The writing by JRR Tolkien for the most part is excellent, with a few passages that are a bit of a challenge to understand. The problem is not with JRR Tolkien's writing but rather with the extensive notes written by his son, Christopher Tolkien. Ok yeah I get it he want to explain the differences between the these rough versions of the story and the official in the Simarillion but he goes into over kill and frankly that is not needed. The book continues with Eriol's sojourn in Tol Eressea. The elves of that island tell him several more tales and he tells them a few of his own. Eriol lived in a town on the Great Land and during a minor skirmish he lost everything. His parents were killed and he was pressed into servitude. Eventually he escapes and he makes his way to Tol Eressea. His friend tell him the Tale of Tinuviel. Beren in this version is an elf not a human. Tinuviel is half faery and half elf. They fall in love when he ventures into their relam that is hidden from Melko by the queen's magic. The Queen Gwendeling is a faery. The realm is made up of free elves both Noldoli and Avari elves. Now the king does not quite approve of this match so he challenges Beren to obtain one of the Simarils from Melko's crown. Beren sets off on his quest. He becomes a servant of Melko and his cat assistant Tevildo. After a long period of time Tinuviel longs for Beren and set out to rescue him. Using magic that causes her foes to fall asleep she breaks into Melko's realm to rescue Beren. Huan the king of dogs help out and you know they hate cats. In the end there is a battle between the Wolf King and Beren and much like Tiw in the Norse legends he looses his hand. In a strange way they end up together. In Turumbar and Foaloke , the short version of "Hurin's Children" documents the wars of elves and men against Melko. Hurin gets captured and tortured. Part of the torture involves watching the fait of his children. Turin goes off to King Thingol to be raised in his court. Turin becomes a great warrior, slaying off many orcs and goblin. But he ends up banishing himself from the court after killing another elf for insulting him. He continues his adventures slaying orcs with a good friend from Thingols kingdom. They have many an adventure together but all that ends when Turin is rescued from the captivity with the Orcs. by mistake he slays his friend. He does fall in love with an elven girl but loses her to Glurund (Foaloke) the dragon. He sees his mother's homestead taken over by a corrupt person . He kills the corrupt person get banished from his mothers village and gives himself the name Turumbar. THE Dragon manages to steal away his sisters memory and the two end up connecting. In the end the Dragon is slain and the tainted gold is liberated. Things end off there but the book that was released later called "Hurin's Children" has a very different ending. "The Fall of Gondolin" documents a hidden city that is found by a wandering Noldoli who escapes from Melko servitude. Many elves and Noldoli are enslaved by Melko. Ulmo the sea god leads this elf to the city. His coming was fortold and much like a prophet he warns the inhabitant to leave and return to Valinor. His word is not heeded. Our hero marries the elven princess and remains with her for many years. They have a child named Earel. Eventually Melko finds out about this hidden city and after a brutal war and some internal treachery the city falls. everyone ends going to the beach hideout. A special destiny is held in store for Erendel. "The Nauglafring" is about the cursed gold from the slaying of Glorofund the Dragon. Somehow Hurin is released from captivity and he is the one who brings forward the gold. The simaril which has been liberated by Beren is combined with this gold to make an elaborate piece of jewelry. But the gold is cursed and that curse involves people killing each other over it. This soon leads to war between and elven kingdom and a dwarf kingdom because the Elves enslave them into making the Jewelry. The elven Kingdom gets destroyed. In retaliation Beren and Tinuviel are called from the faery realm to extract vengeance. There is further loss for Beren and Tinuviel but vengeance is secured. They have a daughter named Elwing. Earendel weds Elwing and then loses her. He takes to the seas to find her. The final part of book delved into Aelfwine. A confusing expalanation to say the least. You can red it and find out. Well worth it for Tolkien fans.

Trying to complete my Tolkein library. I was very happy with this transaction and would eagerly buy from them again! A++++!!!

Must read for Tolkien fans

It is the continuation of tolkien's mythology. Full of epic tales. I recommend you buy "the children of Hurin" and "the lay of leithan" as seperate books as there is only a summary of those two in the book of lost tales. Also see "unfinished tales" and "tales from the perilous realm"

I intend to read the book as my interest in The Hobbit & Lord of the rings is still very much alive; I also have others & intend to read those as well.

Nice book worth reading :-)

Ecellente suite des histoires des origines, pour les fans de Tolkien qui veulent aller au delà du Seigneur des Anneaux.

Because this is a very wonderful book, I am satisfied. I look forward to the opportunity when I can meet you next.

Formato pratico e di poco ingombro. Contenuto imperdibile per chi come me è appassionato del mondo creato da Tolkien nei suoi romanzi e vuole leggere nella lingua originale.

Great book for Tolkien fans :)