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The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) Hardcover – Illustrated, November 8, 2022

4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 2,840 ratings

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Sauron has returned. . . watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 2 on Prime Video.

For the first time ever, a very special edition of the forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, illustrated throughout in color by J.R.R. Tolkien himself and with the complete text printed in two colors. The Silmarillion fills in the background which lies behind the more popular work, and gives the earlier history of Middle-earth, introducing some of the key characters.

The Silmarilli were three perfect jewels, fashioned by Fëanor, most gifted of the Elves, and within them was imprisoned the last Light of the Two Trees of Valinor. But the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, stole the jewels and set them within his iron crown, guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth.

The Silmarillion is the history of the rebellion of Fëanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all the heroism, against the great Enemy. It 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 book also includes several shorter works: the Ainulindalë, a myth of the Creation, and the Valaquenta, in which the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age, and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age, as narrated in The Lord of the Rings.

Tolkien could not publish The Silmarillion in his lifetime, as it grew with him, so he would leave it to his son, Christopher Tolkien, to edit the work from many manuscripts and bring his father’s great vision to publishable form, so completing the literary achievement of a lifetime. This special edition presents anew this seminal first 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.

This definitive new edition includes, by way of an introduction, a letter written by Tolkien in 1951 which provides a brilliant exposition of the earlier Ages, and for the first time in its history is presented with Tolkien’s own paintings and drawings, which reveal the breathtaking grandeur and beauty of his vision of the First Age of Middle-earth.

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Editorial Reviews

Review

“How, given little over half a century of work, did one man become the creative equivalent of a people?” — The Guardian

“Demanding to be compared with English mythologies…at times rises to the greatness of true myth.” — Financial Times

“A creation of singular beauty…magnificent in its best moments.” — Washington Post

“A grim, tragic, brooding and beautiful book, shot through with heroism and hope…its power is almost that of mysticism.” — Toronto Globe and Mail

About the Author

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The HobbitThe Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over sixty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Product details

  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ William Morrow; Illustrated edition (November 8, 2022)
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • Hardcover ‏ : ‎ 432 pages
  • ISBN-10 ‏ : ‎ 0063280779
  • ISBN-13 ‏ : ‎ 978-0063280779
  • Item Weight ‏ : ‎ 2.29 pounds
  • Dimensions ‏ : ‎ 6 x 1.5 x 9 inches
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.9 4.9 out of 5 stars 2,840 ratings

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J. R. R. Tolkien
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J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, selling 150 million copies in more than 40 languages worldwide. Awarded the CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, he died in 1973 at the age of 81.

Customer reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars
2,840 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find the book visually appealing with its illustrations and maps. They find the writing clear and easy to read. Many consider it a great purchase and a must for serious Tolkien fans. The thick, matte paper is appreciated as a good gift.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

142 customers mention "Beauty"142 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's visual appeal. They appreciate the decorative pieces of art included and find the two-tone color a nice touch. Many consider it a collector's item and a wonderful addition to their personal libraries.

"...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..." Read more

"...18 illustrations by Ted NasmithReadable, nice, can be found around $20-$30 used. Crazy that this edition is almost 35 years old...." Read more

"...This edition of The Silmarillion is absolutely beautiful. It is elegantly produced with sewn bindings, a ribbon bookmark, runic writing on the..." Read more

"...it says “device”, “title page”, or “floral design”, small decorative pieces of art are included to add to the beauty of the text without distracting..." Read more

32 customers mention "Illustrations"29 positive3 negative

Customers enjoy the illustrations and maps included in the book. They appreciate the two-color printing and pull-out maps. The author's illustrations are well-organized and detailed.

"...Each illustration is meticulously detailed, enhancing the reader’s connection to the intricate lore and mythical landscapes described in The..." Read more

"...This edition contains many of these designs, heading each chapter and including several full page paintings...." Read more

"...There is also a map that is included with the book, but not attached to it, allowing you to have it open in front of you for easy reference while..." Read more

"...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..." Read more

30 customers mention "Readability"23 positive7 negative

Customers appreciate the book's readability. They find the writing clear, the pages comfortable to read, and the printing nice. Readers also appreciate the rough pages and the runic writing on the foredge.

"...Tolkien’s own artwork beautifully complements the text, adding a new layer of depth and immersion to the already captivating story...." Read more

"...18 illustrations by Ted NasmithReadable, nice, can be found around $20-$30 used. Crazy that this edition is almost 35 years old...." Read more

"...elegantly produced with sewn bindings, a ribbon bookmark, runic writing on the foredge, and magnificent designs on the cover...." Read more

"...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..." Read more

15 customers mention "Value for money"11 positive4 negative

Customers appreciate the book's value for money. They find it worth the full price and a great purchase for Tolkien fans.

"I was very happy when I saw this book on sale for such a great price. It helped me complete the set and get back into reading." Read more

"...Also I found it on sale for $30 which I would say for that price is well worth it.)" Read more

"...I think it's a bit pricey but it sure is pretty. :-) The book feels good in your hands, the paper is fine, and the drawings are a very nice add." Read more

"...Worth full price, super happy I got it on sale." Read more

14 customers mention "Storytelling"14 positive0 negative

Customers find the storytelling engaging and a beautiful history lesson. They appreciate the original illustrations and illuminating introduction that offer a unique glimpse into Tolkien's creative process. The book is a wonderful way to explore the myths, characters, and epic battles of Middle-earth. Readers also mention the world-building is beyond compare.

"...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...." Read more

"...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...." Read more

"...Tolkien’s devotion to world-building is unmatched and once I realized that this is written in a style similar to that of many ancient myths, it has..." Read more

"...Each word, each sentence, is imbued with an extra layer of significance, drawing readers even deeper into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world...." Read more

9 customers mention "Thickness"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the book's thickness. They find the pages nice and thick, so it is readable without worry of ruining them. The paper is quite a heavy weight, the printing quite clear, and the slipcover is a thick matte paper which they find much more appealing than glossy.

"...The pages are thick like book stock used to be; the two-tone color is a nice touch, as are the drawings included in the book...." Read more

"...The book is nice and sturdy, thick pages, the art does not have print on the back of their pages to interfere with the pictures, the spine is great..." Read more

"...The slipcover is a thick matte paper which I find much more appealing than glossy slipcovers...." Read more

"...some people worry if the pages were Bible-thin - and no, they are good thickness...." Read more

7 customers mention "Gift value"7 positive0 negative

Customers like the gift value of the book. They say it's a good gift.

"...This would make an excellent gift for any Tolkein fan." Read more

"This was the perfect gift for my husband. He was so amazed of the beauty of it as well as the details...." Read more

"...edition for the collector and would make a wonderful gift. I couldn’t be happier." Read more

"Wonderful gift..." Read more

6 customers mention "Bookmark"6 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the bookmark. They find the built-in bookmark and ribbon marker a nice addition.

"...It is elegantly produced with sewn bindings, a ribbon bookmark, runic writing on the foredge, and magnificent designs on the cover...." Read more

"...Possibly my favorite little surprise is the yellow ribbon bookmark. I didn’t expect it and have never owned a fictional book that had one...." Read more

"...And the ribbon marker is another nice touch...." Read more

"Artwork by Tolkien himself, sprayed edges with design, ribbon bookmark, wrapped naked cover with artwork, two more illustrated COLOR maps,..." Read more

Hardcover editions comparison
5 out of 5 stars
Hardcover editions comparison
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 NasmithReadable, nice, can be found around $20-$30 used. Crazy that this edition is almost 35 years old.Art:1. The Sea2. The Lamp of the Valar3. At Lake Cuiviénen4. The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea5. Fingolfin Leads the Host across the Helcaraxe6. The First Dawn of the Sun7. Maedhros's Rescue from Thangorodrim8. Eöl Welcomes Aredhel9. Felagund among Beor's Men10. By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest11. Lúthien Escapes upon Huan12. Morgoth Punishes Húrin13. Túrin and his Band are Led to Amon Radh14. Finduilas is Led past Túrin at the Sack of Nargothrond15. Ulmo Appears before Tor16. Eärendil the Mariner17. The Eagles of Manwe18. The Ships of the FaithfulFront over: Maglor Casts a Silmaril into the SeaBack cover: Beren and Luthien are carried to Safety2004 edition:Cover: “White Ships of Valinor” (white boats sailing in fair weather, island in background)45 illustrations by Ted NasmithGlossy paper, which can be a positive or negative I guessCan 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 Sea2. The Lamp of the Valar3. Aule Prepares to Destroy His Children4. At Lake Cuiviénen5. The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea6. The Ships of the Teleri Drawn by Swans7. The Kinslaying at Alqualonde8. Fingolfin Leads the Host across the Helcaraxe9. The First Dawn of the Sun10. The Burning of the Ships11. Maedhros' Rescue from Thangorodrim12. The Gates of Sirion13. Eöl Welcomes Aredhel14. Eöl is Led to the Walls15. Felagund among Beor's Men16. Fingolfin's Wrath17. The Orc-Host is Ambushed in Brethil18. Tarn Aeluin19. By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest20. Lúthien Escapes upon Huan21. Transformed22. Beren and Lúthien are Carried to Safety23. Huan's Leap24. Morgoth Punishes Húrin25. The Hill of Slain26. Saeros' Fatal Leap27. Túrin and his Band are Led to Amon Rûdh28. Beleg is Slain29. Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety30. Finduilas is Led past Túrin at the Sack of Nargothrond31. Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead32. Up the Rainy Stair33. Húrin Finds Morwen34. Tuor Follows the Swans to Vinyamar35. Ulmo Appears before Tuor36. Tuor and Voronwe see Turin at the Pools of Ivrin37. The Escape from Gondolin38. Maglor Casts a Silmaril into the Sea39. Earendil the Mariner40. White Ships from Valinor41. The Eagles of Manwe42. Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave43. The Ships of the Faithful44. The Forging of the One45. The White Tree2021 edition:Cover: “Ships of the Faithful” ship sailing amidst storm/red sky49 illustrations by Ted NasmithCan be found closer to $40Regular 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 Sea2. The Lamp of the Valar3. Aule Prepares to Destroy His Children4. At Lake Cuiviénen5. The Light of Valinor on the Western Sea6. The Ships of the Teleri Drawn by Swans7. The Kinslaying at Alqualonde8. Fingolfin Leads the Host across the Helcaraxe9. The First Dawn of the Sun10. The Burning of the Ships11. Maedhros' Rescue from Thangorodrim12. The Gates of Sirion13. Eöl Welcomes Aredhel14. Eöl is Led to the Walls15. Felagund among Beor's Men16. Fingolfin's Wrath17. Turgon at Fingolfin's Cairn18. The Orc-Host is Ambushed in Brethil19. At Tarn Aeluin20. By Moonlight in Neldoreth Forest21. Lúthien Escapes upon Huan22. Transformed23. Beren and Lúthien are Carried to Safety24. Huan's Leap25. Lúthien at Tol Galen26. Morgoth Punishes Húrin27. The Hill of Slain28. Saeros' Fatal Leap29. Túrin and his Band are Led to Amon Rûdh30. Beleg is Slain31. Túrin Bears Gwindor to Safety32. Finduilas is Led past Túrin at the Sack of Nargothrond33. Túrin Reaches the Abandoned Homestead34. Up the Rainy Stair35. The Slaying of Glaurung36. Húrin Finds Morwen37. Tuor Follows the Swans to Vinyamar38. Ulmo Appears before Tuor39. Tuor and Voronwe see Türin at the Pools of Ivrin40. The Escape from Gondolin41. Eärendil Searches Tirion42. Maglor Casts a Silmaril into the Sea43. Eärendil the Mariner44. White Ships from Valinor45. The Eagles of Manwe46. Tar-Miriel and the Great Wave47. The Ships of the Faithful48. The Forging of the One49. The White Tree2022 edition:Blue cover with circular design59 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.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on August 8, 2024
    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.
    12 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
    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.
    Customer image
    BL
    5.0 out of 5 stars Hardcover editions comparison
    Reviewed in the United States on December 23, 2022
    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.
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  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Beautiful Book
    Reviewed in Canada on October 23, 2024
    Beautiful book to add to any collection.
  • Angel S
    5.0 out of 5 stars Una edición muy bien balanceada
    Reviewed in Mexico on December 3, 2023
    Muy bueno para leerlo como para tenerlo de colección, las ilustraciones de Tolkien son hermosas. Me llego al día siguiente de pedirlo en buenas condiciones.
  • Gabriel
    5.0 out of 5 stars Ótima compra
    Reviewed in Brazil on August 28, 2023
    O livro realmente é maravilhoso como nas imagens. A edição está ótima.
    Ele é bem grande, então as páginas são com um papel um pouco mais fino, então é preciso tomar um pouco de cuidado com elas.
  • Wilbur Whateley
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful
    Reviewed in Italy on November 18, 2024
    I bought this and The Lord of the Rings in the same edition: a really precious print!
  • Paul
    5.0 out of 5 stars It’s not difficult if you know what to expect!
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2024
    Great edition! I struggled as a kid reading Silmarillion but I didn’t get it. But now in my 40s, I approached it as a history of middle earth and creation of all things like a Bible account and I gave it a second go with this Edition. The names are something to get used to. But I absolutely love this book now.