The Silmarillion, Vol. 2

Product Description Set in a time far earlier than Tolkien's master works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this is the epic history of the elves, and the grand story of the creation of Tolkien's magical world. The Lord of the Rings narrated the great events at the end of the Third Age; but the tales of The Silmarillion are legends deriving from a much deeper past, when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils. Never published in the author's lifetime, The Silmarillion is an essential compendium for all Tolkien fans. It will be published in five consecutive volumes, each completely unabridged. The series contains not only the Quenta Silmarillion, but four other short works: the Ainulindale, Valaquenta, Akallabeth and Of the Rings of Power. From Library Journal Tolkien's 1977 tale could be called the Paradise Lost of Middle Earth. It tells of the Godlike Iluvatar's creation of all things, both physical and spiritual, in the Elder Days of Middle Earth in the First Age before the coming of elves and men. All was well until Melkor, Iluvatar's mightiest and brightest offspring, grew jealous of his master, desired his own creations, and made things in private while corrupting the designs of Iluvatar. Upon the discovery of his ill deeds, Melkor was cast down and became the first Dark Lord and scourge of Middle Earth (sound familiar?). Although it takes quite a while to get moving, the story eventually serves up epic battles of good and evil as Melkor, aided by his lieutenant, Sauron, who later figures prominently in The Lord of the Rings, is defeated by the human and elvin hosts of Middle Earth in a long and bitter war. Part 1 moves slowly while introducing numerous characters and plot points. Parts 2 and 3 have considerably more action. Actor Martin Shaw's reading is solid; it's the cardboard packaging that's flimsy. Recommended.?Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc. From the Inside Flap Set in a time far earlier than Tolkien's master works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, this is the epic history of the elves, and the grand story of the creation of Tolkien's magical world. The Lord of the Rings narrated the great events at the end of the Third Age; but the tales of The Silmarillion are legends deriving from a much deeper past, when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils. Never published in the author's lifetime, The Silmarillion is an essential compendium for all Tolkien fans. It will be published in five consecutive volumes, each completely unabridged. The series contains not only the Quenta Silmarillion, but four other short works: the Ainulindale, Valaquenta, Akallabeth and Of the Rings of Power. Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved. The SilmarillionBy J. R. R. TolkienRandom House Audio Publishing GroupCopyright © 1998J. R. R. TolkienAll right reserved.ISBN: 9780553525014Chapter One The Music of the Ainur There was Eru, the One, who in Arda is called Iluvatar; and he made first the Ainur, the Holy Ones, that were the offspring of his thought, and they were with him before aught else was made. And he spoke to them, propounding to them themes of music; and they sang before him, and he was glad. But for a long while they sang only each alone, or but few together, while the rest hearkened; for each comprehended only that part of the mind of Iluvatar from which he came, and in the understanding of their brethren they grew but slowly. Yet ever as they listened they came to deeper understanding, and increased in unison and harmony. And it came to pass that Iluvatar called together all the Ainur and declared to them a mighty theme, unfolding to them things greater and more wonderful than he had yet revealed; and the glory of its beginning and the splendour of its e