christopher tolkien

The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: A Journey into the Mind of a Master Storyteller

This comprehensive collection of letters offers a unique glimpse into the life and mind of J.R.R. Tolkien, spanning his adult years from 1914 to 1973. More than just a chronicle of events, these letters reveal the depth and complexity of the man behind one of the most beloved fantasy worlds ever created.

A Window into Tolkien's World

Tolkien, a prolific letter writer, corresponded with a wide range of individuals, including publishers, family, friends like C.S. Lewis and W.H. Auden, and even dedicated fans. Through his correspondence, we encounter Tolkien in various roles: the meticulous storyteller, the dedicated scholar, the devout Catholic, the loving parent, and the keen observer of the world around him.

Unraveling the Genius of Middle-earth

The letters provide a fascinating and detailed portrait of Tolkien's creative process, offering invaluable insight into the development of his most renowned work, *The Lord of the Rings*. We witness the evolution of the story, the meticulous world-building, and the immense labor that went into crafting Middle-earth. Tolkien's own words reveal his dedication to his craft and his desire to create a world both intricate and believable.

Beyond Middle-earth: A Master of Language and Thought

Even for those who aren't avid fans of Tolkien's fantasy works, these letters offer a captivating read. Tolkien's mastery of language shines through, and his thoughtful observations on life, faith, and art provide ample food for reflection. He was a master of letter writing, employing wit, humor, and insightful prose to engage with his correspondents.

A Treasure for Tolkien Enthusiasts and Beyond

Whether you're a devoted fan of Tolkien's works, or simply appreciate the art of letter writing, *The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien* is a must-read. It's a captivating journey into the mind of a literary giant, offering a unique perspective on the man and his work.

"It is not possible even at great length to "pot" The Lord of the Rings in a paragraph or two. It was begun in 1936, and every part has been written many times... the labour has been colossal; and it must stand or fall, practically as it is." - J.R.R. Tolkien

"I am nearly always written to as Tolkein (not by you): I do not know why, since it is pronounced by me always -keen." - J.R.R. Tolkien

The Treason of Isengard: Unraveling the Secrets of Middle-earth's Creation

**The Treason of Isengard** is the second volume in the captivating "History of The Lord of the Rings" series, offering a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the genesis of this literary masterpiece. This book delves deep into Tolkien's creative process, revealing the evolution of the story and its iconic characters.

A Journey Through the Expanding World of Middle-earth

Continuing the narrative from **The Return of the Shadow**, this volume follows Tolkien's journey as he expands the scope of his epic tale. Witness the emergence of captivating realms and cultures south and east of the Misty Mountains, including:

* **Lothlórien:** The ethereal realm of the Elves, shrouded in mystery and beauty.

* **The Ents:** Ancient tree-like beings, protectors of the forest, who play a crucial role in the unfolding events.

* **The Riders of Rohan:** The skilled horsemen of the plains, with their unwavering loyalty and courage.

* **Saruman the White:** The once-respected wizard, who succumbs to the allure of power and betrays the Fellowship.

Uncovering the Seeds of Iconic Moments

Through Tolkien's original drafts and notes, readers can trace the development of some of the most cherished moments in "The Lord of the Rings":

* **The Arrival of Galadriel:** The first glimpses of this powerful and enigmatic Elf, the Lady of Lothlórien.

* **The Early History of Gondor:** The origins of the noble kingdom of Men, a crucial player in the fight against Sauron.

* **Aragorn and Eowyn's First Encounter:** This initial meeting, while vastly different from its final form, reveals the intrigue and depth of their relationship.

Mapping the Landscape of Middle-earth

The book also provides an in-depth look at the original map that served as a foundation for Middle-earth's vast geography. Discover the evolution of its landscapes, from the initial sketches to the final detailed representation that enthralls readers to this day.

A Timeless Legacy, Reimagined

The "History of The Lord of the Rings" series has been re-packaged in a classic style, aligning with the beloved black-cover editions of "The Hobbit," "The Lord of the Rings," "The Silmarillion," and "Unfinished Tales." This new format offers a timeless presentation for this invaluable collection.

**For Tolkien fans and aspiring writers alike, The Treason of Isengard is a must-read. It offers a rare and intimate look into the mind of a literary genius, revealing the meticulous craft and enduring power of Tolkien's imagination.**

The Book of Lost Tales 2: A Journey into the Heart of Tolkien's Mythology

**Unveiling the Origins of Middle-earth's Epic Tales**

This second volume in the two-part set, *The Book of Lost Tales*, delves deeper into the primordial myths and legends that served as the foundation for J.R.R. Tolkien's monumental epic, *The Silmarillion*.

A Tapestry of Legends and Lore

*The Book of Lost Tales 2* is a treasure trove of captivating narratives, offering readers a glimpse into the earliest iterations of Tolkien's world-building. Here, you'll find:

* **The Tale of Beren and Luthien:** A love story that transcends time and fate, showcasing the enduring power of courage and sacrifice.

* **Turin and the Dragon:** A tragic tale of a cursed hero battling against destiny, his struggles mirroring the ancient myths of the fall of men.

* **The Necklace of the Dwarves:** An intriguing narrative that explores the greed and pride of dwarven craftsmanship.

* **The Fall of Gondolin:** Considered Tolkien's most enthralling battle scene, this epic narrative transports readers to the heart of a fierce clash between Elves and Morgoth's forces.

A Scholarly Approach to Tolkien's Masterwork

Each captivating tale is accompanied by insightful commentary in the form of short essays, providing a deeper understanding of Tolkien's creative process and the evolution of his ideas. Furthermore, the book includes associated poems and extensive information on the early Elvish languages, enriching the reader's experience with Tolkien's linguistic prowess.

A Must-Have for Tolkien Enthusiasts

*The Book of Lost Tales 2* is a vital resource for any Tolkien aficionado seeking to understand the origins of Middle-earth's mythology. This beautifully repackaged edition, mirroring the classic "black cover" format of Tolkien's other works, makes this essential text an elegant addition to any bookshelf.

**Review:**

*The Book of Lost Tales 2* is a captivating journey into the heart of Tolkien's creative genius. It offers a rare glimpse into the formative stages of his legendary world, revealing the rich tapestry of myths and legends that inspired his later works. Whether you're a seasoned Tolkien enthusiast or a newcomer to his universe, this book is a must-read, providing a deeper understanding of the depth and complexity of his storytelling.

<h2>Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary, Together With Sellic Spell</h2>

<h3>An Unreleased Masterpiece</h3>

This volume presents a unique treasure: J.R.R. Tolkien's early translation of the epic poem Beowulf, completed in 1926. While Tolkien never intended to publish this translation, it reveals his remarkable understanding of Old English and his deep fascination with the poem's themes.

<h3>A Deeper Dive: Tolkien's Commentary</h3>

The book goes beyond the translation by including a selection of illuminating commentary taken from Tolkien's lectures delivered at Oxford in the 1930s. These lectures, originally intended for students, offer a profound insight into Tolkien's own interpretation of Beowulf, drawing connections between the poem's narrative and its deeper symbolism.

<h3>The Immediacy of Tolkien's Vision</h3>

Tolkien's commentary brings the world of Beowulf to life. He vividly describes the scenes of the poem, placing readers alongside Beowulf and his warriors as they battle monstrous foes, navigate political intrigue, and confront the inevitability of fate.

<h3>Beyond the Dragon's Treasure</h3>

Tolkien delves into the nuances of the poem's symbolism, examining the significance of the dragon's treasure. He argues that the treasure is not merely a symbol of wealth or power but embodies a “sad history” that transcends the boundaries of the epic. He highlights the poem's tragic undertones and its exploration of the human condition.

<h3>Sellic Spell: Tolkien's Imaginative Creation</h3>

"Sellic Spell" is a short story written by Tolkien that reimagines Beowulf as a folk tale, divorced from the historical context of the North Sea kingdoms. This imaginative creation showcases Tolkien's talent as a storyteller and his profound grasp of Old English mythology.

<h3>Review</h3>

"Beowulf: A Translation and Commentary" is a must-read for anyone interested in Tolkien's work or the epic poem Beowulf itself. The translation is clear and engaging, while the commentary provides a unique perspective on the poem's themes and symbolism. Tolkien's passionate engagement with Beowulf is evident throughout, offering readers a glimpse into the mind of one of the 20th century's most celebrated writers.

<p>Beren And Luthien</p>

<p>Painstakingly restored from Tolkien's manuscripts and presented for the first time as a continuous and standalone story, the epic tale of Beren and Luthien will reunite fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves and Men, Dwarves and Orcs and the rich landscape and creatures unique to Tolkien's Middle-earth.</p>

<p>The tale of Beren and Luthien was, or became, an essential element in the evolution of The Silmarillion, the myths and legends of the First Age of the World conceived by J.R.R. Tolkien. Returning from France and the battle of the Somme at the end of 1916, he wrote the tale in the following year.</p>

<p>Essential to the story, and never changed, is the fate that shadowed the love of Beren and Luthien: for Beren was a mortal man, but Luthien was an immortal Elf. Her father, a great Elvish lord, in deep opposition to Beren, imposed on him an impossible task that he must perform before he might wed Luthien. This is the kernel of the legend; and it leads to the supremely heroic attempt of Beren and Luthien together to rob the greatest of all evil beings, Melkor, called Morgoth, the Black Enemy, of a Silmaril.</p>

<p>In this book Christopher Tolkien has attempted to extract the story of Beren and Luthien from the comprehensive work in which it was embedded; but that story was itself changing as it developed new associations within the larger history. To show something of the process whereby this legend of Middle-earth evolved over the years, he has told the story in his father's own words by giving, first, its original form, and then passages in prose and verse from later texts that illustrate the narrative as it changed. Presented together for the first time, they reveal aspects of the story, both in event and in narrative immediacy, that were afterwards lost.</p>

<p>Morgoth's Ring</p>

<p>The first of two companion volumes which documents the later writing of The Silmarillion, Tolkien's epic tale of war.</p>

<p>After The Lord of the Rings was at last achieved, J R R Tolkien turned his attention once again to 'the Matter of the Elder Days'. The text of the Annals of Aman, the 'Blessed Land' in the far West, is given in full; while in writings hitherto unknown is seen the nature of the problems that Tolkien explored in his later years, as new and radical ideas, portending upheaval in the old narratives, emerged at the heart of the mythology, and as the destinies of Men and Elves, mortals and immortals, became of central significance, together with a vastly enlarged perception of the evil of Melkor, the Shadow upon Arda.</p>

<p>The second part of this history of the later Silmarillion is concerned with developments in the legends of Beleriand after the completion of The Lord of the Rings.</p>

<p>Sauron Defeated</p>

<p>The final part of The History of The Lord of the Rings, an enthralling account of the writing of the Book of the Century which contains many additional scenes and includes the unpublished Epilogue in its entirety.</p>

<p>In the first section of Sauron Defeated Christopher Tolkien completes his fascinating study of The Lord of the Rings. Beginning with Sam's rescue of Frodo from the Tower of Cirith Ungol, and giving a very different account of the Scouring of the Shire, this section ends with versions of the hitherto unpublished Epilogue, in which, years after the departure of Bilbo and Frodo from the Grey Havens, Sam attempts to answer his children's questions.</p>

<p>The second section is an edition of The Notion Club Papers. These mysterious papers, discovered in the early years of the twenty-first century, report the discussions of an Oxford club in the years 1986-7, in which after a number of topics, the centre of interest turns to the legend of Atlantis, the strange communications received by other members of the club from the past, and the violent irruption of the legend into the North-west of Europe.</p>

<p>This series of fascinating books has now been repackaged to complement the distinctive and classic style of the 'black cover' A-format paperbacks of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.</p>

<p>The War Of The Ring</p>

<p>The third part of The History of The Lord of the Rings, an enthralling account of the writing of the Book of the Century which contains many additional scenes and includes the unpublished Epilogue in its entirety.</p>

<p>The War of the Ring takes up the story of The Lord of the Rings with the Battle of Helm's Deep and the drowning of Isengard by the Ents, continues with the journey of Frodo, Sam and Gollum to the Pass of Cirith Ungol, describes the war in Gondor, and ends with the parley between Gandalf and the ambassador of the Dark Lord before the Black Gate of Mordor.</p>

<p>The book is illustrated with plans and drawings of the changing conceptions of Orthanc, Dunharrow, Minas Tirith and the tunnels of Shelob's Lair.</p>

<p>This series of fascinating books has now been repackaged to complement the distinctive and classic style of the 'black cover' A-format paperbacks of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.</p>

<p>The War Of The Jewels</p>

<p>The second of two companion volumes which documents the later writing of The Silmarillion, Tolkien's epic tale of war.</p>

<p>In The War of the Jewels Christopher Tolkien takes up his account of the later history of The Silmarillion from the point where it was left in Morgoth's Ring. The story now returns to Middle-earth, and the ruinous conflict of the High Elves and the Men who were their allies with the power of the Dark Lord. With the publication in this book all of J.R.R. Tolkien's later narrative writing concerned with the last centuries of the First Age, the long history of The Silmarillion, from its beginning in The Book of Lost Tales, is completed; and the enigmatic state of the work at his death can be understood.</p>

<p>This book contains the full text of the Grey Annals, the primary record of The War of the Jewels, and a major story of Middle-earth now published for the first time: the tale of the disaster that overtook the forest people of Brethil when Hurin the Steadfast came among them after his release from long years of captivity in Angband, the fortress of Morgoth.</p>

<p>The Lord Of The Rings</p>

<p>A sumptuous new one-volume edition of Tolkien's classic masterpiece that is fully illustrated throughout in watercolour by the acclaimed and award-winning artist, Alan Lee, and housed in a special transparent slipcase. Since it was first published in 1954, The Lord of the Rings has been a book people have treasured. Steeped in unrivalled magic and otherworldliness, its sweeping fantasy has touched the hearts of young and old alike. Well over 100 million copies of its many editions have been sold around the world, and occasional collectors' editions become prized and valuable items of publishing. With the epic trilogy now an acclaimed, award-winning and billion-dollar success, images of the characters and landscapes have become iconic to a whole new generation of readers. Much of the look of these movies is based on Alan Lee's paintings, giving this sumptuous new edition of Tolkien's great work new relevance for the ever-growing number of fans.</p>

<p>This new edition is housed in a special transparent slipcase and includes a brand new setting that features the definitive 50th anniversary text, which together with Alan's beautiful paintings provides the reader with the ultimate edition with which to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the work's first publication.</p>

<p>The Return Of The Shadow</p>

<p>The first part of The History of The Lord of the Rings, an enthralling account of the writing of the Book of the Century which contains many additional scenes and includes the unpublished Epilogue in its entirety.</p>

<p>The Return of the Shadow is the story of the first part of the history of the creation of The Lord of the Rings, a fascinating study of Tolkien's great masterpiece, from its inception to the end of the first volume, The Fellowship of the Ring.</p>

<p>In The Return of the Shadow (the abandoned title of the first volume of The Lord of the Rings) we see how Bilbo's magic ring evolved into the supremely dangerous Ruling Ring of the Dark Lord; and the precise, and astonishingly unforeseen, moment when a Black Rider first rode in to the Shire. The character of the hobbit called Trotter (afterwards Strider or Aragorn) is developed, and Frodo's companions undergo many changes of name and personality.</p>

<p>The book comes complete with reproductions of the first maps and facsimile pages from the earliest manuscripts.</p>

<p>This series of fascinating books has now been repackaged to complement the distinctive and classic style of the 'black cover' A-format paperbacks of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales.</p>