The Silmarillion by J. R. R. Tolkien, Martin Shaw Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Silmarillion
Book Review: A lot more entertaining than reading yourself
Summary: 5 Stars
The biggest complaint I hear about the silmarillian is that it is dry and hard to read. I agree that it is like reading a historic or scriptural text, but the stories of Beren and Luthien, and Hurin, and Erendil are wonderful. Knowing the history enriches your experience of the Lord of the Rings. I ordered the book on tape because I have eye problems which make reading difficult, but I have also found it a lot easier to 'get through' the dry parts this way.
If you are looking for a gripping novel this is NOT the book for you. However, it is a wonderful wealth of information for anyone interested in delving into the world and history of middle earth. It will explain a lot about Lord of the Rings.
Book Review: A must have
Summary: 4 Stars
If you enjoy the Silmarillion, then you are a special type of Tolkien fan. I must say that, if you are that special Tolkien follower, you will have a strong idea for yourself of how things are pronounced, how voices sound, etc. The Silm. audio book and it's narrator will probably jar you slightly from your expectations, but in the end I believe you will enjoy the piece, and consider it an important addition to your Tolkien library.Book Review: A origin epic second to none
Summary: 5 Stars
Tolkein was said to have been motivated to provide the British with an origins myth, which he felt they did not have. He succeeded admirably with the Silmarillion which tells the story of the creation by Illuvatar (God) and the Valar (supporting "gods") chief among the latter being Manwe and Melkor. Melkor, said to be the most powerful of the Valar, was vain and selfish from the beginning while Manwe was Illuvater's loyal second. Tolkein's creation myth is truly magical being told with the metaphor of the god's singing the universe into being but with Melkor in discord. Following the creation tale are the stories of the beginnings of the Eldar (Elves), Dwarves, Men, and Orcs. Many of these stories are stirring epics told with Tolkein's matchless language skills, and form the mythical background for LOTR. I had read the Silmarillion before but found that I got even more by listening to a skilled reader recite the tale. I have had much the same experience with Homer. Some stories are better heard than read and the Illiad and Silmarillion are prime choices here. After all, the Illiad was likely developed to be told orally by Bards while Tolkein may well have had a similar model in mind. This is a beautiful recording that is truly delightful to hear again and again. My only very minor complaint is that the reader seems to have devised his own pronunciations of the many unique names. If you want to see more accepted pronunciations (Tolkein was clear about how the names should be spoken) check out "The encyclopedia of Arda" online.Book Review: An excellent rendition
Summary: 5 Stars
Martin Shaw is wonderful in this audio version of The Silmarillion. He has a rich voice, and does an excellent job performing the different characters, and changing his tone when warranted. He clearly researched The Silmarillion before performing it; the pronunciations are correct, and the gravity of the book is maintained. If you've never read The Silmarillion, this is a good way to start, and if you're a fan, you should enjoy this version.Book Review: Audio CD set a must for lovers of Tolkien's use of language
Summary: 5 Stars
The audio CD boxed set of The Silmarillion, which contains the entire, unabridged text of the book over thirteen discs, is a real treat to listen to. Martin Shaw's narration captures Tolkien's vatic voice flawlessly, with excellent pacing, tone, and the correct pronunciation of those tricky Elvish words. Shaw is, however, less effective when he changes his voice to speak as specific characters like Eönwë, Morgoth, Thingol, or various female characters. Tolkien's use of language is such that it rewards repeated listening, which makes this boxed set an excellent investment, even if, like me, you own a copy of The Silmarillion that has been just about read to pieces, and know the words a little too well for your own good.