The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Silmarillion
Book Review: His masterwork
Summary: 5 Stars
It took me most of my life to really appreciate Tolkien's work (I'm slow I guess). And I have really come love and cherish LOTR. I know of nothing that comes even close to it in so many ways... except for the Silmarillion.
The scope and vision of the Silmarillion is so gigantic that if it had not ended before the events described in LOTR, but had included them in a form similar to the rest of the book, as (Middle-)Earth-shaking as they were, they probably would have been covered in a few pages... a chapter at most. Events of the scope and magnitude of LOTR occur over and over in the Silmarillion. It does not cover them all with the detail of LOTR, but the stories are profound and rich and moving. The Silmarillion must have been largely complete in Tolkien's mind when he wrote LOTR because the events of the Silmarillion during ages and centuries before LOTR profoundly (and consistently) influence not only the character and values of most of the characters, but almost every word and action they take. It is as though LOTR was a single delicious fruit and the Silmarillion was the fruit-laden tree which bore it.
Taking on the Silmarillion is a commitment. But for those who found LOTR worthwhile, I think they will find the Silmarillion at least equally worthwhile.
I agree with others who warn readers against starting with the Silmarillion even though it comes first chronologically.
It probably is best to start with the Hobbit, even though it was written with different voice and aimed at a different audience than the other works. Context-wise, it probably is the best place to start.
It is probably best to read LOTR next and the Silmarillion last... but having read the Silmarillion, you'll probably want to go back and read LOTR again, equipped with the enriched perspective you will have...
Book Review: History of JRR Tolkiens World
Summary: 5 Stars
If you want to better understand the LOTR: Lord of the Rings SEries it would be highly beneficial to read this book. I have read it so many times from my library i decided to just buy it for myself. But definetly a good read if you are a Lord of the Rings nerd like me. :P I bought the hard back and can't wait to read it again!Book Review: If you like Tolkien, you will love this book
Summary: 5 Stars
This is a easy read. It lays a wonderful foundation for the adventures to come. If the revival of the Lord Of The Rings series left you wanting more, this book is very satisfying.Book Review: Increadibly hard to read
Summary: 1 Stars
this book was written like a text book, it has no plot and no character development it just tells the entire history of middle earth. the story spans several ages so you read about many different generations of families. the bad part about this is that for whatever reason all of the male characters have almost the same name thus making it not only boring to read but difficult to understand. Its like reading a history book about that time period in Prussia where every who ruled was named Frederick except your reading it for fun and not a class grade.Book Review: MUST HAVE for your Tolkien collection!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is excellent edition of Tolkien's Silmarillion contains some of the most beautiful illustrations ever published. Nasmith' depicts Middle-earth in a style which is very different from Alan Lee's sombre watercolors and are of a more classical tone similar to the works of Parrish and Howard Pile. His landscapes re lively and his use of reflection and light are dazzling. The quality of this books binding is above average and overall this personal favorite in my Tolkien library.