The Silmarillion
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4.7 • 283 Ratings
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- $29.99
Publisher Description
The forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion tells the earlier history of Middle-earth, recounting the events of the First and Second Ages, and introducing some of the key characters, such as Galadriel, Elrond, Elendil and the Dark Lord, Sauron.
The tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.
Included on the recording are several shorter works. The Ainulindalë is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta 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.
This brand-new unabridged recording is read by the acclaimed actor, director and author, Andy Serkis.
Reviews
‘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 & Mail
About the author
J R R Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 40 languages and have sold many millions of copies world wide.
APPLE BOOKS REVIEW
In this epic companion to Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien details the history of Middle-earth and the rest of the fantastical universe he created. In grand, almost Biblical language, Tolkien tells the story of the great creator Eru and his angelic beings singing the material world into existence, and Gollum actor Andy Serkis brings heaps of personality to the narration. He draws us into the creation story of earthly creatures like Elves and Men and the ensuing battle between light and darkness that took on many forms over thousands of years. There’s even a hugely illuminating index of character names and a detailed pronunciation guide. Though it was published after his death, The Silmarillion was written before Tolkien’s famous trilogy, serving as a sort of personal encyclopedia for his masterpiece of world-building. Go deeper into his universe in the company of one of the most talented voice actors ever.
Customer Reviews
I actually finished “The Silmarillion”
Before getting this audiobook, I had only been able to start “The Silmarillion”. Andy Serkis’s reading helped me get through it completely. It is a fantastic work and great for any Tolkien/LoTR fan. Bravo to Andy Serkis for making this audiobook so engaging, and for everyone who had a role in making this audiobook possible and available.
The divisions and proper labelling of the chapters makes it easy to go back and listen to sections again. I intend to go back soon and listen to some sections of it with my wife which I believe she will enjoy too.
I listen to a lot of audiobooks, and very rarely do I write out a review. But I felt how well in all areas this one is done merited it, especially given the challenge it presents by its nature.
Bravo!
Great version, Great Book
If you are a diehard fan of this book, it will greatly please and satisfy you.
If you are a fan of LOTR wanting to expand your horizons, you will be very confused and very frustrated by this book. However if you stay the course and get through it, you will come out feeling incredibly rewarded.
Highly recommend this book to any Tolkien nerds like me, and any new comers looking to read the greatest epic of all time.
Thank you
Amazing! Amazing!