The Silmarillion is J.R.R. Tolkien's tragic, operatic history of the First Age of Middle-Earth, essential background material for serious readers of the classic Lord of the Rings saga. Tolkien's work sets the standard for fantasy, and this audio version of the "Bible of Middle-Earth" does The Silmarillion justice. Martin Shaw's reading is grave and resonant, conveying all the powerful events and emotions that shaped elven and human history long before Bilbo, Frodo, Gandalf and all the rest embarked on their quests. Beginning with the Music of the Ainur, The Silmarillion tells a tale of the Elder Days, when Elves and Men became estranged by the Dark Lord Morgoth's lust for the Silmarils, pure and powerful magic jewels. Even the love between a human warrior and the daughter of the Elven king cannot defeat Morgoth, but the War of Wrath finally brings down the Dark Lord. Peace reigns until the evil Sauron recovers the Rings of Power and sets the stage for the events told in the Lord of the Rings. This is epic fantasy at its finest, thrillingly read and gloriously unabridged. (Running time: 14 hours, 6 CDs)

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-The epic history of the elves, and the grand creation story of Tolkien's magical world.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is in trouble?the face she has just reconstructed belongs to a man who is supposedly alive.Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From AudioFile
THE SILMARILLION is J.R.R. Tolkien's creation myth, a lovingly crafted history of elves, men, and all of Middle-Earth that informs the worlds of THE HOBBIT and THE LORD OF THE RINGS. Here are the origins of familiar characters Elrond, Galadriel, and dark lord Sauron. Martin Shaw narrates with reverent religious solemnity, guiding listeners through epic battles and legions of characters. Shaw skillfully handles the difficult pronunciations of Tolkien's invented languages and inspires a frisson of pleasure when he breaks the straight narration to slip into character voices. This might be the most accessible way to experience THE SILMARILLION, a surprisingly compelling work and a must for Tolkien fans. J.M.D. © AudioFile 2003, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

FROM THE PUBLISHER

The Silmarillion is Tolkien's first book and his last, the core of his imaginative work that underlies all his writings about Middle-earth. Here are the legends of the Elder Days, the central stories that give meaning to the events of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. Tolkien began The Silmarillion in 1917 and worked on it, changed it, and continued it throughout his life. Edited by his son, Christopher Tolkien, the book finally appeared four years after the author's death, in 1977.

Now illustrated for the first time with original paintings by the renowned artist Ted Nasmith, this gift edition is a companion to the illustrated editions of The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

FROM THE CRITICS

Library Journal

Forensic sculptor Eve Duncan is in trouble--the face she has just reconstructed belongs to a man who is supposedly alive.

School Library Journal