The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions)

"The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is an absolute treasure for any fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful storytelling. This edition, with its remarkable extras and bonuses, truly stands out from the regular version, elevating the reading experience to new heights.One of the most captivating aspects of this edition is the inclusion of illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. As you delve into the First Age of Middle-earth, you are accompanied by breathtaking visuals that bring Tolkien's vision to life. The illustrations not only showcase the grandeur and beauty of his artwork but also offer a unique glimpse into his creative process. The inclusion of hand-drawn maps of Middle Earth further enhances the immersive experience, allowing readers to trace the epic journeys of their favorite characters.The decision to print the complete text in two colors is a stroke of genius. The contrasting hues add a visually striking element to the pages, captivating the eye and enhancing the reading experience. Each word, each sentence, is imbued with an extra layer of significance, drawing readers even deeper into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world.Another gem of this edition is the introduction penned by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. In a letter written in 1951, Tolkien provides invaluable insights into the earlier Ages of Middle-earth, shedding light on the history and mythology that underpin "The Silmarillion." This addition enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the world Tolkien has created.Described as a definitive new edition, this illustrated masterpiece goes beyond being a mere book. It is a testament to Tolkien's artistic and literary achievements, a tribute to his enduring legacy. This edition showcases his unparalleled ability to weave a tale that transports readers to a world of wonder and magic. It is a collector's item, a cherished possession that will be passed down through generations, preserving the enchantment of Middle-earth for years to come.In conclusion, "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is a must-have for any Tolkien enthusiast. It stands out from the regular version, offering a visual feast through Tolkien's own illustrations, a captivating two-color printing, an illuminating introduction, and a definitive presentation of his seminal work. It is a work of art in its own right, preserving and celebrating the brilliance of Tolkien's imagination. Indulge in this extraordinary edition and embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and leave an indelible mark on your heart.

The "Tolkien illustrated editions" are editions that incorporate J.R.R. Tolkien's own illustrations and drawings. If what you're looking for is a big, fancy book with professionally-painted illustrations throughout, then what you're looking for is probably the 2004 hardcover edition with illustrations by Ted Nasmith, a fantastic edition on its own merits. However, this edition will probably be of more interest to those hardcore Tolkien enthusiasts who are more interested in J.R.R. Tolkien's creative process than they are in having illustrations for the sake of having illustrations... so, your mileage may vary on that.As to the quality of this hardcover edition, it's fantastic. Aesthetically pleasing as a tome on one's shelf, and particularly nice-looking when set beside the matching Tolkien Illustrated "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit," this edition is both a fantastic collector's book and a fantastic way to READ the book. And as a bonus, it comes with two printed color maps of the Beleriand region of Middle-earth: one that is more fully colored and the other which is a simple "parchment brown." This is a step up from the maps included with the similar edition of The Lord of the Rings, which while they incorporate red text are otherwise merely black-and-white. The maps are still small-size print-outs on otherwise ordinary paper, however, so treat them with care.It should be stated that "The Silmarillion" is not a book to dive into lightly and is best approached by one who has already developed a strong interest in Middle-earth's history through "The Lord of the Rings," or else by a fantasy-literature veteran with a number of relatively dense novels under their belt. While not especially long, it is not written or structured as a traditional fantasy novel would be, but rather as a mythological history—reading "The Silmarillion" is a bit like reading translations of old mythology, or like reading the Bible (except for the long portions of the Bible dedicated to laying down religious law, of course). Rather than telling just one ongoing narrative as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" do, it lays out the history of Arda, Tolkien's world, from creation up to and including the background lore for the events before and (somewhat) during The Lord of the Rings, with different parts of the book being more or less detailed than others—many portions of the story being told in a distant historical/mythological mode rather than the scene-by-scene, in-the-character's-head mode novels favor.It is best to view "The Silmarillion" as Tolkien intended it to be viewed, as his narrative-framing conceit for all of his Middle-earth writings characterized them: as translated and assembled documents of the long-past history of Middle-earth itself. Indeed, because of the way "The Silmarillion" was posthumously assembled and edited together by Tolkien's son Christopher from the disparate parts and pieces of evolving, unfinished work he left behind, that characterization bears a kind of incidental authenticity in the structure and styles within the book itself. If "The Lord of the Rings" is a classic trailblazer of fantasy literature, then "The Silmarillion" is the gateway that separates Lord of the Rings fans from "Tolkien scholars..." those dedicated fans of Middle-earth who enjoy delving into all of the writings Tolkien left behind to glean as much as they can about his world beyond what is merely included in the main three books.