The Book of Lost Tales: Part Two

Nice book worth reading :-)

Let's be clear from the onset: Book 1 & 2 of the magnificent 12 volume 'History of Middle Earth' are not specifically the new or unpublished tales from Tolkien, edited by his son. It is primarily his son's work on the commentary and annotations to his father's work. If you have read 'Tuor and the The Fall of Gondolin' in The Silmarillion, it is just six and a half pages of print (2004, large hardcover, Houghton Muffin). Here, the chapter dedicated to it is voluminous. We even trace the probable 100 tear old age of the manuscript in pencil. Thus, what was once unpublishable notes and fragments by Tolkien, we have these thoughtfully framed by his son for posterity. While academics and scholars will find much of the work done for them here, what's in it for the 'lay' reader. If you have read the Bible and wished there was a comprehensive biblical commentary at arm's reach, then this is the appropriate companion to your 'Silmarillion'. So, first read the published stories in its known form. And if you wished there was more to know, open up 'The Lost Tales' (Books 1 & 2, unless you bought the three volume deluxe set of 'History') to satisfy your appetite. Bear in mind, it will open up your mind to the created cosmos as well as inform you of some of the Old English and ancient European tongues. The book reviewed is the 1984 first hardcover US edition. (I bought it to fill up the missing volumes in my collection, as this particular copy could not be obtained before. This was a used library copy with plastic cover and mint condition.)

Ecellente suite des histoires des origines, pour les fans de Tolkien qui veulent aller au delà du Seigneur des Anneaux.

Because this is a very wonderful book, I am satisfied. I look forward to the opportunity when I can meet you next.

Nicht nur eine Sammlung von unveröffentlichten Geschichten: HISTORY OF MIDDLE-EARTH ist die Chronik einer jahrzehntelangen literarischen Sisyphos-Arbeit. Im Zentrum steht die Evolution der Themen und Geschichten durch viele verschiedene, z.T. widersprüchliche oder schwer zu entziffernde Texte und Textfragmente. Wer sich darauf einlässt, wird mit einem tiefgehenden Verständnis für Tolkiens Lebenswerk belohnt. Anspruchsvolle Lektüre, ungeeignet für Leser, die nur neue Geschichten aus dem HdR-Universum suchen.