The Silmarillion

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Summary: One of the greatest stories ever written
Review: I'm 31 now and I think I first read LotR when I was 12. It's an amazing story I've read at least 10 times. The Silmarillion gives meaning and depth to the The Hobbit and LotR. It provides the historical background for the events at the end of the Third Age, and in itself is a fantastic cycle of tales. While some would say it's "dry" or "boring", I would disagree. I believe the tone of the book is intended to convey a written (or oral) history, written at a much later date than the events depicted in the text (possibly "Translations from the Elvish" as written by Bilbo Baggins in Rivendell) and as such is (for the most part) written in the third person, without much dialog but with plenty of action. The creation of the Silmarils by Feanor, their theft by Melkor, and the trajedy of the Oath of the Noldor is epic fantasy at its peak, and has yet to be surpassed by any other author.

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Summary: J.R.R. Tolkien's Masterpiece of Mythology
Review: The Silmarillion primarily tells the tale of the Elder Days of Middle Earth. In a sweeping, epic fashion, it speaks of angleic and demonic powers, Elves, Dwarves, Men, Dragons and a host of other creatures. The Silmarillion provides background for Tolkien's other books, but stands strongly on it's own. With this hardcover edition we finally see the addition of illustrations, masterfully done by Ted Naismith. Naismith is without doubt the most accurate illustrator of Tolkien's world; he really does his research. As well documented by Tolkien's writings, he depicts the Elves with pointed ears, and he shows the warriors of Middle Earth as being armoured in Chainmail (instead of the plate armour erroneously shown by other artists). His depiction of the race of Balrogs is the most powerful & accurate out of any artist out there. The list of his attention to detail goes on. He combines this with a skill ful blend of colour and emotion in his paintings. This is a book well worth buying and reading, even if you have other editons.

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Summary: Stick With It!!!
Review: There is life after The Lord of the Rings! I read the Lord of the Rings when I was 9 years old, and the series simply blew me away. Tolkien is the author that really got me involved in science fiction/fantasy, and I have never been dissapointed by any of his works. The Silmarillion offers the history of creation; basically, Tolkien retells Genesis in his own style-and what happened afterwards. I was astonished to see so much biblical reference within the web of the story (i.e.-Melkor=Lucifer, Manwe=Jesus Christ, ect.) but the wealth of the whole book lies beyond just theology and such. I'm a sophomore in highschool, and let me tell you-if our textbooks were written in the way the Silmarillion was, no student would ever fail History class again. Sure, the writing style might not be the easiest to read, but I personally think that the style is more preferable than that of, oh say, Sir Walter Scott's Ivanhoe. Seriously, if you can't get enough of Tolkien, READ THIS BOOK! It is definately worth it.

Also, if you enjoy reading fantasy, but in an easier style than The Silmarillion is written in, try out Robert Jordan's Wheel of Time Series, Tad William's Memory, Sorrow, and Thorn, or George R.R. Martin's Song of Fire and Ice. They are the best that this generation of author's have to offer.

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Summary: Great narrator, ok story
Review: Martin Shaw was a perfect choice for this outline of the history of the Silmarils. Unfortunately many of the stories are told at such a high level (low detail) that it's like reading a plot summary. Also just about every sentence is filled with long fantasy names, with hundreds of characters making appearances only once sometimes to reappear 2 tapes later.

I would not suggest trying to read this book. Do it on tape (or CD)ONLY. You could spend the whole day just trying to pronounce the names on the first couple pages.

Also the last story is just a review of what happened in _The Lord of the Rings_ so if you haven't read that yet (yes there are people out there that haven't read 'it' yet) then read it first or you'll ruin some surprises.

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Summary: The Silmarillion
Review: J.R.R. Tolkien's books are great. However the rewritten notes that Christopher Tolkien puts out are not well written. There is great background material in the notes, but it is not set out as a good story.

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Summary: The Masterpiece of Tolkien's Lifetime
Review: Upon beginning this book, I was fascinated by the creation of the children of Illuvatar and the song they wove; and in reading it, I was surprised because I have never liked mythology, yet these writings captured me.

But when I was overwhelmed with many names and (at the time) poorly explained places, I feared that I would be among the unpopular reviewers of this book who gave it a low rating.

Then, my hope was rekindled because through learning all of those strange places and unfamiliar names, I was given insight into some of the most fantastic, valient, and sorrowful stories that JRR Tolkien ever wrote.

And if you avoid reading this book, you will miss out on that. Because, as is stated in the book's forward, this was the work of Tolkien's lifetime. Its creation grew with him and covered a time period that makes the seasons of work that he spent on the Lord of the Rings look like an overnight inspiration.

If you avoid reading this, you will never know the sad fate of Hurin or the brave journey of Beren and Luthien. You will never learn of the monstrosity that is Morgoth, who makes his servant Sauron seem a peddling imp. Without reading this book, you will never truly understand the grief of the elves that is touched on in LOTR, and you'll never know where Gandalf came from.

Therefore, I lay this doom upon any who begin this book: do not give up; you will be rewarded for your vigilance.

In my review, I would also like to honor the efforts of Christopher Tolkien, who spent years compiling this masterpiece from the notes of his father. If he had never done this, none of these reviews would have ever been written and some of JRR Tolkien's greatest stories would never have been subject to our admiration.

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Summary: Not as hard to read as some say...
Review: The Silmarillion has gained notoriety for its dense, difficult style and huge profusion of names. This reputation has, no doubt, driven away many who would otherwise have tried to read this magnificent work.

In contrast to these people, I would just like to say that most of these complaints must be by younger readers of Lord of the Rings. I really believe that the complaints are seriously exaggerated. Any adult should have no problems with this book. It is fairly short, too.

I really believe that the Silmarillion is by far Tolkien's greatest work. I don't really like Lord of the Rings that much, to tell the truth. But Silmarillion, with Tolkien's daydreams written down over a period of sixty years, is unforgettable, brilliant and beautiful.

In short, it is not as hard to read as people tend to claim. Indeed, it is brilliant and fast-moving.

Jonathan

Rating:
Summary: BIBLE
Review: Im only writting this cause i feel obligated to say a big thanks to JRR TOLKIEN for all his work...Silmarillion is a piece of bookart that ive never read before...maybe a bit tyring..cause of its big length but noone can create a whole new world in just a few pages!Most of you might need to read it 3 or 4 times and still find new things to enjoy it...I strongly recomment to all readers of Tolkiens to read this and everyother of his books while their cd player rhymes NIGHTFALL IN MIDDLE EARTH CD(BLIND GUARDIAN)

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Summary: A prequel to The Hobbit! In my opinion...
Review: This book isn't his best, but it's worth the read. My favorite chapter was, of course, Of Beren & Luthien. It was a little confusing, in the middle, but I got over it. I liked the dark elf chapter. And, for LOTR fans, Galdriel is in a few pages.

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Summary: Silmarillion: 5 stars! This recording: ZERO stars...
Review: I love each and every word of "The Silmarillion"; no Tolkien education is complete without it and no reading of "The Lord of the Rings" is possibly as rich without it (those who think otherwise delude themselves). BUT--this Martin Shaw presentation is DREADFUL: so lifeless, so passionless. The mispronunciations (accepting JRR's own readings as canon) are galling! Now: for a beautiful, emotional, *emotive* reading--do try Christopher Tolkien's own readings. His "Of Beren and Lúthien" is simply not to be missed.