The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien

This hardback edition of The Silmarillion features a cover design by J.R.R. Tolkien himself, complementing the popular The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings hardbacks. It includes a new preface by J.R.R. Tolkien, unique to this edition.

The Silmarillion tells the ancient stories of the First Age of Tolkien’s world, a time when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, ruled over Middle-earth. These tales form the backdrop of The Lord of the Rings, with characters such as Elrond and Galadriel having participated in these pivotal events. The High Elves wage war against Morgoth in an effort to recover the Silmarils, three jewels that contain the pure light of Valinor.

Included in the book are several shorter works:

• Ainulindalë – A myth about the creation of the world.
• Valaquenta – Describes the nature and powers of the gods.
• Akallabêth – Recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age.
• Of the Rings of Power – Tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age, which are explored in The Lord of the Rings.