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The Silmarillion Paperback – October 7, 2014
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The #1 New York Times Bestseller
The Silmarillion is the core of J.R.R. Tolkien's imaginative writing, a work whose origins stretch back to a time long before The Hobbit. This mythopoetic masterpiece is a must-read for fans of The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power on Prime Video.
The story of the creation of the world and of the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Fëanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth.
The Silmarillion is the history of the rebellion of Fëanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy.
“Majestic! ... Readers of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings will find in The Silmarillion a cosmology to call their own, medieval romances, fierce fairy tales, and fiercer wars that ring with heraldic fury... It overwhelms the reader.”—Time
- Print length384 pages
- LanguageEnglish
- PublisherWilliam Morrow Paperbacks
- Publication dateOctober 7, 2014
- Dimensions5.5 x 1.25 x 8.25 inches
- ISBN-100544338014
- ISBN-13978-0544338012
- Lexile measure1150L
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The Great Tales of Middle-earth | The History of Middle-earth Boxed Set | The History of Middle-earth, Part One | The History of Middle-earth, Part Two | The History of Middle-earth, Part Three | Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth | |
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The Silmarillion | The Nature of Middle-earth | The Atlas of Middle-earth | A Middle-earth Traveler | The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien | |
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Editorial Reviews
Review
"A creation of singular beauty... magnificent in its best moments." — The Washington Post
From the Back Cover
The story of the creation of the world and of the First Age, this is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back and in whose events some of them, such as Elrond and Galadriel, took part. The three Silmarils were jewels created by Fëanor, most gifted of the Elves. Within them was imprisoned the Light of the Two Trees of Valinor before the Trees themselves were destroyed by Morgoth, the first Dark Lord. Thereafter, the unsullied Light of Valinor lived on only in the Silmarils, but they were seized by Morgoth and set in his crown, which was guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion is the history of the rebellion of Fëanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all their heroism, against the great Enemy.
“A creation of singular beauty . . . magnificent in its best moments.” — Washington Post
“Heart-lifting . . . a work of power, eloquence and noble vision . . . Superb!” — Wall Street Journal
J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892–1973) is the creator of Middle-earth and the author of such classic and extraordinary works of fiction as The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and Unfinished Tales. His books have been translated into more than fifty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.
CHRISTOPHER TOLKIEN is the third son of J.R.R. Tolkien. Appointed by Tolkien to be his literary executor, he has devoted himself to the editing and publication of unpublished writings.
About the Author
J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over sixty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.
Product details
- Publisher : William Morrow Paperbacks; Reissue edition (October 7, 2014)
- Language : English
- Paperback : 384 pages
- ISBN-10 : 0544338014
- ISBN-13 : 978-0544338012
- Lexile measure : 1150L
- Item Weight : 11.2 ounces
- Dimensions : 5.5 x 1.25 x 8.25 inches
- Best Sellers Rank: #1,975 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
- #98 in Classic Literature & Fiction
- #274 in Epic Fantasy (Books)
- #276 in Literary Fiction (Books)
- Customer Reviews:
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The Silmarillion
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![J. R. R. Tolkien](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/S/amzn-author-media-prod/hq6oari96tk6tlqvhqs9qqcvi8._SY600_.jpg)
J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, selling 150 million copies in more than 40 languages worldwide. Awarded the CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, he died in 1973 at the age of 81.
Customer reviews
Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers find the visual design full of beauty and wonder. They also say the storyline is fascinating and includes the genealogies, pronunciation guides, and index. Opinions differ on readability, with some finding it not as hard to read as others say, while others say it's not an easy read with too much detail.
AI-generated from the text of customer reviews
Customers find the storyline fascinating, historical, and detailed. They also say it's crucial to understanding LOTR, realizing worlds, and philosophical. Readers also say the book is an excellent resource and an interesting read that explains the background formation of middle earth.
"...So I say again: if you are a fan of deep, realized worlds and expert writing, what are you waiting for?..." Read more
"...This world is quite real that almost could feel as the true past turned mythology...." Read more
"...The history that Tolkien imagined is just astounding. Can’t wait to dive into these stories more!" Read more
"...They are amazingly insightful and equally entertaining. The lectures are from Dr Olsen's overview course of Tolkien literature." Read more
Customers find the visual design full of beauty and wonder, vivid in its characterizations, and sprawling in scope. They also appreciate the great emphasis and explanation provided regarding important characters like Gandolf.
"...Tolkien crafts an entire mythos full of beauty and wonder. Full of grand deeds and creations. Full of love...." Read more
"...The overall impression I have is that the exterior hues are very cool (silvers, blues, even the green foil is cool) while the interior hues are warm..." Read more
"...His artistry is masterful. I especially enjoy his scenery paintings. He helps bring the world of the elves to life for me...." Read more
"...and the silver accents on the outside of the pages is absolutely freaking gorgeous and the book itself is hopefully something I will have for a long..." Read more
Customers have mixed opinions about the readability of the book. Some find the font choice excellent and easy to read, the illustrations lovely and well complement the text, and the second edition features textual corrections. However, others say the book is not an easy read, is dull, dense, and wordy. They also mention that the first few chapters are especially tough going and the book hurts the eyes to read after about an hour.
"...While it is true that portions of this book are dull, dense, or wordy, I do not think these were reasons why it took me so long to get through the..." Read more
"...Text always clean and easy to read, though, and I'll definitely enjoy reading this edition!..." Read more
"...page book that hurts the eyes to read after about an hour...." Read more
"..."The Silmarillion" is definitely not for the casual reader, a book to curl up with on a Sunday afternoon for just a couple of hours of..." Read more
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I read the first 80 pages or so of this book from June of last year to April of this one. I then read the next 300 pages in the last seven days. I absolutely could not put it down. While it is true that portions of this book are dull, dense, or wordy, I do not think these were reasons why it took me so long to get through the beginning. Rather, because of my perception of the book I attempted to read this book little by little as a side endeavor to my main reading. This was a mistake. I am not someone who can offer half-baked concentration to a book, and The Silmarillion is a book which demands one's full attention. But I want to make one thing clear about this book, because it has a pretty heavy reputation (as was made immediately clear whenever I brought up the fact that I was reading it). The Silmarillion is a must read. Yes there are a thousand names and sometimes it's slow and on occasion it feels like you're reading an encyclopedia of mythology. Those things aren't untrue, but they do not encompass this story. Understand that these things are (in my opinion) overblown, and beyond them is a vast reward.
If you are a fan of Tolkien's world you simply must read it. I can say nothing--offer no praise--in this review that has not already been heaped upon Tolkien a million times over; but he deserves it. I have never (not after reading The Hobbit, not after reading Lord of the Rings, both of which I love), ever been as enthusiastic about Tolkien's world as I am right now having just finished this book. It is an absolute masterwork. It is the most fully realized world I have ever had the pleasure to read, and was built by an absolute master of the craft. I know that people sometimes bounce off the language, as it comes off archaic, but what a disservice you are doing yourself! Tolkien is a linguist, and thus he comes at his creations from the very heart of things; the very origin of the workings of our thoughts and mind. He builds languages and worlds pour forth. He even commented in a letter to his editor that he felt that these stories were not merely inventions, but something that was being channeled through him. "...yet always I had the sense of recording what was already ‘there’, somewhere: not of ‘inventing’." The skill of his writing simply can't be understated. I mean, I could read the man's grocery list and be happy. There is a reason a book of his letters was published (and I'll definitely be reading it). Reading it after Lord of the Rings is the way do it I think, because it adds so much to it when you eventually circle back around. LotR throws around names and places and events that intrigue and astound, and ignite the fires of mystery within the reader. The Silmarillion fans those flames, and shows you how the fire was built. So I say again: if you are a fan of deep, realized worlds and expert writing, what are you waiting for?
But beyond his technical skill The Silmarillion is a veritable gold-mine for fans of Fantasy (and obviously fans of the Lord of the Rings). Tolkien takes those tantalizingly mysterious legends of the Third Age and weaves them into a complex and nuanced tapestry of mythic, tragic tales. This is the story of the First Age (and less so the Second and Third). The story of Arda. Stories of Iluvatar and the Valar and Maia. Of Melkor, later Morgoth. Of the Eldar and the Silmarils. Of the first Men. Of the Numenorean kings. Of oaths broken and oaths fulfilled. Tolkien crafts an entire mythos full of beauty and wonder. Full of grand deeds and creations. Full of love. But also full of corruption and hate; avarice and war. He is truly a weaver of myth and legend, and it is no wonder his work is still being read all these years later. In the Lord of the Rings one has the tangible sense that there is an entire world stalking the shadows behind this story. In The Silmarillion, that sense is proved true. Bravo.
1) Shipping and Packaging:
I was pleased to receive this book in pristine condition, with no damage from packing or shipping. I made sure both the seller and shipper was Amazon. Inside the shipping box, the book was well-protected from corner and surface damage by a snug-fitting, unmarked cardboard box. I did miss the beautiful printing that was on the protective box of the correspondingly styled LOTR book, but it still did its job. The book was shink-wrapped inside of the box and everything looks great.
2) Slipcase and Book Exterior:
I really enjoy the design, although there's a lot going on. The foil stamping is crisp and looks great, on both the slipcase and the cover. The clothbound slipcase is a deep blue that is significantly less saturated than the vibrant blue of the quarter-bound, leather spine (and also much less saturated than shown in the product photo). Both are of similar tonality, and both showcase the foil stamping beautifully. The blue foil stamping visible through the hole in the slipcase introduces a third, slightly cooler blue. That's a lot of variance, but the overall effect is a rich combination of three blues that still works quite well due to the differing reflectivity of each material.
The silver gilding on the paper edges is a very nice touch and complements the silver foil well. I did find myself brushing tiny specs of silver off the book cover from the gilt edges. Did one of my nieces leave a glitter bomb in the box?
My only disappointment was seeing a faint bit of discoloration on the front of the slipcase, probably from some glue residue. Not enough to really bother me, but it's certainly not perfect.
3) Binding:
The binding feels reasonably flexible for a brand new book, and pages open evenly and easily as I turn through the book. It will certainly free up more once I start a reading. It should last, but only time will tell. There are no obvious defects, though. A dark blue ribbon marker is an appreciated inclusion.
4) Paper:
The end sheets are a light, warm grey that serves as a lovely transition between the dark tones of the exterior and the warm whites of the paper throughout the book. The weight of the uncoated paper throughout the book feels almost perfect for the dimensions, and printing on the reverse side can only be seen if you intentionally back-light a page. Illustration plates are printed on a paper of equivalent weight but with a slightly higher brightness, to good, subtle effect. The overall impression I have is that the exterior hues are very cool (silvers, blues, even the green foil is cool) while the interior hues are warm (warm grey endpaper, warm white pages, predominantly warm illustrations). An interesting contrast. Not necessarily a complaint, especially since I personally find it easier on my eyes when reading from warmer papers — as long as there's enough contrast.
5) Interior Design and Printing:
Printing is crisp and detailed, with reasonably dark blacks that produce solid, if not excellent, contrast. The printing of text is subtly heavier in some signatures than in others, but it's only barely noticeable if you're looking for it. Text always clean and easy to read, though, and I'll definitely enjoy reading this edition!
Precious little illustrations adorn the top of chapter pages, while full-page illustrations appear throughout the book on brighter paper. All are beautifully presented in full color. Colors are rich, and while some are vibrant, most have a slightly muted palette — I suspect some of that is likely due to the age of the artwork being reproduced here. I love having them here, and I think they did a great job. Also, a minor observation: Unlike the matching LOTR deluxe edition, however, page titles are not printed in color.
6) Inserts:
A folded poster of J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Silmarillion' map is nicely printed in color on uncoated paper, as is a second poster of Christopher Tolkien's colored version of the 'Belariand and the Lands to the North' map. Both are loose, unattached to the endpapers. The color card of the 'Halls of Manwë' is printed on a coated (either dull or satin) card stock, and the artwork is more vibrant here than on uncoated page 66 of the book. No complaints. I generally don't care about inserts like these, but in this case I like having both maps to compare.
Final Thoughts:
I love this edition of The Silmarillion. It's gorgeous, printed well, and feels like it will hold up. I'm going to be careful handling it so as to not put too much stress on the foils, but overall I'm very glad to have it in my collection. Given that printing and quality control for Tolkien books under the William Morrow imprint seems to sometimes be hit or miss, I recommend taking a very close look when you get it to make sure you have a good copy. But I highly recommend giving it a go!
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Crafted by the legendary J.R.R. Tolkien, The Silmarillion is a work of unparalleled depth and imagination. From the creation of the universe to the struggles of heroes and villains across countless ages, Tolkien weaves together a tapestry of interconnected tales that span the history of Middle-earth.
What sets The Silmarillion apart is its richly detailed lore and captivating storytelling. Each chapter offers a glimpse into a different era or aspect of Tolkien's vast mythology, from the epic battles of the First Age to the tragic romance of Beren and Lúthien. The prose is poetic and evocative, painting vivid images of a world filled with wonder and danger.
One of the standout features of The Silmarillion is its exploration of themes such as fate, free will, and the nature of evil. Through the struggles of its characters, Tolkien delves into complex moral and philosophical questions, inviting readers to ponder the deeper meanings behind the tales.
In terms of quality, The Silmarillion is a work of unparalleled craftsmanship. The prose is elegant and lyrical, and the world-building is meticulous and immersive. Whether you're a longtime fan of Tolkien's work or new to his mythology, The Silmarillion offers a rich and rewarding reading experience that is sure to leave a lasting impression.
Furthermore, I was impressed by the fast delivery time and overall great service provided by the seller. The book arrived promptly and in perfect condition, allowing me to dive into Tolkien's world without delay.
The Silmarillion is a masterpiece of fantasy literature that deserves a place on the bookshelf of every reader. Its timeless tales of heroism, sacrifice, and redemption continue to inspire and captivate audiences around the world, making it a must-read for fans of epic storytelling everywhere.
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Si algún día has leído la trilogía del Señor de los Anillos y el Hobbit y te gustaría saber todos los detalles del mundo que hay por detrás de esa historia, las demás obras de Tolkien son esenciales. Empezando por El Silmarillion, donde toda la historia de los Anillos de Poder no es más que un capítulo. Es un libro adictivo donde Tolkien empieza a contarte la historia de su universo desde los mismísimos Primer Días. Si estás leyendo esta reseña es porque además has optado por la edición en inglés, por lo que te congratulo. Las versiones originales siempre son mejores y transmiten eficazmente lo que el autor intentaba transmitir. Si tienes cierta fluidez en el inglés y además conservas el hábito de leer libros en su idioma original, no tendrás problemas con este libro (que en mi opinión tiene esa fama injusta de estar escrito en un idioma arcaico e incomprensible). No es verdad. Depende del hábito de lectura que cada uno haya desarrollado).
Tened en cuenta que, para seguir el ritmo a este libro sin perderte, aconsejo tener a mano un cuaderno para ir apuntando nombres y términos proprios del universo de Tolkien. Yo lo he hecho y considero algo fundamental, ya que más adelante te encontrarás con un concepto que ya no recuerdas, o algún nombre que hace referencia a algún acontecimiento en particular. Entonces, solo tienes que consultar tu cuaderno, y ahí estarán las definiciones. Es además algo divertido de hacerse, lo hago tras terminar cada capítulo. Utilizaré el primer capítulo como ejemplo: “The Vision of Ilúvatar” se refiere a la visión que este ser, la deidad suprema (Dios), tenía del Mundo antes de que este o el Tiempo existieran. Entonces este ser crea los primeros seres (que para nosotros vendrían a ser como los dioses menores) y los nombra Valar. Después crea a los Maiar, espíritus primordiales creados con la tarea de ayudar a los Valar a dar forma al Mundo que tenía en mente. Y todos juntos crean Eä (el Universo) cantando una canción que les enseña Ilúvatar. Tras la creación, los Valar adentran el Eä mismo y allí crean Arda, lo que sería “la tierra”, donde se encuentra el continente de Middle-earth. Y así sigue esa maravillosa historia. ¿Veis porque es necesario tomar apuntes de conceptos como Valar, Eä o Arda? Porque este es solo el primer capítulo. Pero no lo veáis como una tarea fastidiosa o ardua; sino lo contrario. He disfrutado mucho creando mi cuaderno particular como si fuera un Historiador de la Tierra Media y decorándolo a mi gusto. Pero, si la idea no te atrae, es verdad que el libro contiene un extenso “Index of Names” y “Appendix” donde puedes consultar cada uno de los términos.
Una manera interesante de leer el Silmarillion es leyendo las demás obras de Tolkien simultáneamente a medida que sus correspondientes capítulos aparecen en el libro. Porque, como he mencionado, toda la historia del Señor de los Anillos no es más que un capítulo del Silmarillion. Y, aprovechando que estoy releyendo estos libros (esta vez en inglés), pienso leer cada obra de Tolkien que tenga su origen en un capitulo del Silmarillion pero que haya sido publicada de manera más detallada en un libro aparte (libros editados por Christopher Tolkien a partir de los manuscritos de su padre). Si os interesa saber qué capítulos han resultado en un libro aparte, aquí os dejo los títulos en el orden cronológico en que aparecen en el Silmarillion:
"Beren and Lúthien"
"The Children of Húrin"
"The Fall of Gondolin"
"The Fall of Númenor"
"Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth"
Creo que leer esas obras a medida que sus capítulos aparecen de manera más breve en El Silmarillion aportará una visión muchísimo más profunda del Universo de Tolkien en general, y leerlos en el orden cronológico traerá una mayor lucidez y entendimiento. Como he dicho al principio de esta reseña, estas increíbles obras también fueron publicadas por Harper Collins, con ilustraciones igualmente fantásticas y además a un muy buen precio. Pienso adquirir las mismas ediciones de esta editorial par que las medidas de mi colección de Tolkien coincidan de manera exacta; tendrán un lugar de honor en mi estantería.
En fin, no podría indicar de manera más enfática esta maravillosa obra y las demás que la acompañan, en especial publicadas en esta edición. Recordemos que el fascinante mundo de Tolkien es el que ha inspirado a otros tantos cientos de sagas y series fantásticas; es un placer dejar que la magia fluya a medida que nos dejamos vagar por esas emocionantes historias de la Tierra Media.
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Reviewed in Spain on December 20, 2023
Si algún día has leído la trilogía del Señor de los Anillos y el Hobbit y te gustaría saber todos los detalles del mundo que hay por detrás de esa historia, las demás obras de Tolkien son esenciales. Empezando por El Silmarillion, donde toda la historia de los Anillos de Poder no es más que un capítulo. Es un libro adictivo donde Tolkien empieza a contarte la historia de su universo desde los mismísimos Primer Días. Si estás leyendo esta reseña es porque además has optado por la edición en inglés, por lo que te congratulo. Las versiones originales siempre son mejores y transmiten eficazmente lo que el autor intentaba transmitir. Si tienes cierta fluidez en el inglés y además conservas el hábito de leer libros en su idioma original, no tendrás problemas con este libro (que en mi opinión tiene esa fama injusta de estar escrito en un idioma arcaico e incomprensible). No es verdad. Depende del hábito de lectura que cada uno haya desarrollado).
Tened en cuenta que, para seguir el ritmo a este libro sin perderte, aconsejo tener a mano un cuaderno para ir apuntando nombres y términos proprios del universo de Tolkien. Yo lo he hecho y considero algo fundamental, ya que más adelante te encontrarás con un concepto que ya no recuerdas, o algún nombre que hace referencia a algún acontecimiento en particular. Entonces, solo tienes que consultar tu cuaderno, y ahí estarán las definiciones. Es además algo divertido de hacerse, lo hago tras terminar cada capítulo. Utilizaré el primer capítulo como ejemplo: “The Vision of Ilúvatar” se refiere a la visión que este ser, la deidad suprema (Dios), tenía del Mundo antes de que este o el Tiempo existieran. Entonces este ser crea los primeros seres (que para nosotros vendrían a ser como los dioses menores) y los nombra Valar. Después crea a los Maiar, espíritus primordiales creados con la tarea de ayudar a los Valar a dar forma al Mundo que tenía en mente. Y todos juntos crean Eä (el Universo) cantando una canción que les enseña Ilúvatar. Tras la creación, los Valar adentran el Eä mismo y allí crean Arda, lo que sería “la tierra”, donde se encuentra el continente de Middle-earth. Y así sigue esa maravillosa historia. ¿Veis porque es necesario tomar apuntes de conceptos como Valar, Eä o Arda? Porque este es solo el primer capítulo. Pero no lo veáis como una tarea fastidiosa o ardua; sino lo contrario. He disfrutado mucho creando mi cuaderno particular como si fuera un Historiador de la Tierra Media y decorándolo a mi gusto. Pero, si la idea no te atrae, es verdad que el libro contiene un extenso “Index of Names” y “Appendix” donde puedes consultar cada uno de los términos.
Una manera interesante de leer el Silmarillion es leyendo las demás obras de Tolkien simultáneamente a medida que sus correspondientes capítulos aparecen en el libro. Porque, como he mencionado, toda la historia del Señor de los Anillos no es más que un capítulo del Silmarillion. Y, aprovechando que estoy releyendo estos libros (esta vez en inglés), pienso leer cada obra de Tolkien que tenga su origen en un capitulo del Silmarillion pero que haya sido publicada de manera más detallada en un libro aparte (libros editados por Christopher Tolkien a partir de los manuscritos de su padre). Si os interesa saber qué capítulos han resultado en un libro aparte, aquí os dejo los títulos en el orden cronológico en que aparecen en el Silmarillion:
"Beren and Lúthien"
"The Children of Húrin"
"The Fall of Gondolin"
"The Fall of Númenor"
"Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-Earth"
Creo que leer esas obras a medida que sus capítulos aparecen de manera más breve en El Silmarillion aportará una visión muchísimo más profunda del Universo de Tolkien en general, y leerlos en el orden cronológico traerá una mayor lucidez y entendimiento. Como he dicho al principio de esta reseña, estas increíbles obras también fueron publicadas por Harper Collins, con ilustraciones igualmente fantásticas y además a un muy buen precio. Pienso adquirir las mismas ediciones de esta editorial par que las medidas de mi colección de Tolkien coincidan de manera exacta; tendrán un lugar de honor en mi estantería.
En fin, no podría indicar de manera más enfática esta maravillosa obra y las demás que la acompañan, en especial publicadas en esta edición. Recordemos que el fascinante mundo de Tolkien es el que ha inspirado a otros tantos cientos de sagas y series fantásticas; es un placer dejar que la magia fluya a medida que nos dejamos vagar por esas emocionantes historias de la Tierra Media.
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