The Silmarillion

by JRR Tolkien
The Silmarillion cover
Good Books rating 3.77
Fantasy
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Format • £95.00–£118.75
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  • ID: 4602
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9780007322565
  • Publisher: HarperCollins UK
  • Published: 2011-02-03
  • Formats: 2
  • Reviews: 3

The Silmarillion is J.R.R. Tolkien's profound exploration of the creation and early history of Middle-earth, serving as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings. It delves into the cosmic and mythological foundations of Tolkien's world, introducing key characters and events that shape the destiny of elves, men, and the Dark Lord Sauron. /n/n This book is not just a narrative but a mythopoeic work that blends elements of mythology, legend, and epic storytelling. It provides a rich tapestry of lore that enriches the understanding of Tolkien's legendarium, making it a must-read for fans and scholars alike.

Reviews
Alan K. Dell's Blog · Alan K. Dell · 2025-01-05
challenging 3.50

The Silmarillion is challenging due to its stark difference in style from other Tolkien works, but it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those who persevere.

Alan K. Dell acknowledges that The Silmarillion is a tough read, especially for those accustomed to the more accessible style of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. However, they believe the effort is worthwhile, as the book provides a deep and intricate exploration of Middle Earth's history. The reviewer appreciates the epic scope and the detailed mythology, suggesting that readers should approach it with patience and an open mind. They highlight the unique beauty and complexity of Tolkien's world-building, which sets it apart from his other works.

Quick quotes

    The Silmarillion is renowned for being an extremely difficult book to read for all manner of reasons from its stark difference in style to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

    It is a book that demands a lot from its readers, but the rewards are immense.

    The Silmarillion is a testament to Tolkien's genius and his ability to create a world that is both vast and deeply detailed.

Fantasy Literature · 2024-01-01
beautiful 4.00

The Silmarillion is a challenging yet beautiful epic that requires time and effort to fully appreciate, offering a rich and rewarding reading experience.

The reviewer from Fantasy Literature describes The Silmarillion as a challenging but ultimately rewarding read. They emphasize that the book's epic nature and the depth of Tolkien's work make it a worthwhile investment of time and effort. The reviewer appreciates the intricate mythology and the rich history of Middle Earth, suggesting that readers should be prepared for a more demanding read compared to Tolkien's other works. They highlight the beauty and complexity of the narrative, which they believe will resonate with fans of epic fantasy.

Quick quotes

    The Silmarillion is challenging, beautiful, epic reading and well worth the time and effort it'll take to fully appreciate the work Tolkien has put into his mythos.

    It is a book that requires a significant investment of time and effort, but the payoff is immense.

    The Silmarillion is a testament to Tolkien's ability to create a world that is both vast and deeply detailed.

Reddit - r/Fantasy · 2021-01-01
dark 3.80

The Silmarillion is a dark and complex work that goes beyond the bittersweetness of The Lord of the Rings, offering a profound and thought-provoking exploration of Middle Earth's history.

The reviewer from Reddit's r/Fantasy community describes The Silmarillion as a dark and complex work that delves deeply into the history of Middle Earth. They note that the book is significantly darker than The Lord of the Rings, with fewer moments of triumph and more instances of tragedy. The reviewer appreciates the depth and complexity of the narrative, suggesting that it offers a profound and thought-provoking reading experience. They highlight the book's ability to explore themes of loss, sacrifice, and the struggle between good and evil, making it a compelling read for fans of epic fantasy.

Quick quotes

    The Silmarillion is a very dark work, going far beyond the bittersweetness of Lord of the Rings.

    No-one really 'wins' and only a few characters manage to achieve their goals.

    It is a book that explores the darker aspects of Tolkien's world, offering a profound and thought-provoking reading experience.

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