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The Book of Lost Tales: Part One
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The Book of Lost Tales: Part One Paperback - 1986

by J. R. Tolkien

The Book of Lost Tales was the first major work of imagination by J.R.R. Tolkien, begun in 1916-17 when he was twenty-five years old and left incomplete several years later. It stands at the beginning of the entire conception of Middle-earth and Valinor, for these tales were the first form of the myths and legends that came to be called The Silmarillion. Embedded in English legend, they are set in the narrative frame of a great westward voyage over the Ocean by a mariner named Eriol (or AElfwine) to Tol Eressea, the Lonely Isle, where elves dwelt; from him they learned their true history, the Lost Tales of Elfinesse. In these Tales are found the earliest accounts and original ideas of Gods and Elves, Dwarves, Balrogs, and Orcs; of the Silmarils and the Two Trees of Valinor; of Nargothrond and Gondolin; of the geography and cosmology of Middle-earth. Volume One contains the tales of The Music of the Ainur, The Building of valinor, The Chaining of Melko, The coming of the Elves and The Flight of the Noldoli, among others. Each tale is followed by a short essay by Christopher Tolkien, the author's son and literary executor.


Summary

The Book of Lost Tales was the first major work of imagination by J.R.R. Tolkien, begun in 1916-17 when he was twenty-five years old and left incomplete several years later. It stands at the beginning of the entire conception of Middle-earth and Valinor, for these tales were the first form of the myths and legends that came to be called The Silmarillion. Embedded in English legend, they are set in the narrative frame of a great westward voyage over the Ocean by a mariner named Eriol (or AElfwine) to Tol Eressea, the Lonely Isle, where elves dwelt; from him they learned their true history, the Lost Tales of Elfinesse. In these Tales are found the earliest accounts and original ideas of Gods and Elves, Dwarves, Balrogs, and Orcs; of the Silmarils and the Two Trees of Valinor; of Nargothrond and Gondolin; of the geography and cosmology of Middle-earth. Volume One contains the tales of The Music of the Ainur, The Building of valinor, The Chaining of Melko, The coming of the Elves and The Flight of the Noldoli, among others. Each tale is followed by a short essay by Christopher Tolkien, the author's son and literary executor.

From the publisher

The Book of Lost Tales was the first major work of imagination by J.R.R. Tolkien, begun in 1916-17 when he was twenty-five years old and left incomplete several years later. It stands at the beginning of the entire conception of Middle-earth and Valinor, for these tales were the first form of the myths and legends that came to be called The Silmarillion. Embedded in English legend, they are set in the narrative frame of a great westward voyage over the Ocean by a mariner named Eriol (or AElfwine) to Tol Eressea, the Lonely Isle, where elves dwelt; from him they learned their true history, the Lost Tales of Elfinesse. In these Tales are found the earliest accounts and original ideas of Gods and Elves, Dwarves, Balrogs, and Orcs; of the Silmarils and the Two Trees of Valinor; of Nargothrond and Gondolin; of the geography and cosmology of Middle-earth. Volume One contains the tales of The Music of the Ainur, The Building of valinor, The Chaining of Melko, The coming of the Elves and The Flight of the Noldoli, among others. Each tale is followed by a short essay by Christopher Tolkien, the author's son and literary executor.

From the rear cover

'For the true devotee of Tolkien 'The Book of Lost Tales' is a treasure trove to match the hoard of the dragon Smaug himself. The pure imaginative power of J.R.R. Tolkien shines through with a light just as dazzling as that of the Two Trees. The serious student of Tolkien will find much delight in this book, and it serves as an excellent example of the creative imagination at work.' -Don Sakers, Baltimore Sun

Details

  • Title The Book of Lost Tales: Part One
  • Author J. R. Tolkien
  • Binding Paperback
  • Edition Later Edition
  • Pages 304
  • Volumes 1
  • Language ENG
  • Publisher William Morrow & Company, Boston
  • Date 1986-02-20
  • ISBN 9780395409275 / 0395409276
  • Weight 0.82 lbs (0.37 kg)
  • Dimensions 8.76 x 5.56 x 0.81 in (22.25 x 14.12 x 2.06 cm)
  • Themes
    • Chronological Period: 20th Century
    • Cultural Region: British
  • Library of Congress subjects Fantasy fiction, Middle Earth (Imaginary place)
  • Dewey Decimal Code FIC

Media reviews

"Affords us an almost over the shoulder view into the evolving creative process and genius of J.R.R. Tolkien in a new, exciting aspect... the superb, sensitive and extremely helpful commentary by Christopher Tolkien makes all this possible." -- Mythlore

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The Book Of Lost Tales: Part One (History of Middle-earth, 1)
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Mariner Books. Very Good. 1986. Paperback. 0395409276 . This book is in very good condition; no remainder marks. It does have some cover shelfwear. Inside pages are clean. ; The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 1; 0.8 x 8.5 x 5.5 Inches; 304 pages .
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The Book of Lost Tales Vol. I (History of Middle-Earth Ser.)

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The Book of Lost Tales: Part One (1) (History of Middle-earth)
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by Tolkien, J.R.R

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