The Lays of Beleriand (The History of Middle-Earth, #3) in Tolkien's T.C.B.S

Dec 04, 2012 L rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: j-r-r-tolkien, middle-earth-history

An extensive & remarkable insight into the creation of Middle-Earth, captured in this comprehensive volume of a series.

This is the third volume within the collection of books that make up ‘the history of Middle-Earth’ which delves into JRR Tolkien’s great creation behind The Silmarillion, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. This fascinating, detailed insight delves into the mythology of his work, through the alliterative verse tales of two of the most significant and crucial stories in Tolkie An extensive & remarkable insight into the creation of Middle-Earth, captured in this comprehensive volume of a series.

This is the third volume within the collection of books that make up ‘the history of Middle-Earth’ which delves into JRR Tolkien’s great creation behind The Silmarillion, the Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings. This fascinating, detailed insight delves into the mythology of his work, through the alliterative verse tales of two of the most significant and crucial stories in Tolkien’s world; that being those of Turin and Luthien. Complete with poems such as the unpublished ‘lay of children of Hurin’ that emphasizes the tragedy of Turin Turambar, together with the poignant and noteworthy ‘Lay of Lethian’ which is the main source for Beren and Luthien in the Silmarillion, recounting the quest of the Silmaril and the encounter with Morgoth in his fortress. In addition to the poems is information about the evolution of the Elder days and an extra source in the form of notable criticism from friend and writer C.S Lewis who read the poem in 1929.

The Lays of Beleriand offers aficionados of JRR Tolkien’s extensive works and mythology a glimpse into the otherwise understated metaphysics underlying his mythological invention, and the editorial complexities of the material which is thoroughly taken apart by Christopher Tolkien. This is a worthy and indispensable edition to any Tolkien collection and to the history of Middle-Earth, which goes beyond what you see and know delving even deeper by disclosing hidden secrets and fascinating facts that will amaze and delight. This fascinating study is something that those overwhelmed and impressed by this master of his craft who created something beyond genius, will devour in an instant and I guarantee you will find really inspiring as well. Creating the tales behind the one Ring was an astonishing feat alone, but Professor Tolkien brought into being an entire world ad society, which most authors of today can only aspire to dream of achieving; and in one persons lifetime it is unquestionably an astounding accomplishment.

Complete with pages from the original manuscript of ‘the lay of the children of Hurin’ this is a fascinating and interesting study of such a work on an epic scale, which I urge fans of his books (such as the lord of the rings) to discover for it is so illuminating. I am constantly amazed and in awe of such a man who in his lifetime did so much that which has not only stood the test of time, but which will live on for so many years to come hence I like many authors of the fantasy genre will admit to owing him a lot.

A must have book for any JRR Tolkien collector, fan or even mythical devotee or historical study. His world-building and mythology is exceptional and remains incomparable, unmatched to any other writer.
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