From the Bookshelf of J.R.R. Tolkien…

The Silmarillion

J.R.R. Tolkien,

Christopher Tolkien (Editor)

Start date: January 1, 2015

Finish date: March 31, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads

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Group Reads

* Group Read September 2021-January 2022 (No Spoilers)
By Michael · 21 posts · 118 views

last updated Jan 31, 2022 11:38AM

Group Read January-March 2015: The Silmarillion
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last updated Apr 18, 2023 01:00PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 10, 2007 Michael rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: unquestionable-favorites

9/18: It appears I am through one-third. The book is dense, and its nature is to make one want to pay as close attention as is possible. So far, I am impressed with the skill for continuance and weaving Tolkien possesses here. It is indeed something for those lovers of fantasy, or myth, or high olden language, but it does in fact reveal characters to whom the reader may attach and not realize it until the story turns in some unforeseen emotional way. The intricacy with which Tolkien also gives p 9/18: It appears I am through one-third. The book is dense, and its nature is to make one want to pay as close attention as is possible. So far, I am impressed with the skill for continuance and weaving Tolkien possesses here. It is indeed something for those lovers of fantasy, or myth, or high olden language, but it does in fact reveal characters to whom the reader may attach and not realize it until the story turns in some unforeseen emotional way. The intricacy with which Tolkien also gives poignant explanations to that which he created gives cause for wonder, but also no surprise given his extensive background in this kind of material.

9/20: Quite inspired because of this book, I decided to see what I could find to read later about one of his influences and a part of my own heritage - Celtic myth and history. On top of this, I've also decided to try to actually use my linguistical aptitude for finally learning Gaelic.

9/21: Finished it! All I can say afterwards (other than already mentioned) is the following:

Exquisite and intricate pieces of storytelling, these tales flow with a hint of the unknown so that one finds himself lost in it. This book is, for how well it fulfills its own genre, perhaps even better than the Trilogy. If one is a fan of Tolkien, or of epic myth in general, one must receive this book. It becomes obvious to the reader that a book is worth hanging onto when one fears the act of finishing it; there really is no debating such a feeling with this work. However, it is wise to read it as a group of independent tales, not as a continuance from one to another directly. Also, make good use of the helps in the back concerning pronunciation of the main languages, and family trees.

9/24: You know a book will be a classic favorite when you still think of situations in your life in the elemental terms used in the story days later.

***
It came upon the reading list, thanks to the generosity with which it was offered to me, free of charge.

Thank you, kind Sir Joseph!
***
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Sep 24, 2007 Lanea rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: celtic-studies, fiction

I've been reading and re-reading Tolkein since I was a little kid. I grew up with The Hobbit and Roverandom. I was glad to finally discover a cabal of academics who loved Tolkein like I did once I started grad school. Celticists are required to like the man: Tolkein was a philologist, and one of the professors who made sure that the work of the great Celticist Thurneysen made a mark on British academia, and thus made it into my skull. So I love Tolkein, and everything he touched.

A lot of people ...more

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May 25, 2007 Poppy rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: scifi-fantasy

Although I already own a copy of Silmarillion I had to have this one. The box contained a special hardcover edition of Silmarillion, an audio CD bearing the voice of Christopher Tolkien reading an excerpt from 'Beren and Luthien' (yes, I know it's not JRRT himself but his son'll do *grins*), a full-color-fold-out map of Beleriand by John Howe complete with a booklet by Brian Sibley which details the background to The Silmarillion, a color postcard featuring the painting of Taniquetil and a sheet ...more

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Jul 05, 2007 Joe rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This is probably the greatest single piece of literature in the history of humans.
There is nothing that is as heart wrenching and triumphant as the Silmarillion. I seriously cried while reading this book, and not much really makes me cry.
Tolkien develops the history of middle earth over eons and eons of beautiful, archetypal triumphs and tragedy's. It makes reading "Lord of the Rings" so much more rich and mysterious.
If you like Tolkien at all, I will personally fight you if you don't read this ...more

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May 04, 2007 Peter DiCicco rated it really liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: fantasy

A beautiful epic about the creation and early history of Middle-earth. The prose is more historical and fact based rather than dramatic, so some of the chapters drag a bit. The best parts by far are the story of Middle-earth's creation and the tale of Beren and Luthien.
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Aug 29, 2007 Kes rated it liked it · review of another edition

Mostly reads like a history book, with the exception of a few amazing highlights including the story of Beren and Luthein. Still highly reccomended for anyone wishing to take their LOTR nerdiness past the trilogy, The Hobbit, and the movies.

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