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The Children of Húrin

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( 91,690 ratings, 5,137 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Children of Húrin by J. R. R. Tolkien is set in the elder days of Middle-earth, focusing on the tragic lives of Túrin and his sister Niënor. Cursed by the dark lord Morgoth, their tale weaves through themes of fate, courage and the struggle against overwhelming darkness. Set in the rich mythological backdrop familiar to Tolkien's fans, the novel delves into the complex interplay of destiny and free will.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you're captivated by epic fantasy tinged with tragedy and heroic quests. Set in Tolkien's richly imagined universe, it weaves a tale of courage against the shadowy forces of evil and offers a deep exploration of fate and loss. It's perfect for those who appreciate detailed world-building and complex characters in a high-stakes narrative.

Book Hero thinking about your next read

Painstakingly restored from Tolkien’s manuscripts and presented for the first time as a fully continuous and standalone story, this illustrated paperback of the epic tale of The Children of Húrin will reunite fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves, dragons, Dwarves and Orcs, and the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

Painstakingly restored from Tolkien’s manuscripts and presented for the first time as a fully continuous and standalone story, this illustrated paperback of the epic tale of The Children of Húrin will reunite fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves, dragons, Dwarves and Orcs, and the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien.

It is a legendary time long before The Lord of the Rings, and Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwells in the vast fortress of Angband in the North; and within the shadow of the fear of Angband, and the war waged by Morgoth against the Elves, the fates of Túrin and his sister Niënor will be tragically entwined.

Their brief and passionate lives are dominated by the elemental hatred that Morgoth bears them as the children of Húrin, the man who dared to defy him to his face. Against them Morgoth sends his most formidable servant, Glaurung, a powerful spirit in the form of a huge wingless dragon of fire, in an attempt to fulfil the curse of Morgoth, and destroy the children of Húrin.

Begun by J.R.R. Tolkien at the end of the First World War, The Children of Húrin became the dominant story in his later work on Middle-earth. But he could not bring it to a final and finished form. In this book Christopher Tolkien has constructed, after long study of the manuscripts, a coherent narrative without any editorial invention.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Children of Húrin has been praised for its immersive storytelling and dark, compelling narrative, distinguishing it from Tolkien's other works. Critics highlight its powerful themes and emotional depth, noting it as a significant contribution to English mythology. The illustrations by Alan Lee are also commended for enhancing the story's atmosphere. Additionally, Christopher Tolkien's editing has been recognised for bringing coherence to his father's text, resulting in a seamless and moving reading experience.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780007252268

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 01 April 2008

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperCollins

Illustration: 25 b/w illus, 8 col plates, Index

Contributors:

  • Illustrated by Alan Lee
  • Edited by Christopher Tolkien

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 300g

Pages: 320

About the Author

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. Christopher Tolkien, born on 21st November 1924, is the third son of J.R.R. Tolkien. Appointed by J.R.R. Tolkien to be his literary executor, he has devoted himself to the publication of his father's unpublished writings, notably The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth. He lives in France with his wife Baillie.

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