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The Fall of Númenor

And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-Earth
By J.R.R. Tolkien
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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
In The Fall of Númenor, J.R.R. Tolkien explores the dramatic and tragic history of the island kingdom of Númenor, set in the Second Age of Middle-earth. The narrative delves into the rise and ultimate downfall of a civilisation gifted with wisdom and power, but corruptible by temptation and ambition. This work paints a vivid picture of Númenor's grandeur and its pivotal role in the events that shape Tolkien's legendary world.
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Format: CD-Audio
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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?

If you're captivated by epic tales set in richly developed fantasy worlds, you may enjoy this book. It delves into the legendary history of Middle-earth, exploring themes of heroism, tragedy, and the rise and fall of ancient kingdoms. Perfect for fans of detailed world-building and Tolkien's intricate storytelling.

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J.R.R. Tolkien’s writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth, collected for the first time in one volume.

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

The Fall of Númenor by J.R.R. Tolkien brings together his writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth, collected in one volume for the first time.

J.R.R. Tolkien famously described the Second Age of Middle-earth as a ‘dark age, and not very much of its history is (or need be) told’. For many years, readers would only find tantalising glimpses within the pages of The Lord of the Rings and its appendices, including the forging of the Rings of Power, the building of the Barad-dûr, and the rise of Sauron.

It was not until Christopher Tolkien published The Silmarillion after his father's death that a fuller story emerged. Although much of the book’s content concerned the First Age of Middle-earth, it closed with two key works revealing the tumultuous events surrounding the rise and fall of the island of Númenor. This kingdom, raised out of the Great Sea and gifted to the Men of Middle-earth as a reward for aiding the angelic Valar and the Elves in the defeat and capture of the Dark Lord Morgoth, became a seat of influence and wealth. However, as the Númenóreans' power increased, seeds of their downfall were sown, eventually culminating in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

Even greater insight into the Second Age was revealed in subsequent publications, starting with Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth. These insights were further expanded upon in Christopher Tolkien’s monumental twelve-volume The History of Middle-earth, which presented and discussed a wealth of additional tales written by his father, many in draft form.

Now, aligning with the timeline of ‘The Tale of Years’ in the appendices to The Lord of the Rings, editor Brian Sibley has compiled a comprehensive volume. This new chronicle of the Second Age of Middle-earth is told substantially in the words of J.R.R. Tolkien, drawn from the various published texts.

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 book is praised for its physical beauty and the powerful way it compiles Tolkien's writings about the foundational events leading to The Lord of the Rings. It is recognised for adding a Biblical grandeur to Tolkien's history, offering an essential expansion of Middle-earth's mythology. The edition is noted for its beautiful illustrations by Alan Lee and expert editing by Brian Sibley, providing a comprehensive view of a central storyline. It is seen as a magnificent creation, echoing the greatness of English mythologies and elevating the legend crafted by Tolkien.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780008537876

Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

Format: CD-Audio

Date Published: 16 March 2023

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: HarperCollins

Edition: Unabridged edition

Contributors:

  • Read by Samuel West
  • Edited by Brian Sibley

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 25.0mm

Width: 139.0mm

Height: 142.0mm

Weight: 230g

Collections

Classic Fiction Fantasy Fiction General Fiction Historical Fantasy J. R. R. Tolkien Literary Fiction Sci-Fi & Fantasy

About the Author

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 60 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide. BRIAN SIBLEY is a writer and broadcaster with a life-long interest in fantasy books and cinema. His fascination with J. R. R. Tolkien and the myths and history of Middle-earth led to his critically-acclaimed BBC radio dramatisation of The Lord of the Rings in which the role of Frodo was played by Ian Holm, who now portrays Bilbo in Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Brian’s subsequent radio dramas included several of Tolkien’s short novels collected under the title Tales from the Perilous Realm, C. S. Lewis’ The Chronicles of Narnia, two series of Tales of the Bizarre by Ray Bradbury and Mervyn Peake’s Titus Groan and Gormenghast which won him the prestigious Sony Radio Award. His books include Three Cheers for Pooh, Chicken Run: Hatching the Movie, Cracking Animation, The Disney Studio Story, The Land of Narnia and Shadowlands, as well as the text accompanying three maps by John Howe based on Tolkien’s The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Brian is currently writing an in-depth account of the making of Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings Trilogy for future publication.

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