THE SILMARILLION by J.R.R. Tolkien

THE SILMARILLION by J.R.R. Tolkien

Tolkien, J. R. R., Tolkien, C., & Nasmith, T. (2004). The Silmarillion. Boston: Houghton Mifflin.

GENRE: Fantasy

ANNOTATION: Welcome to Middle Earth! – The history, the myth, and the powers that be in the world of hobbits, elves, wizards, and more!

SUMMARY: The story begins with creation itself, what follows is a kind of systematic mythology, told as epic history. Conflict between good and evil is literally instantiated in the physical form of gods and angels. As the other children of the creator (Eru) appear, the decisions of his first creation will rule and the line between counsel and coercion will be tested. The very foundations of the known world will move with wealth and war – as centuries fall away, elves and dwarves give way to men. This story is a world unto itself.

EVALUATION: 5 - The book promotes basic themes of good and evil, and often warns of ‘unintended consequences both for good and ill. Tolkien argues for an objective morality without confusing confidence in belief with certainty in consequence. As with the best fiction, it is at once depth psychology, potent myth, and compelling history.

OTHER RELEVANT INFORMATION: Though not part of the Lord of the Rings Series and published much later, this book provides a guide to the fantasy world, Middle Earth.