Once more Christopher Tolkien has provided an essential tome which is a history of his father's early Middle-earth writings as well as a splendid etymology of the Elvish languages. The book includes "The Lost Road", an early look at Numenor told as a time travel saga that starts in early 20th Century England as well as an early version of the Quenta Silmarillion. This is absolutely required reading for Tolkien fans.

The Lost Road, the fifth book in the History of Middle Earth series, publishes for the first time the background material on Middle Earth J.R.R. Tolkien created for his own use as he wrote Lord of the Rings. Some of this draft material was edited and published posthumously in The Silmarillion. The Lost Road includes much of the material found in The Silmarillion in its previous incarnations, all with commentary from JRRT's son, Christopher Tolkien. Included as well is The Lost Road, a time-travel story Tolkien wrote at the behest of his good friend, C.S. Lewis (who was to work on a space-travel story). The Lost Road was never completed; Tolkien abandoned the idea midway.

Especially of interest to Tolkienian linguists are the Lhammas, or book of tongues, which outlines Tolkien's former conception of the dividing and multiplying of the Elvish languages. While this scenario is extremely out of sync with Tolkien's final conception, it is still of interest historically and important in order to understand the section that follows, the Etymologies.

The Etymologies are a /must/ for any Tolkienian linguist. They were and remain the greatest source of vocabulary in all the Elvish languages, and almost the only source for Primitive Elvish stems. While confusing to the non-technical reader, the Etymologies are still the main reference used by Tolkienian linguists. Allthough some of the material in the Etymologies is out of sync with what Tolkien imagined his languages to be as when he wrote Lord of the Rings, the changes necessary to bring Etymologies-style languages to 'modern' languages are mostly well documented.

In short, if you're just someone who enjoys Tolkien's works, this would be a fun read. If you're a serious Tolkienian linguist, this is a requirement.

In The Lost Road, Tolkien writes a short story in a competition with the Inklings (among which was author C.S. Lewis). This story eventually evolved into the tale of the Fall of Numenor. Also included are the Etymologies, which gives very interesting new information on the Elven languages.

. . .that I've ever read -- and I've read quite a few.

Professor Jared Lobdell, the editor of "A Tolkien Compass" (see my review) has, in this volume, contributed several original critical essays on Tolkien and his creation. In emphasizing his Edwardian English background and his academic life as a philolgist, Lobdell covers important ground. But it is in his third essay "The Timeless Momement" where Lobdell demonstrates his insightfulness and creativity. It is in this essay that the Catholic Christianity of Tolkien is analyzed in light of his created world of Middle-Earth. It is one of very few essays to ever address the theological or philosophical background in Tolkien's work -- and one of the very best.

If the reader truly wishes to understand the man behind Middle-Earth, this book is a "must-read".

. . .amid all the "hyperfandom" surrounding the Professor and his work, comes a collection of essays written by Professor Jared Lobdell which are clear, coherent, well-reasoned -- and, in the opinion of this hobbit, right on target. Through the pages of this book, the REAL JRR Tolkien comes to life in a new way.

If hobbits reading this review own only one book of Tolkien criticism, this should be the one. I hope that it returns to print.

Jared Lobdell argues that Tolkien's influences are: 1) his Edwardian upbringing 2) his expertise in philology and 3) his Catholicism. He supports these contentions eloquently. I am very tempted to offer an excerpt in support, but the book is so tightly integrated, such a cohesive whole, that to excise any part of it is to do an injustice to the thought expressed. But I will quote from the backcover: "Lobell's explanations for the appeal of the Lord of the Rings are original and convincing...The reader soon discovers this is not the ordinary scholarly mongraph, but an essay, written with charm and quiet authority, in which bigger game than literary criticism is being stalked." The author of the quote is Charles A. Huttar, then a Professor of English at Hope College. Can't say it any better than that.

This is a great book but don't be sucked into buying it for 150 dollers goto the UK site and get it for 8 bucks. Ships just as fast.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/exec/obidos/ASIN/0261103474/ref=sr_aps_books_1_2/026-5367973-8334817

This is one of the best biographical books I've ever read. Carpenter captures the character of some of the most interesting British writers of the WWII/post-WWII era: C.S. Lewis, Tolkien, Charles Williams. He manages to tread that careful balance between criticism and adoration. He accomplishes this, I think, out of true sympathy for each of the writers involved. He helped me understand the nature and complexity of the different relationships surrounding C.S. Lewis without resorting to vulgar fault-finding or "taking sides". At one point, Mr. Carpenter recreates an Inkling meeting. The intellectual vigor and personalities of the participants rises off the page and helps to explain why the Inklings generated (and still generate) such interest.

Several recent events have renewed an international interest in the writings of C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkein: the 50th anniversary of the publication of "The Lion, Witch and the Wardrobe" (1950), and the screenplay release of J.R.R. Tolkein's classic "The Fellowship of the Ring" on movie screens around the world in 2001.

Both of these world famous novels were first introduced "publically" at the regular gathering of a few British writers and friends, who informally called their literary club "the Inklings". Even the name "inkling" was a playful self-parody, referring both to the fact that they displayed their imaginations in ink and they often only had an "inkling" of what the other was really talking about.

Carpenter, also the authorized biographer of J.R.R. Tolkein, helps readers enter into the private lives and late-night meetings of these writers. You can smell the cigarette smoke, hear the whistling of the teapot and sense the tension of Oxford intellectuals wrestling with the outbreak of World War II. Thanks to Carpenter's careful retelling of these gatherings, you sit back in the evening, sip your tea and imagine yourself among these writers as another member of the fellowship.

For books on the fellowship of the family, look into these two titles: "The Family Cloister" and "The Christian Family Toolbox" both by David Robinson (New York: Crossroad, 2000 & 2001).

In "Sauron Defeated", Christopher Tolkien brings to a close "The History of The Lord of the Rings", a subset within his "The History of Middle Earth". Like the previous three volumes in this series, Christopher traces the development of his father's thought as the final chapters of The Lord of the Rings are written. Of special interest are the early conceptions of "The Scouring of the Shire" and the two versions of the never-published "Epilogue". The Epilogue was, to me, particularly touching, as it involved Sam, now a middle-aged hobbit with a houseful of kids, reading to his family and keeping the Story alive.

HOWEVER, the above material, while unable to fit into the previous volume (The War of the Ring), was not enough to warrent a volume all by itself. So Christopher has also included "The Notion Club Papers" -- a space/time/dream travel story, written at the same time as The Lord of the Rings was being developed. The story itself involves Numenor -- Tolkien's telling of the Atlantis saga. Of particular interest to CS Lewis fans, "The Notion Club Papers" purports to be a discussion of (among other things) Lewis' own space travel fiction, penned in the late 30's and early 40's. It's a shame that this story was never brought to completion -- I'm finding the ideas it expresses to be quite interesting.

Again, 5 stars, both for the Master, and for the tireless work of Christopher.

In the ninth volume of The History of Middle Earth and the last dealing with LOTR Christopher Tolkien gives us not only the original ending to Tolien's epic trilogy, but also an essay called the Notion Club Papers, an edition of the Drowning Of Anadune, and information on Adunaic which was one of Tolkien's invented languages. I liked this book very much even though the Notion Club was hard to read at times. Thankfully, this is the last edition dealing with LOTR and Tolkien soon turns again to his father's greatest work, The Silmarillion. I recommend this book to any Tolkien fan.

The title of this book should say it all. Certainly a book designed for die-hard Tolkien fans, 'Sauron Defeated' hardly represents interesting reading for people unfamiliar with the Lord of the Rings series. That said, the thick volume is still essential for anyone who has read the previous three chapters of the History. Although some parts of 'Sauron Defeated' are better off left out in its next edition, it presents enough interesting information in its 482 pages to make it a worthwhile (not to mention impressive) presence in your Tolkien library.

Definitivamente a mi entender el mejor libro de la Trilogia del Señor de los Anillos. Se devide en dos partes: la primera narra los acontecimientos de Aragorn, Gimli, Legolas y Compañia y la segunda narra exclusivamente de las aventuras de Sam y Frodo.

La edicion de este libro no es Hardcover como lo ofrecen, es Paperback (estoy muy decepcionado).
A pesar de eso el libro es magnifico. Esta es la segunda de tres partes del Señor de los Anillos.

Don't be Fooled! This is not a hardcover!

This book is the most interesting book I have ever seen.

this is a great story. tolkien does a wonderful job portraing the perils and trauma that these charicters are having to overcome.I recomend it to anyone that prefers to read good literature.

This is a wonderful story about some imaginary creatures chock full great character development. You almost empathise with the characters as they endure their hardships and rejoice when they bond. If you like reading about dwarves, hobbits, orcs(goblins and bad guys), giant eagles, wizards and dragons - this is a must read.

If you like books that are full of fantical things, then you would like this book...Bilbo is so neat that you can't put the book down, you just want to see what will happen to the poor thing next. I think that this is one of those books that everyone should read.

this book is extremely funny. This was obviously written to make money off stoned freshmen, but instead of being written by stoned freshmen or ignorant pigs, the people who wrote it were intelligent. The name changes and chapter names are funny, and the real life refererences are predictable, but in good humour. I don't want to give it away much...so READ IT!

I bought this book when it first came out. Was reading on a long flight. I had to put it away because my out-loud laughter was interferring with other passengers! Once read, you'll never see the original in the same way! Purists beware: this hilarious parody may make you mad if you're humor-impaired.

"...AAAEEEEE! A Ballhog!" This is a true cult classic. You won't find a used book store clerk that doesn't know off the top of the head whether or not it's in stock. I dare any J.R.R. fan read an entire paragraph without busting out in laughter. The poetry is particularly thought provoking, lovely and inspirational.

A must for anyone who loves Tolkien! Very fine!

With the reissue of Tolkien's cover of "The Hobbit" and other original drawings that he did, it seems like an appropriate time to pick up this book. Why? Because for a really complete vision of Tolkien's work (Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, and all the rest) it's probably best to see it as he saw it.

This book contains all the artwork that Tolkien created (NOT all the artwork BASED on his works, just the stuff he did himself!). Some are miscellaneous sketches and doodles, some are watercolors, ink drawings, prints, pencil sketches, and combinations of all of the above. One doodle looks like multicolored snowflakes, some are landscapes or pictures of little houses, teddy bears, owls, and so on. Very cute and cool, especially the illustrations done for "Roverandum."

And many are Middle-Earth related -- different views of the Misty Mountains or the Elvenking's hall, the evolution of what the Shire looked like, different Laketowns, different "Doors of Durin," even drawings of the tattered pages of the Dwarf Book of Moria. Near the end, even Tolkien's design drawings for LOTR book covers are included. And, of course -- MAPS! Maps of Wilderland, as well as the famous map from "Hobbit."

The text accompanying these many pictures carefully dissects all of the drawings and their importance, as well as how they evolved. (It's a bit like looking at concept art) As well as going over only Tolkien's work, Wayne G. Hammond also examines influences on Tolkien's artwork. For example, there is a fairy-tale picture that influenced a "Hobbit" picture, and a scientific drawing of a golden eagle that influenced another "Hobbit" picture with Bilbo.

This is a must-read for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, a great peek into a great mind. And it emphasizes that Tolkien was not just a brilliant writer, but a brilliant artist as well. Great stuff, definitely a must-see.

This book sheds so much light on the mind of J.R.R. Tolkien, and it allows the reader to see what he saw and know what he thought. It is a fantastic read and an invaluable addition to any Tolkien library.

I love this book. I am a huge Lord of the Rings/Hobbit/Silmarillion fan, and have recently been reading some of Tolkien's non-Middle-Earth books, this being one of them. This book was written for his children and has illustratons by Tolkien. It's creative and funny, and the pictures are great.

. . .by the Master, JRR Tolkien.

Tolkien fans have long known about the existence of Mr. Bliss, but it remained unpublished for decades. Fortunately, this delightful hand printed and self illustrated volume can easily be obtained.

From the moment when Mr. Bliss decides to buy a motor-car, adventures of the most dramatic (and expensive) sort begin to happen. The observant reader will also note names throughout the book which bear resemblance to names in "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings".

This book demonstrates that Tolkien had many gifts -- and that he exercised his creativity outside the realm of Middle-Earth.

A wonderful experience for children aged 4 to 104. I highly recommend it.

. . .and that can't be said for most of the Big People!

In this wonderful adventure, Mr. Bliss purchases a motorcar (definitely an unhobbitlike device) and proceeds to have all sorts of misadventures with it.

Any hobbit will sympathize with poor Mr. Bliss, living in a world where one is expected to foot the bill for tea for a family as large as the Dorkinses. Any hobbit will sympathize with the terror poor Mr. Bliss experiences driving through Three Bears Wood in the dark. And any hobbit will sympathize with Mr. Bliss's eventually handling of the situation!

Hobbits will also appreciate the fact that many of the Big People in the story have good, sensible hobbit names like Boffin and Gamgee.

A wonderful tale to read to young hobbits in the cool of the evening or before the fireplace.

This is a very good little book. The poems are fun and interesting to read. The riddle section is especially fun. buy it. Read it.

The writings of Professor Tolkien are absolutely Timeless. These books are the gauge by-which all Fantasy books are measured. The Hobbit and The Trilogy have been the Inspiration for decades of works by other authors, yet I have not ever seen these works surpassed by anyone. Terry Brooks is the only author I have read who even compares to J.R.R. Tolkien and his epic style. I became fascinated with The Hobbit and Trilogy when I was in the seventh grade. I borrowed them from a friend and snuck them home. I was completely enthralled with the world Tolkien created. I was not allowed to read anything that was even remotely related to Wizards, Witches, Astrology, D&D, etc., so these books were like nothing I had ever seen, before. I was captivated and felt the call to become a Writer. Previously, the poetry and such that we were studying in school BORED me to tears. I found my schooling to be mind-numbingly BORING and Tolkien became my Inspiration to Learn, create Poetry, Write stories, Study, become an Anthropologist, delve into Masonic Lore and so much more.... Throughout High-School, I had pictures of Prof. Tolkien on my wall and I desired to be like him. Not-only was he the Greatest Fantasy Writer the world has known, but he was "Professor of Anglo-Saxon, at Oxford University, from 1925 to 1945....and professor of English Language and Literature....and a Fellow of Merton College from '45 to his retirement in '59." Check out his translations of (book title:)"Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, Pearl, and Sir Orfeo" (J.R.R. Tolkien) Also, Prof. Tolkien wrote wonderful stories like "Smith of Wooten Major (&) Farmer Giles of Ham" for children. Pop those titles into the search box! I can honestly say that reading Tolkien changed my life...for the Better! Tolkien created the highest standards of writing for generations of authors....I am quite sure he would be deeply disappointed with the majority of books published today, with numerous spelling errors and pathetic grammar. I believe Tolkien is a god-send to English teachers. Perhaps, he can still inspire young people to elevate their Writing and English skills, from beyond. I would fight to keep his works on the shelves. I was not allowed to do my Senior Thesis about this author, despite the fact that he is such an amazing author and advocate of Literature. I lost interest in doing my thesis and threw something together at the last minute. Perhaps teachers should Recognize the potential for inspiring youth, via the works of J.R.R. Tolkien.

This small pocket sized book has all the poems and ridlles from the Hobbit! It is illstrated with Tolkien's artwork from the Hobbit (and some of his artwork not from the Hobbit). It is small enough to take it with you everywhere you go. If only there was one for the Lord of the Rings.