The Silmarillion (First Edition and First Printing: Export Edition - Signed)

Tolkien, J.R.R.

ISBN 10: 0048231398 / ISBN 13: 9780048231390

Published by George Allen & Unwin, London, England, 1977

About this Item

This listing includes a near fine copy of the scarce Export Edition; commonly referred to as the true first edition. Guy Gavriel Kay has signed the book at the end of the book's Forward where he is acknowledged by Christopher Tolkien for his contribution in completion of the book. The export edition, first impression, was printed by William Clowes & Sons, Ltd. The dust jacket is fully intact and does not have the price on the inner dust jacket as does the UK First Impression. There is a small mark on the back inner fold of the dust jacket, otherwise in fine condition. Dark blue cloth binding, with blue and white striped headband, dyed blue top edge and dark blue coloured dust jacket. Folding map at the back end paper is present but is laid in and not adhered in place. Scarce signed by Guy Gavriel Kay and in near fine condition.

Seller Inventory # 003718

Bibliographic Details

• Title: The Silmarillion (First Edition and First Printing: Export Edition - Signed)
• Publisher: George Allen & Unwin, London, England
• Publication Date: 1977
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0048231398
• ISBN 13: 9780048231390
• Binding: Hardcover
• Illustrator: Tolkien, Christopher
• Edition: 1st Edition
• Printing: 1st Printing
• Condition: Near Fine
• Dust Jacket Condition: Near Fine
• Signed: Signed by Author(s)

About this title

Synopsis

An edition of the forerunner to THE LORD OF THE RINGS, which gives an account of the Elder Days when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwells in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves make war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.

Review

JRR Tolkien is best known for The Hobbit and The Lord Of The Rings but those who thought these two wonderful adventures marked the height of his imagination have many more delights to come. The Silmarillion represents the source of Tolkien's later work and follows the events of the First Age of Middle Earth. For information, The Lord Of The Rings concerns the end of the Third Age.

The Silmarillion is a gloriously realised story of rebellion, exile, war and the heroism of elves and men. But to gain an insight into the staggering complexity of Tolkien's world, however, the shorter works also included are must-reads. Dealing with the myth of creation, the nature of the Gods, the fall of Númenor and the Rings of Power, they paint a vivid picture not only of Middle Earth but also of the author's soaring imagination.

Tolkien was born of English parents in Bloemfontein, South Africa, in 1892 and died in England in 1973. He worked on The Silmarillion from as early as 1917 but the work was not published until after his death. This edition, richly illustrated by Ted Nasmith, is both collector's item and source of reference and fascination for every follower of Tolkien. --James Barclay