“An essential historical reference for Middle-earth fans . . . For enthusiasts, these glimpses into the burgeoning interconnectedness of Tolkien’s fiction are fascinating . . . Deep-lore delvers . . . will be rewarded with a thorough understanding of one of modern fantasy’s seminal works.”—
Entertainment Weekly
“As with the posthumously published The Children of Húrin and Beren and Lúthien, this entry has been painstakingly and, clearly, lovingly edited by his son and literary executor Christopher Tolkien. Taking place long before the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, the books fill in the historical record of those better-known stories . . . In detailing this vital — and indeed tragic — tale of Middle-earth lore, The Fall of Gondolin provides everything Tolkien’s readers expect . . . With apologies to Westeros, Narnia and whatever the Star Wars universe is called, Middle-earth stands as the most immersive and detailed fictional realm of our own age because of the different languages Tolkien — master philologist that he was — invented to describe it. Spending time in Middle-earth provides an opportunity to revel in his etymological derring-do . . . The Fall of Gondolin demonstrates yet again that Middle-earth boasts its own rich cosmology and history . . . [Christopher Tolkien’s] stewardship of his father’s legacy has been a tremendous success.”—Washington Post
“The Fall of Gondolin is fascinating, both as a glance into the backgrounds that make Middle-earth such a vibrant landscape and for its insights into Tolkien’s earliest interests.”—Deseret News
“Every Tolkien aficionado, and they are legion, will want to read this book, both for the story it tells and as a final collaboration between this legendary father-and-son duo.”—Library Journal, starred review
“Gives readers a final glimpse at the author’s brilliance . . . This work is a fitting end to Christopher Tolkien’s labors as the steward of his father’s beloved works, and is likely to be cherished by Tolkien’s many fans.”—Publishers Weekly, starred review
“A terrific novel that once again will transport readers old and new to the world of Middle-earth.”—Bookreporter.com
Praise for Beren and Lúthien
“Every version of the story in the book is incomplete, but under Christopher Tolkien’s steady editorial hand, the fragments assemble themselves to give us an impression of the whole. What makes this possible is the grace with which he handles his long-accustomed dual role of guide to both story and history. His preface and annotations are openhearted and engaging. He leads the reader pleasantly through the greater landscape of Middle-earth in the First Age, and strikes as clear a path as possible through the wilderness of Tolkien’s lifelong attempts to get the story finished and published. With eloquence and diligence and care, the son reconstructs and retraces the father’s journey, pursuing the tale through draft after draft as Tolkien pursued his vision of Middle-earth; as Beren, lost and hunted, followed the sound of Lúthien’s voice as she sang in the shadowed forest of Doriath.”—NPR.org
“A good introduction to Lord of the Rings fans nervous about taking on The Silmarillion, and also gives longtime fans a fascinating look at the Tolkiens’ myth-making process.”—EntertainmentWeekly.com