Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

480 pages

English language

Published Sept. 8, 1982 by Houghton Mifflin.

ISBN:
978-0-395-32441-7
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4 stars (37 reviews)

Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth is a collection of stories and essays by J. R. R. Tolkien that were never completed during his lifetime, but were edited by his son Christopher Tolkien and published in 1980. Many of the tales within are retold in The Silmarillion, albeit in modified forms; the work also contains a summary of the events of The Lord of the Rings told from a less personal perspective.

54 editions

Review of 'Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

There are some that have said that "Unfinished Tales" while good, holds the position of a band publishing songs that it originally left on the cutting room floor. I disagree with that assessment.

First, let us be clear for new people: "Unfinished Tales" is not a new read. It is not a book you read first. Ever. A good reading of (in order of importance) "The Lord of the Rings," "The Silmarillion," and (optionally) "The Hobbit," is required. Without this background you simply will not be able to make any sense of what you're reading in "Unfinished Tales" despite Christopher's very good notes.

Here you will find details that fans of the Legendarium have long wondered and wanted to know about. What is Gandalf? What was the order he was part of, and who were its members? What's the real story(s) behind Galadreal? How did Gondor and Rohan become such …

Review of 'Unfinished Tales' on 'Goodreads'

4 stars

Of all the "tales from middle earth" books this is by far my favourite. In the end the first and second ages are only that interesting to me. While the third age really captures my imagination and is the one where the most fascinating and fleshed out characters and stories take place. This book collects fascinating lore on the third age outside of the scope of the LotR and the Hobbit. The story of the Wizards, the Stones, Galadriel and so on. If you've read the LotR and the Hobbit I would recommend this book before the other books about the time before the Hobbit (i.e the Silmarillion etc).

Review of 'Unfinished tales of Númenor and Middle-earth' on 'Goodreads'

5 stars

I've read quite a few parts of this previously, either due to individual curiosity about specific topics (such as the Quest of Erebor, Istari, Palantiri) or as part of other works (Narn i Hin Hurin – most of which is incorporated in [b:The Children of Hurin|3141295|The Children of Hurin/The Silmarillion/The Hobbit/The Lord of the Rings|J.R.R. Tolkien|http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1238112196s/3141295.jpg|3172742]), but I had not until now sat down and read all the various tales in order. Already a big fan of Tolkien, as a whole I quite enjoyed the collection, especially since Christopher Tolkien's notes and analysis are kept at a minimum compared when compared with the various volumes of HoME.

Of the tales I had not read previously, I most enjoyed that of Aldarion and Erendis, as well as brief story of the Druedain, perhaps because I knew the least about them already.

Highly recommended for anyone who has already read [b:The Hobbit|5907|The …

Review of 'Unfinished Tales' on Goodreads

4 stars

1) ''It might have gone very differently indeed. The main attack was diverted southwards, it is true; and yet even so with his far-stretched right hand Sauron could have done terrible harm in the North, while we defended Gondor, if King Brand and King Dàin had not stood in his path. When you think of the great Battle of Pelennor, do not forget the Battle of Dale. Think of what might have been. Dragon-fire and savage swords in Eriador! There might be no Queen in Gondor. We might now only hope to return from the victory here to ruin and ash. But that has been averted # because I met Thorin Oakenshield one evening on the edge of spring not far from Bree. A chance-meeting, as we say in Middle-earth.''

2) ''Saruman was little appeased by this answer (for he hated mockery, however gentle), and he said then coldly: 'You …

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