The History of Middle-earth (Boxed Set 2): The Lays of Beleriand, the Shaping of Middle-Earth & the Lost Road

The second in a series of hardback boxed sets celebrating the literary achievement of Christopher Tolkien, featuring double-sided dustjackets. Contains THE LAYS OF BELERIAND, THE SHAPING OF MIDDLE-EARTH, and THE LOST ROAD, which contain the early myths and legends that led to the writings of THE SILMARILLION.

Format: Multiple-component retail product, part(s) enclosed
Length: 1200 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2024
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers

The second installment in a series of stunning hardback boxed sets, dedicated to celebrating the literary brilliance of Christopher Tolkien, showcases double-sided dustjackets. This collection includes three essential works: "The Lays of Beleriand," "The Shaping of Middle-earth," and "The Lost Road." These remarkable volumes contain the early myths and legends that paved the way for the creation of "The Silmarillion."

"The Lays of Beleriand" offers a unique perspective into the genesis of Middle-earth's mythology through the alliterative verse tales of two pivotal stories: Túrin's saga and Beren and Lúthien's love story. Accompanied by insightful commentaries on the evolution of the history of the Elder Days, this collection also includes a critical analysis of "The Lay of Leithian" by C.S. Lewis, who encountered the poem in 1929.

In "The Shaping of Middle-earth," the chronological and geographical structure of the legends of Middle-earth and Valinor is unveiled. Readers are introduced to the previously unknown "Ambarkanta," or "Shape of the World," which provides the only account ever given of the nature of the imagined Universe. This remarkable work is accompanied by detailed maps and diagrams that depict the world before and after the cataclysmic events of the War of the Gods and the Downfall of Númenor. Additionally, the original "Silmarillion of 1926" and the Quenta Noldorinwa of 1930, the only completed version of the myths and legends of the First Age by J.R.R. Tolkien, are included in this collection.

"The Lost Road" completes the examination of Tolkien's writing before he embarked on "The Lord of the Rings." It presents later forms of the annals of Valinor and Beleriand, the legend of Númenor's downfall, and the abandoned "time-travel story" of "The Lost Road." This volume also links the world of Númenor and Middle-earth with the legends of many other times and peoples, providing a comprehensive exploration of Tolkien's creative genius.

Published together for the first time, this remarkable boxed set is a testament to the enduring legacy of Christopher Tolkien and his unparalleled contribution to the world of fantasy literature.

Weight: 1976g
Dimension: 235 x 150 x 95 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780008669232