The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth

Book Overview: The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth

J. R. R. Tolkien’s writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth, collected for the first time in one volume complete with new illustrations in watercolor and pencil by renowned artist Alan Lee.

J.R.R. Tolkien famously described the Second Age of Middle-earth as a “dark age, and not very much of its history is (or need be) told.” And for many years readers would need to be content with the tantalizing glimpses of it found within the pages of The Lord of the Rings and its appendices, including the forging of the Rings of Power, the building of the Barad-dûr and the rise of Sauron.

It was not until Christopher Tolkien published The Silmarillion after his father’s death that a fuller story could be told. Although much of the book’s content concerned the First Age of Middle-earth, there were at its close two key works that revealed the tumultuous events concerning the rise and fall of the island of Númenor. Raised out of the Great Sea and gifted to the Men of Middle-earth as a reward for aiding the angelic Valar and the Elves in the defeat and capture of the Dark Lord Morgoth, the kingdom became a seat of influence and wealth; but as the Númenóreans’ power increased, the seed of their downfall would inevitably be sown, culminating in the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

Even greater insight into the Second Age would be revealed in subsequent publications, first in Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth, then expanded upon in Christopher Tolkien’s magisterial twelve-volume The History of Middle-earth, in which he presented and discussed a wealth of further tales written by his father, many in draft form.

Now, adhering to the timeline of “The Tale of Years” in the appendices to The Lord of the Rings, editor Brian Sibley has assembled into one comprehensive vol

ISBN-13	9780063280687
ISBN-10	006328068X
Publisher	William Morrow
Publication Date	2022-11-15
Edition	N/A
Language	en
Pages	320
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

Editorial Reviews

“How, given little over half a century of work, did one man become the creative equivalent of a people?” — The Guardian

“Demanding to be compared with English mythologies… at times rises to the greatness of true myth.” — Financial Times

“A creation of singular beauty… magnificent in its best moments.” — Washington Post

About the Author

J. R. R. Tolkien

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien, known universally as J.R.R. Tolkien, was a definitive figure in 20th-century literature, molding the fantasy genre with his legendary Middle-Earth tales. Born in South Africa in 1892 and later relocating to England, Tolkien’s scholarly proficiency in languages led to a respected career in academia at Oxford University, where he specialized in English language and literature. However, it was his exceptional prowess as a writer and creator of intricate, richly detailed imaginary worlds that most indelibly marked his name in the annals of literary history.

Tolkien’s iconic works, most notably “The Hobbit” (1937) and “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy (1954-1955), have captivated and inspired millions. These works, profoundly influenced by Tolkien’s linguistic proficiency, interest in mythology, and experiences in World War I, feature a meticulous construction of character, setting, and language. They burst with a rich tapestry of high fantasy populated by hobbits, elves, wizards, and dark lords, creating a mythical universe beloved by countless readers.

Despite passing away in 1973, Tolkien’s literary legacy endures. His timeless tales remain instrumental in shaping fantasy literature, influencing a multitude of authors in the genre. Immortalized in myriad adaptations, including blockbuster movies, his fantastical worlds continue to stir the imagination of enthusiasts all over the globe, making J.R.R. Tolkien a truly incomparable figure in the literary world.