Unfinished Tales: Illustrated Edition

by Alan Lee, J. R. R. Tolkien

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Format

Hardcover

$38.00

Condition

New

$38.00

Book Overview: Unfinished Tales: Illustrated Edition

To celebrate its 40th anniversary, the first ever illustrated edition of this collection of tales which takes readers further into the stories told in J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. Unfinished Tales features 18 full-color paintings from critically acclaimed Tolkien artists, Alan Lee, John Howe, and Ted Nasmith, which reveal the three Ages of Middle-earth like never before.

Unfinished Tales is a collection of narratives ranging in time from the Elder Days of Middle-earth to the end of the War of the Ring, and provides those who have read The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with a whole collection of background and new stories.

The book concentrates on the realm of Middle-earth and comprises such elements as The Quest of Erebor, Gandalf’s lively account of how it was that he came to send the Dwarves to the celebrated party at Bag-End; the emergence of the sea-god Ulmo before the eyes of Tuor on the coast of Beleriand; and an exact description of the military organization of the Riders of Rohan.

Unfinished Tales also contains the only story about the long ages of Númenor before its downfall, and all that is known about such matters as the Five Wizards, the Palantíri and the legend of Amroth. The tales were edited by Christopher Tolkien, who provides a short commentary on each story, helping the reader to fill in the gaps and put each story into the context of the rest of his father’s writings.

In celebration of its 40th anniversary, this jacketed hardcover of Unfinished Tales includes 18 gorgeous paintings depicting scenes from the First, Second, and Third Ages of Middle-earth from critically acclaimed Tolkien artists, Alan Lee, John Howe, and Ted Nasmith.

ISBN-13	9780358448921
ISBN-10	0358448921
Publisher	William Morrow
Publication Date	2020-10-20
Edition	Illustrated
Language	en
Pages	528
Dimensions	in x in x in
Weight	lbs

About the Authors

Alan Lee

Alan Lee is an esteemed author and illustrator known for his incredible artistic contributions to J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga. Born in Middlesex, England, his work has led to worldwide recognition, making him a celebrated figure in fantasy literature.

Lee’s primary claim to fame is his intricate illustrations for Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings.” His work is widely prized for its profound attention to detail and fantastical quality. He won the prestigious Kate Greenaway Medal for illustration in 1998 and the Best Art Direction Academy Award for his work on “The Lord of the Rings” film trilogy in 2004.

More than an author, Alan Lee is an artist who has successfully breathed visual life into fantasy worlds, enrapturing readers and film audiences alike around the globe.

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.