differnce between lost-tales and unfinished tales

[maarten]

Seems to me they have about the same stories in them? Or am i wrong?

[aragil]

I think you might be wrong on this one.

Unfinished Tales was published first, and contains a collection of tales from late in Tolkien's life, which he never was able to finish for publication (hence the UNfinished). The subjects include the extended Tale of Turin, some stories about Numenor, and some very interesting background material specific to Lord of the Rings- the founding of Rohan, the attack upon Isildur, the nature of the Istari and the Palantir, etc.

Lost Tales was also published posthumously, but was the first attempt by Tolkien at the stories which later made up the Silmarillion. The only real crossover between the two is the Tale of Turin (the version in UT is actually in a form much more familiar to readers of the Silmarillion).

[maarten]

Oh i see, well tank you, maybe i will consider buying them again...

[aragil]

If you can only buy one, then I'd suggest UT.

[maarten]

Hmm i already have UT, but i want more!! :)