Further Reading

[Glamdring]

I've read both The Hobbit and the Trilogy twice, and I really love the aspects of the history of Tolkien's world. I have read the appendix at the end of ROTK about 10 times. I know there are several books that go into much more detail about the history of middle earth. Any suggestions, on which ones I should read?

[Manwë Súlimo]

I would recomend you read the Silmarillion. That tells of the creation of Arda and a detailed account of the First Age. It also gives a brief description of the Second and Third ages. Some other good books to read are the Unfinnished Tales I and II, Lost Tales, HoME (History of Middle-Earth), and if you want The Adventures of Tom Bombadill.

[Grond]

If I were you, I would first read the Silmarillion and then Unfinished Tales. (I only now of one book of Unfinished Tales with no part 1 and 2). I would then read the Letters of J. R. R. Tolkien as they provide insights into his actual thought processes that went into the books and answer questions propounded by critics and readers alike.

Then, after you've read those books. If you are still very interested in the History of Tolkien's writings...then and only then, would I go to the Histories of Middle-earth series of books.

[Glamdring]

Thanks guys, I just ordered the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales from Amazon. Can't wait to read them.

[Maeglin]

Just to warn you in advance, the Silmarillion is probably gonna be a little slow/boring and confusing at first, but stick with it, it gets a lot better.

[Gandalf White]

Just to warn you in advance, the Silmarillion is probably gonna be a little slow/boring and confusing at first, but stick with it, it gets a lot better.

Very true. I read the Silmarillion once, (hope to get it for Christmas), and just started Unfinished Tales, part 1 I think.

[Maeglin]

I said it, and I was in no way trying to degrade the Sil, I said in the beginning it was kind of boring, not the whole thing. But whatever, to each his/her own opinion.

[Nóm]

Originally posted by Smeagol
Is ther a second part to UT ?

BTW who states that the Silmarillion is more boring than LOTR?
I actually find the lenghty elaborations of LOTR a lot less ineteresting as the fast progressing plots of SIL.
I am of the same opinion as you aboout that.
There is only one UT book.
You might have been confusing it with The Books of Lost Tales of which there are 2. They are the first and second volumes on The History of Middle-earth.
You may already know those things about BoLT though, and I do not aim to imply that you did not, but rather I mention those things just in case.




(being careful not to offend right now)

[Glamdring]

OK, just got my books, the Sil and UT.
Which one should I read first?? or does it make a difference?

[Glamdring]

Alright, thanks for all of your opinions. Now I'm off to start the reading.

[Finrod]

Currently, I am reading the Sil. I started it and read to about half way, but got lost in the names and brand new places. This time around, I am making my own charts( Valar, Maiar, Enemies, Places, etc.). This helps alot. Glamdring, believe me, you will get more out of the Sil if you write some things down. I know this is late, but you can go back and skim through the first few sections and summarize the main people and details.

[Maeglin]

I wish I'd thought of that when I read it Finrod, thats a great idea! I should have done that, cause I've forgotten most of the names from the Sil.:mad:

[Turin]

You should read unfinished tales .It's pretty interesting and it its like an extended version of the apendixes.

[Glamdring]

OK, I'm about halfwy through the Sil. I'm really loving this book. Acually, i find it pretty easy to read. When I forget who someone is, I just look in the index and it gives you a small summary. Also, I'm reading it pretty slow. I usually read 1-2 chapters a day since that's all I really have time for. And it gives me time to comprehend it all. After finals I'll probably start reading more.

[Finduilas]

I will use this thread to ask you one question.Do you know an e-bookstore where I don't need a credit card to order a book and to be brought in another country?I mean where I can send the money by the post-office.

[ssgrif]

Sorry that this isnt an answer to your post Findiulas, but I need to ask something about the HoME:

I'm currently looking at purchasing the volumes that make up the HoME.

I've read the LOTR's twice, The Hobbit, and currently 2 thirds through the Silmarillion. I've been given a copy of the Unfinished Tales for x-mas so that will be my next project, but I'm quite keen on buying the HoME books to extend my collection. :)

Can anyone out there who's already read thee books give me a little insight into what to expect. Are these books in their own right going into more detail about certain events? or are they little snippets of ideas that never made the grade? or even revisions?

Any help would be greatly appreciated !!!

Griff

[Beleg]

Do read Sil, but i also suggest that you should read the series "history of middle earth" written by CHirstopher tolkien. its a bit advanced, but its a very good read.
P.S: I don't think anyone can find Quenta Silmarillion boring. i want to ask you people which part of the 'published SIlmarillion' was boring?

[f0enix_rising]

I'm just sort of barging in on this thread, but I was wondering where the Treason of Isengard fits into the picture? Is it part of the History of Middle Earth?

This is great info on what to read and when. Thanks all.

[FoolOfATook]

The Treason of Isengard is Volume VII of the HoME, and Volume II of The History of The Lord Of The Rings.

[f0enix_rising]

Originally posted by FoolOfATook
The Treason of Isengard is Volume VII of the HoME, and Volume II of The History of The Lord Of The Rings. Thanks for the info! I've got a lot of reading to do!