The Book of Lost Tales, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 2) (Mass Market Paperback)

by J.R.R. Tolkien (Author) "'Lands, or of thy home - and didst thou have a garden there such as we, where poppies grew and pansies like those that grow..." (more)
Key Phrases: pencilled text, unnumbered tears, bottomless dread, Lost Tales, Great Lands, Tale of Turambar (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"One marvels anew at the depth, breadth, and persistence of J.R.R. Tolkien's labor. No one sympathetic to his aims, the invention of a secondary universe, will want to miss this chance to be present at the creation." -- Review --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

Review

"One marvels anew at the depth, breadth, and persistence of J.R.R. Tolkien's labor. No one sympathetic to his aims, the invention of a secondary universe, will want to miss this chance to be present at the creation." Publishers Weekly

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

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Product Details Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages Publisher: Del Rey (April 22, 1992) Language: English ISBN-10: 034537522X ISBN-13: 978-0345375223 Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies) Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews) Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,923 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books) Popular in these categories: (What's this?) #26 in  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Tolkien, Christopher #46 in  Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Tolkien, J.R.R. This is item 2 in The History of Middle-earth Series.

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First Sentence:
"'Lands, or of thy home - and didst thou have a garden there such as we, where poppies grew and pansies like those that grow in my corner by the Arbour of the Thrushes?'" Read the first page

Key Phrases - Statistically Improbable Phrases (SIPs): (learn more)
pencilled text, unnumbered tears, bottomless dread, faring forth, paths thereto, magic isles, stood nigh, shadowy seas, rejected passage, hundred chimneys, typescript version, thy halls, encircling mountains, prose preface, original reading, hidden river, black sword, present tale

Key Phrases - Capitalized Phrases (CAPs): (learn more)
Lost Tales, Great Lands, Tale of Turambar, Old English, Tol Eressda, Man of the Sea, Lonely Isle, Amon Gwareth, Iron Mountains, Land of Willows, Necklace of the Dwarves, Magic Sun, Lost Elves, Gilfanon's Tale, March of the Elves, Tale of Tintiviel, Way of Escape, Isle of Seabirds, Mar Vanwa, Pools of Twilight, Tower of Pearl, Unfinished Tales, Beren Ermabwed, Hells of Iron, Land of Shadows

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Citations (learn more)

This book cites 8 books:

• The Lord of the Rings by J. R. R. Tolkien on page 335, Index, and Back Cover
• The Return of the King (The Lord of the Rings, Part 3) by J.R.R. Tolkien in Front Matter, and Index
• The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, Part 1) by J.R.R. Tolkien in Front Matter, and Index
• The Lays of Beleriand (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 3) by J. R. R Tolkien in Front Matter
• J.R.R. Tolkien-4 Vol. (Boxed) by J. R. R. Tolkien in Copyright

See all 8 books this book cites

 

14 books cite this book:

• J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator by Christina Scull on 4 pages
• Tolkien's Legendarium: Essays on The History of Middle-earth (Contributions to the Study of Science Fiction and Fantasy) by Verlyn Flieger on 4 pages
• The Atlas of Middle-Earth (Revised Edition) by Karen Wynn Fonstad on page 191, and Back Matter
• The Two Towers: Being the Second Part of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien in Front Matter, and Back Matter
• Tolkien and the Great War: The Threshold of Middle-earth by John Garth in Back Matter (1), and Back Matter (2)

See all 14 books citing this book

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The Lays of Beleriand by J.R.R. Tolkien

Discusses:

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The Shaping of Middle-Earth by J.R.R. Tolkien

Discusses:

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Understanding Middle-Earth by Michael Martinez

Discusses:

• unnumbered tears
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The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien Discusses: black sword Lonely Isle Amon Gwareth Tolkien and the Great War by John Garth Discusses: unnumbered tears bottomless dread faring forth The Complete Tolkien Companion by J. E. A. Tyler Discusses: unnumbered tears black sword Amon Gwareth The Lays of Beleriand by J.R.R. Tolkien Discusses: shadowy seas original reading Lost Tales Loading...

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Customer Reviews

28 Reviews 5 star:  (23) 4 star:  (4) 3 star:  (1) 2 star:    (0) 1 star:    (0)           Average Customer Review 4.8 out of 5 stars (28 customer reviews)		Share your thoughts with other customers:
Most Helpful Customer Reviews 39 of 40 people found the following review helpful: 4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, but tough, August 3, 2003 By  Dave (from Gondor) - See all my reviews It takes great strength of mind to be able to stick through this book, but if you're a true Tolkien fan, you'll love every minute of it. The Book of Lost Tales Part II continues the story of Eriol, a great mariner who finds his way to the lost island of Tol Eressëa, The Lonely Isle, where dwell a lost tribe of Elves. He continues to learn the stories of the ancient world they have to tell him, of the great heroes of the world after its corruption by the Dark Lord Melkor. For readers of the Silmarillion, many of the stories are familiar. They are told, however, in greater detail than that which is set down in the Silmarillion, and contain several interesting literary differences. (Nearly all of which are expounded on by Christopher Tolkien, who is, of course, the son of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.) Some are as small as name changes, some are opposing details about the events surrounding a character. I enjoyed reading this book, partly because I am a Tolkien aficionado, and partly because it satisfies the fantasy itch in a lot of people, myself included. The Book of Tales 2 begins (sort of) where Book 1 left off. The stories that the editor, Christopher Tolkien sets forth are less whole and complete than those found in book 1, but this is by no means the fault of Christopher Tolkien. His father, beloved author and scholar J.R.R. Tolkien was perfecting and re-shaping these tales to his death in 1973. Nonetheless, the stories are enjoyable to read. In Book 2, we read such stories as the Tale of Tinúviel (Or, Lúthien) the elf-maiden who forsook her immortal life for the love of a mortal man, Beren, much as the more popular union between Arwen and Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings books themselves. Of course, the most startling and shocking idea was that in this early version of the story, Beren was not a man at all, but an elf! He was but of another race of elves, which caused the high price of a Silmaril for Lúthien's hand in marriage by her father. There are several different elements of the story changed as well, such as Lúthien's need to save her love from the house of Tevildo, (a feline precursor to Sauron?), the evil cat-like creature who enslaved Beren. Of course, all these changes and many more are commented on, and highlighted by the ever-thorough editor. Also found is the story of Turin Turambar, the man who roamed Middle-Earth with much sorrow and woe, who won both misery and renown for his great skill and his misdeeds. An extremely sad (and long!) tale. After this, the tale of the great fall of Gondolin, the great city of refuge, hidden from Morgoth until it was brought down by treason from within. Hence from this destruction escaped Ëarendil, the great mariner of whom great tales are told of later. The tale of the Nauglafring, the Necklace of the Dwarves is told following this tale, with different changes in it as well. Following this is the tale of Ëarendil. This differs so much from the original story that most of us know from reading the Silmarillion that it's not nearly as wonderful of a story to read. Finally, there is the history of Eriol, or Ælfwine, the man who first came to the Lonely Isle and learned these great stories from the Wise that dwell there. Most astounding and odd in this history is the idea that Tolkien had apparently conceived; that the lands where the Elves dwelled came over time to be England! The Lonely Isle was dragged from its place by Ulmo, but his rival Ossë took hold of it to drag it back, and broke of a part, which became Ireland. In this case, one must wonder where the land and time of Middle-Earth itself, with its hobbits, wizards and orcs came to pass, if that land eventually became England! For my part, I find that these stories are fun to read, but if you are interested in the true substance of the tale, your best bet is to read the Silmarillion. The stories are often condensed, but they are in their finished state (as much as can be finished), and there are no footnotes to go and read. Following the end of tales is an index on names, the etymologies, the development of names, etc. Reading this book really gives you a feeling for how much work and effort went into the creation of the books we all enjoy, The Lord of the Rings. But little do we realize that there was a good three thousand years of history prior to that story - and Tolkien wrote it all. If you have an enthusiasm for the works of Tolkien, the tales prior to the Rings trilogy, and the history of Middle-Earth, than you should read this book if you can. I'd recommend reading the Silmarillion first, even if you have already read it once; Christopher Tolkien compares the two many, many times. Also be forewarned that this book can be a little dry and long-winded. But for true Tolkien aficionados, it's worth every minute. 18 of 18 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars The great epic continues, December 18, 1998 By  "flossran" (TN USA) - See all my reviews Part Two continues the history of the Elves and contains the oldest version of my personal favorite story "The Tale of Tinuviel". The stories in this book (which include an early version of Turumbar, The Fall of Gondolin, The Nauglafring- aka the fall of Doriath, and the story of Eriol) are recounted in grand Tolkienian style. They reveal some very interesting early ideas which Tolkien did not include in "The Silmarillion". The stories are superb in and of themselves but also offer a tantalizing 'behind the scenes' look at Tolkien's creative genius in progress. One of the most pleasurable aspects of reading this book is to watch the metamorphoses of the characters and to contemplate the elements which Tolkien altered or deleted in the later and more finished "Silmarillion". The stories in "Lost Tales 2" are even more marvelous than those of Book One. Book Two also provides a complete (though lamentable) closing to the tale of the wanderings or Eriol. Yet, to those who have read only "Lost Tales 1" there is no need to persuade. For I do not believe it humanly or divinely possible to read only Book One without inflaming the insatiable desire to experience the second half of the enchantment. 7 of 7 people found the following review helpful: 5.0 out of 5 stars The History Of Middle-Earth Vol.2, April 1, 2000 By  [e-mail] (L-Iklin, Malta) - See all my reviews This review is from: The Book of Lost Tales, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 2) (Hardcover) This second volume of The History Of Middle-Earth takes us back to the mythical times of the Silmarillion. In fact it comprises very interesting sketches of tales found in the Silmarillion itself. Featuring among others the tales of Beren and Luthien, Turin Thurambar, and the full accounts of the Necklace of the Dwarves and the Fall of Gondolin. Each text is followed by explanatory comments by Christopher Tolkien and also some related poems by the author himself. Reading The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales is also highly recommended.		Most Recent Customer Reviews 3.0 out of 5 stars Tolkien Christopher doesn't quite have all that his dad did. But this is still a good read for Tolkien lovers. Published 7 months ago by G. Zane 5.0 out of 5 stars Overview of The History of Middle-earth Series Collections of an author's work are often confusing, particularly when what the author has created is as complex as Tolkien's writings. Read more Published 7 months ago by Michael W. Perry 5.0 out of 5 stars Last Passage This is the final volume in the "Ages of Middle-Earth" series and it was actually the first written. Read more Published 20 months ago by Ellison Lowry 5.0 out of 5 stars BEST BOOK IN THE ENTIRE MIDDLE EARTH SERIES If you like the silmarillion and book of lost tales one, than you cannot wait another day to get this. Read more Published on March 9, 2006 by morgoth 5.0 out of 5 stars `Great was the power of Melko for ill,' said Eriol, `if he could indeed destroy with his cunning the happiness and glory of the Gods and Elves...' When the hateful god Melko marred the world, the Valar hid within the... Read more Published on September 2, 2005 by Zachary Zelmar 5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Continuation to Part One. Tolkien'sEarly Myths `The Book of Lost Tales, Part One and Part Two' by J. R. R. Tolkien, edited by son, Christopher Tolkien, is, according to the editor's Foreword, some of the very earliest works... Read more Published on June 20, 2005 by B. Marold 5.0 out of 5 stars A great continuation... The Book of Lost Tales 2 is a fantastic continuation to the first, taking place right where it left off this book goes in deeper than the first. Read more Published on March 12, 2004 by Jonas 5.0 out of 5 stars Early Version of The Silmarillion as told by Tolkien's son "The Book of Lost Tales 2" includes several tales which will be a classic part of "The Silmarillion", yet all of these are in a cruder, more rudimentary form,... Read more Published on February 20, 2004 by John Kwok 4.0 out of 5 stars The History of middle earth's second chapter. The Book of Lost Tales 2 starts off right where the first book finished. The different tales in this book prove to be a great summary of the history of middle earth. Read more Published on February 11, 2004 5.0 out of 5 stars Entertaining, Informative, But A Hard Read In my opinion, this book is better than the first installment. The stories were easier to read despite the exhaustive notes and comments on the complexity of the story, its... Read more Published on January 27, 2004 by Neilisa Search Customer Reviews Only search this product's reviews

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Product Details

• Mass Market Paperback: 400 pages
• Publisher: Del Rey (April 22, 1992)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 034537522X
• ISBN-13: 978-0345375223
• Product Dimensions: 6.9 x 4.2 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars See all reviews (28 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #83,923 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

  Popular in these categories: (What's this?)

  #26 in	Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Tolkien, Christopher
  #46 in	Books > Science Fiction & Fantasy > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Tolkien, J.R.R.

• This is item 2 in The History of Middle-earth Series.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

39 of 40 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent, but tough, August 3, 2003

By	Dave (from Gondor) - See all my reviews

It takes great strength of mind to be able to stick through this book, but if you're a true Tolkien fan, you'll love every minute of it. The Book of Lost Tales Part II continues the story of Eriol, a great mariner who finds his way to the lost island of Tol Eressëa, The Lonely Isle, where dwell a lost tribe of Elves. He continues to learn the stories of the ancient world they have to tell him, of the great heroes of the world after its corruption by the Dark Lord Melkor.

For readers of the Silmarillion, many of the stories are familiar. They are told, however, in greater detail than that which is set down in the Silmarillion, and contain several interesting literary differences. (Nearly all of which are expounded on by Christopher Tolkien, who is, of course, the son of John Ronald Reuel Tolkien.) Some are as small as name changes, some are opposing details about the events surrounding a character.

I enjoyed reading this book, partly because I am a Tolkien aficionado, and partly because it satisfies the fantasy itch in a lot of people, myself included. The Book of Tales 2 begins (sort of) where Book 1 left off. The stories that the editor, Christopher Tolkien sets forth are less whole and complete than those found in book 1, but this is by no means the fault of Christopher Tolkien. His father, beloved author and scholar J.R.R. Tolkien was perfecting and re-shaping these tales to his death in 1973.

Nonetheless, the stories are enjoyable to read. In Book 2, we read such stories as the Tale of Tinúviel (Or, Lúthien) the elf-maiden who forsook her immortal life for the love of a mortal man, Beren, much as the more popular union between Arwen and Aragorn in the Lord of the Rings books themselves. Of course, the most startling and shocking idea was that in this early version of the story, Beren was not a man at all, but an elf! He was but of another race of elves, which caused the high price of a Silmaril for Lúthien's hand in marriage by her father. There are several different elements of the story changed as well, such as Lúthien's need to save her love from the house of Tevildo, (a feline precursor to Sauron?), the evil cat-like creature who enslaved Beren. Of course, all these changes and many more are commented on, and highlighted by the ever-thorough editor.

Also found is the story of Turin Turambar, the man who roamed Middle-Earth with much sorrow and woe, who won both misery and renown for his great skill and his misdeeds. An extremely sad (and long!) tale.

After this, the tale of the great fall of Gondolin, the great city of refuge, hidden from Morgoth until it was brought down by treason from within. Hence from this destruction escaped Ëarendil, the great mariner of whom great tales are told of later. The tale of the Nauglafring, the Necklace of the Dwarves is told following this tale, with different changes in it as well.

Following this is the tale of Ëarendil. This differs so much from the original story that most of us know from reading the Silmarillion that it's not nearly as wonderful of a story to read.

Finally, there is the history of Eriol, or Ælfwine, the man who first came to the Lonely Isle and learned these great stories from the Wise that dwell there. Most astounding and odd in this history is the idea that Tolkien had apparently conceived; that the lands where the Elves dwelled came over time to be England! The Lonely Isle was dragged from its place by Ulmo, but his rival Ossë took hold of it to drag it back, and broke of a part, which became Ireland. In this case, one must wonder where the land and time of Middle-Earth itself, with its hobbits, wizards and orcs came to pass, if that land eventually became England!

For my part, I find that these stories are fun to read, but if you are interested in the true substance of the tale, your best bet is to read the Silmarillion. The stories are often condensed, but they are in their finished state (as much as can be finished), and there are no footnotes to go and read.

Following the end of tales is an index on names, the etymologies, the development of names, etc.

Reading this book really gives you a feeling for how much work and effort went into the creation of the books we all enjoy, The Lord of the Rings. But little do we realize that there was a good three thousand years of history prior to that story - and Tolkien wrote it all.

If you have an enthusiasm for the works of Tolkien, the tales prior to the Rings trilogy, and the history of Middle-Earth, than you should read this book if you can. I'd recommend reading the Silmarillion first, even if you have already read it once; Christopher Tolkien compares the two many, many times. Also be forewarned that this book can be a little dry and long-winded. But for true Tolkien aficionados, it's worth every minute.

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The great epic continues, December 18, 1998

By	"flossran" (TN USA) - See all my reviews

Part Two continues the history of the Elves and contains the oldest version of my personal favorite story "The Tale of Tinuviel". The stories in this book (which include an early version of Turumbar, The Fall of Gondolin, The Nauglafring- aka the fall of Doriath, and the story of Eriol) are recounted in grand Tolkienian style. They reveal some very interesting early ideas which Tolkien did not include in "The Silmarillion". The stories are superb in and of themselves but also offer a tantalizing 'behind the scenes' look at Tolkien's creative genius in progress. One of the most pleasurable aspects of reading this book is to watch the metamorphoses of the characters and to contemplate the elements which Tolkien altered or deleted in the later and more finished "Silmarillion". The stories in "Lost Tales 2" are even more marvelous than those of Book One. Book Two also provides a complete (though lamentable) closing to the tale of the wanderings or Eriol. Yet, to those who have read only "Lost Tales 1" there is no need to persuade. For I do not believe it humanly or divinely possible to read only Book One without inflaming the insatiable desire to experience the second half of the enchantment.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The History Of Middle-Earth Vol.2, April 1, 2000

By	[e-mail] (L-Iklin, Malta) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Book of Lost Tales, Part Two (The History of Middle-Earth, Vol. 2) (Hardcover)

This second volume of The History Of Middle-Earth takes us back to the mythical times of the Silmarillion. In fact it comprises very interesting sketches of tales found in the Silmarillion itself. Featuring among others the tales of Beren and Luthien, Turin Thurambar, and the full accounts of the Necklace of the Dwarves and the Fall of Gondolin. Each text is followed by explanatory comments by Christopher Tolkien and also some related poems by the author himself. Reading The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales is also highly recommended.