The Silmarillion, Vol. 1 [ABRIDGED] [AUDIOBOOK] (Audio Cassette)

by J.R.R. Tolkien (Author), Martin Shaw (Reader)

Editorial Reviews

From School Library Journal
Grade 5-8-The epic history of the elves, and the creation story of Tolkien's magical world.
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal
Tolkien's 1977 tale could be called the Paradise Lost of Middle Earth. It tells of the Godlike Iluvatar's creation of all things, both physical and spiritual, in the Elder Days of Middle Earth in the First Age before the coming of elves and men. All was well until Melkor, Iluvatar's mightiest and brightest offspring, grew jealous of his master, desired his own creations, and made things in private while corrupting the designs of Iluvatar. Upon the discovery of his ill deeds, Melkor was cast down and became the first Dark Lord and scourge of Middle Earth (sound familiar?). Although it takes quite a while to get moving, the story eventually serves up epic battles of good and evil as Melkor, aided by his lieutenant, Sauron, who later figures prominently in The Lord of the Rings, is defeated by the human and elvin hosts of Middle Earth in a long and bitter war. Part 1 moves slowly while introducing numerous characters and plot points. Parts 2 and 3 have considerably more action. Actor Martin Shaw's reading is solid; it's the cardboard packaging that's flimsy. Recommended.?Michael Rogers, "Library Journal"
Copyright 1998 Reed Business Information, Inc.

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Product Details

• Audio Cassette
• Publisher: Random House Audio (July 1, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 055352500X
• ISBN-13: 978-0553525007
• Product Dimensions: 7.1 x 4.1 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 6.6 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #2,060,291 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Epic Tales of Middle Earth - On CD !, June 7, 2000

By	Shawn Weil (Columbus, OH) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Silmarillion, Vol. 1 (Audio CD)

The Silmarillion is a epic tale of the first three ages of Middle Earth, before the domination of men. It lays the groundwork for the Lord of the Rings trilogy with an intricate series of tales of love, betrayal, and magic. Chief among these stories is the rise and fall of Melkor and curse of the Silmarils, the priceless jewels that cause nothing but woe to all who wish to possess them. However, the most memorable story is probably the love story of Beren and Luthian, in which love tries to conquer insurmountable odds to survive.

The CD version is an excellent way to become acquainted with the Silmarillion. The Silmarillion is not an easy book to read; the prose is sometimes terse, the names of characters confusing, and the story occasionally at odds with itself. The narrator, Martin Shaw, does an admirable job pronouncing all of the names of beings and places consistently.

If you you've enjoyed the other Tolkien tales, and craved more about the worlds hinted about in the songs of their heros, the Silmarillion is the place to begin. If you've already read the Silmarillion, and want another approach, the CD version is a viable option.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best book I've ever read!, February 27, 1999

By A Customer

Usually I don't read much books, but a friend of mine suggested that I should read this one, so I did. Normally I would have given up almost half-finished but, I got caught up in the story and read 4-5 hours in a row. Which is a personal record for me!. I even wished that the story (book) would never end. This is truly the greatet book i've ever read. And it deserves 5 out of 5 stars. If you haven't read it, DO it now!