Best Selling Books by J.R.R. Tolkien

Bilbo’s Last Song is considered by many to be Tolkien’s epilogue to his classic work The Lord of the Rings. As Bilbo Baggins takes his final voyage to the Undying Lands, he must say goodbye to Middle-earth. Poignant and lyrical, the song is both a longing to set forth on his ultimate journey and a tender farewell to friends left behind. Pauline Baynes’s jewel-like illustrations lushly depict both this final voyage and scenes from The Hobbit, as Bilbo remembers his first journey while he prepares for his last.

Poems and prose, maps and chronologies, detours and diversions along the road to Middle-earth . . . Christopher Tolkien has gathered archival materials that his late father, J. R. R. Tolkien, used to create the world and the history behind his classic stories. This fourth volume of The History of Middle-earth presents early versions of those first tales, from the creation myth to the fall of Morgoth. Writings include a chronology of the events in Beleriand, the first Silmarillion map, and the only known description of the physical nature of Middle-earth''s universe. Detailed annotations highlight changes ranging from the spelling of Elvish names to pivotal emendations whose effects reach even to the war of the ring. The Shaping of Middle-earth presents a solid framework by which to trace the development of the early lore of Middle-earth. It is a truly indispensable reference work for those familiar with the history of that endlessly beloved land—and fascinating reading for those just entering that world.

The final part of The History of The Lord of the Rings, Sauron Defeated: The End Of The Third Age is J.R.R. Tolkien''s enthralling account of the writing of the Book of the Century which contains many additional scenes and includes the unpublished Epilogue in its entirety. In the first section of Sauron Defeated Christopher Tolkien completes his fascinating study of The Lord of the Rings. Beginning with Sam’s rescue of Frodo from the Tower of Cirith Ungol, and giving a very different account of the Scouring of the Shire, this section ends with versions of the hitherto unpublished Epilogue, in which, years after the departure of Bilbo and Frodo from the Grey Havens, Sam attempts to answer his children’s questions. The second section is an edition of The Notion Club Papers. These mysterious papers, discovered in the early years of the twenty-first century, report the discussions of an Oxford club in the years 1986-7, in which after a number of topics, the centre of interest turns to the legend of Atlantis, the strange communications received by other members of the club from the past, and the violent irruption of the legend into the North-west of Europe.

"Smith of Wootton Major: Illustrated" is a charming novella by J.R.R. Tolkien, accompanied by enchanting illustrations that enrich the magical world of the story. Set in the fictional village of Wootton Major, the narrative follows the adventures of Smith, a humble apprentice to the village blacksmith, as he embarks on a remarkable journey through the realm of Faery. When Smith is chosen to participate in the Great Cake Bake, a special event held only once in a generation, he discovers a mysterious silver star hidden within the cake. This magical token grants him access to the land of Faery, where he encounters a host of fantastical creatures, including elves, wizards, and even the enigmatic Queen of Faery herself. As Smith navigates the wonders and perils of Faery, he learns valuable lessons about courage, friendship, and the power of imagination. Along the way, he embarks on a quest to find the lost star, encountering challenges and adversaries that test his resolve and ingenuity. Through Tolkien''s evocative prose and vivid imagery, readers are transported to a world of wonder and enchantment, where the boundaries between reality and fantasy blur. The illustrations further enhance the magical atmosphere of the story, bringing to life the whimsical characters and landscapes of Wootton Major and Faery. "Smith of Wootton Major: Illustrated" is a timeless tale of adventure and discovery that will captivate readers of all ages. With its blend of fantasy, folklore, and profound insights into the human spirit, this edition is sure to enchant and inspire readers as they embark on a journey into the heart of Faery alongside Smith.