The Book of Lost Tales

By J.R.R. Tolkien

Book #1 in the The History of Middle-Earth series

A mariner's journey reveals the hidden history of Middle-earth's Elves and ancient legends.

3.9/5 Goodreads · 16,883 ratings

367 pages

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Bookroo's summary

Embark on a mariner's epic voyage to the Lonely Isle, where Elves unveil the Lost Tales of Middle-earth. Discover the origins of Gods, Elves, and legendary realms like Gondolin and Nargothrond. As Eriol learns the secrets of the Silmarils and the Two Trees of Valinor, the rich tapestry of this mythical world unfolds. What truths will he uncover about the ancient lands and their mystical inhabitants? Dive into the earliest accounts of Middle-earth's creation and witness the birth of its legendary lore.

From the publisher

The extraordinary history of Middle-earth, edited by Christopher Tolkien The Book of Lost Tales stands at the beginning of the entire conception of Middle-earth and Valinor. Embedded in English legend and English association, they were set in the narrative frame of a great westward voyage over the Ocean by a mariner named Eriol (or Ælfwine) to Tol Eressëa, the Lonely Isle, where Elves dwelt; from them he learned their true history, the Lost Tales of Elfinesse. In the Tales are found the earliest accounts and original ideas of Gods and Elves; Dwarves and Orcs; the Silmarils and the Two Trees of Valinor; Nargothrond and Gondolin; and the geography and cosmology of the invented world. Praise for Book of Lost Tales 1 “In these tales we have the scholar joyously gamboling in the thickets of his imagination. . . . A commentary and notes greatly enrich the quest.”–The Daily Telegraph “Affords us an almost over-the-shoulder view into the evolving creative process and genius of J.R.R. Tolkien in a new, exciting aspect . . .The superb, sensitive, and extremely helpful commentary and editing done by Christopher Tolkien make all of this possible.”–Mythlore

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