--- product_id: 451951538 title: "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions)" price: "911 kr" currency: NOK in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.no/products/451951538-the-silmarillion-illustrated-by-j-r-r-tolkien-tolkien-editions store_origin: NO region: Norway --- # Tolkien's original illustrations Two-color premium print Classic mythic lore The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) **Price:** 911 kr **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Summary > 📖 Unlock the legendary origins of Middle-earth with Tolkien’s own brush and pen! ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) - **How much does it cost?** 911 kr with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.no](https://www.desertcart.no/products/451951538-the-silmarillion-illustrated-by-j-r-r-tolkien-tolkien-editions) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Key Features - • **Authentic Tolkien Artwork:** Experience the story through J.R.R. Tolkien’s own breathtaking paintings and drawings, never before fully published. - • **Premium Two-Color Printing:** Enhanced readability and visual appeal with sharp, vibrant dual-tone text that brings the epic saga to life. - • **Collector’s Edition Quality:** Sewn binding, thick vibrant paper, and elegant Elvish edge painting make this a durable treasure for your bookshelf. - • **Dive into Middle-earth's Origins:** Explore the foundational history and mythology of Tolkien’s universe, from the Creation to the First Age. - • **Exclusive 1951 Tolkien Introduction:** Gain unique insights from Tolkien’s own letter, enriching your understanding of Middle-earth’s ancient ages. ## Overview The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) is a definitive collector’s edition presenting Tolkien’s epic mythology of Middle-earth’s First Age. Featuring original color illustrations and paintings by Tolkien himself, this edition offers a premium two-color print on thick, vibrant paper with sewn binding and elegant edge painting. It includes Tolkien’s 1951 introduction letter, maps, and expanded lore covering the creation myth, the Silmarils, the rise of Morgoth, and the ancient history that underpins The Lord of the Rings. Highly rated and cherished by Tolkien enthusiasts, this edition is both a literary masterpiece and a visual feast, perfect for deepening your journey into Tolkien’s legendarium. ## Description Watch The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power Season 3 coming November 11, 2026 Experience Middle-earth like never before in this special edition of the forerunner to The Lord of the Rings , illustrated throughout in color by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. The Silmarillion is a doorway to the history, mythology, key characters, and defining tales of the early ages of Middle-earth—an essential volume for any Tolkien reader eager for a deeper journey. The Silmarilli were three perfect jewels, fashioned by Fëanor, most gifted of the Elves, and within them was imprisoned the last Light of the Two Trees of Valinor. But the first Dark Lord, Morgoth, stole the jewels and set them within his iron crown, guarded in the impenetrable fortress of Angband in the north of Middle-earth. This high fantasy saga is the history of the rebellion of Fëanor and his kindred against the gods, their exile from Valinor and return to Middle-earth, and their war, hopeless despite all the heroism, against the great Enemy. The Silmarillion is the ancient drama to which the characters in The Lord of the Rings look back, and in whose events some of them such as Elrond and Galadriel took part. The book also includes several shorter works that expand on Tolkien's world-building: the Ainulindalë , a myth of the Creation, and the Valaquenta , in which the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabêth recounts the downfall of the great island kingdom of Númenor at the end of the Second Age, and Of the Rings of Power tells of the great events at the end of the Third Age, as narrated in The Lord of the Rings. Tolkien could not publish The Silmarillion in his lifetime, as it grew with him, so he would leave it to his son, Christopher Tolkien, to edit the work from many manuscripts and bring his father’s great vision to publishable form, so completing this epic fantasy masterpiece and the literary achievement of a lifetime. This special edition presents anew this seminal first step towards mapping out the posthumous publishing of Middle-earth, and the beginning of an illustrious forty years and more than twenty books celebrating his father’s legacy. This definitive new edition includes, by way of an introduction, a letter written by Tolkien in 1951 which provides a brilliant exposition of the earlier Ages, and for the first time in its history is presented with Tolkien’s own paintings and drawings, which reveal the breathtaking grandeur and beauty of his vision of the First Age of Middle-earth, the foundation of his complete legendarium. This foundational history of the Elder Days is the bedrock of Tolkien’s entire legendarium, featuring: The Music of Creation: From the Music of the Ainur that sang the world into being to the forging of the Silmarils—three perfect jewels that held the last Light of the Two Trees of Valinor. The First Dark Lord: Witness the rise of Morgoth, the great Enemy, and his theft of the Silmarils, setting in motion a hopeless, heroic war that defines an age for all of Middle-earth. The Exile of the Noldor: Discover the history of Fëanor’s rebellion and the flight of the Elves from Valinor, an ancient drama that characters like Elrond and Galadriel look back on with sorrow. Illustrations by the Author: For the first time in its history, experience Tolkien’s vision in his own breathtaking paintings and drawings, revealing the grandeur and beauty of the First Age. Lost Tales of the Elder Days: Explore shorter works covering the myth of Creation, the nature of the gods, the catastrophic downfall of the island kingdom of Númenor, and the history of the Rings of Power. Review: A lovely book. In some ways, better than the Deluxe slipcase edition - I received this book, in addition to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings from the same series, as a gift from my wife for my birthday. It is a lovely book. The binding is sewn rather than glued, the paper is nice and thick and vibrant white, the printing quality is sharp and nice deep blues and blacks - it is printed in two colors - and there are a number of illustrated plates made by Tolkien himself throughout. Many of these are rough or unfinished, but it's still nice to see how the author visualized the things he was writing about. The Elvish edge painting of the pages looks very nice relative to the color scheme, and the book is very handsome, either with or without its dust jacket. The book also has a ribbon marker, which I quite liked...although it could have been a little thicker (although that is a very minor nitpick.) As for the book itself? Well, this one is pretty polarizing. People tend to either love it or think it overly dry and academic. It is not written in the narrative style of The Hobbit, or even Lord of the Rings. It's more of a historical summary in many sections, or ancient mythology in others, and is often written in a somewhat high style of English, akin to old mythological works (which Tolkien is clearly emulating - and quite successfully at that.) If I had to pigeonhole this book, I'd say it falls somewhere between The Bible / Beowulf and a history book (think Ancient Roman historians or the like). It covers Ainulindalë, the creation myth of Tolkien's Middle-Earth/Arda, and the early days spent in the light of the Two Trees of Valinor (the Middle-Earth conception of Paradise), the coming of the Elves (the firstborn) and then Men (the followers), plus the history of the eponymous Silmarils (three magical jewels - think of them as the First Age version of the One Ring and you'll get the idea) and the ensuing wars of the First Age that were fought over them between the Elves and the Big Bad, who in this book is Morgoth (think of him as Sauron's old boss, a more powerful and meaner version of the Dark Lord). For context in terms of the timeline of Tolkien's mythology - the First Age of Middle-Earth takes place some 7,000 years before the events of Lord of the Rings. The latter portions of the book also discuss the Second Age and the rise and fall of the Dúnedain of the island kingdom of Númenor, the Kings of Men of whom Aragorn, Faramir and Boromir are descendants. This is Tolkien's Middle-Earth version of the Atlantis myth. Some additional topics concerning the creation of the Rings of Power and their effect on the events of the the late Second & Third Ages are covered as well in the final section. With regards to this specific edition, this is in most ways nearly identical to the much more expensive slipcase edition. The printing, paper, and plates are identical. The maps in this version are smaller than in the slipcase edition, but are still quite nice (there are two maps, folded and fitted behind the front and back covers, and they are loose in both editions.) This edition is not quarterbound, and the hardcover is wrapped in paper rather than cloth - which can mean your hand oils could discolor it over time. However, it is worth mentioning that the slipcase edition has some notable QC issues. There are many reports of the silver embossed stamped foil text on the spine rubbing off quickly and easily, even after sparing and careful use. In my opinion, part of the point of getting books like this is to keep them for the long haul. If they're going to degrade in such a basic way, that defeats the purpose, as far as I am concerned. To me this makes this somewhat less expensive edition preferable - and one that is still likely to last for many years given the quality of its construction. Will you like this book? I think the only real way to answer that is to pick it up and give it a try. You will know after a few chapters if it's for you. I personally love it, and read it every couple of years. I consider it to be a treasure trove of lore and world-building that greatly enriches the world that underpins his more famous books, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. You will find much information here that is only hinted at or referred to in passing in those books, which will add depth and significance to those references in future readings. As I said, it's written in an older style of English, and some may consider it a tough read. If you stick with it though, it can be incredibly rewarding. There are some fantastic stories in here; love stories, tragic antiheroes, mythical battles, acts of heroism, valor, betrayal and evil. For those that are familiar with the book already, this is an excellent edition, and one that I can happily recommend. I am very glad to have these; I find that they are good for reading, but also look great on my shelf. This would make an excellent gift for the Tolkien enthusiast in your house. You can get this, plus the matching editions of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings together for a reasonable price here on desertcart. Any fan of Middle-earth is sure to love these! Review: An Enchanting Masterpiece: The Illustrated Edition of "The Silmarillion" Transcends Imagination - "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is an absolute treasure for any fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful storytelling. This edition, with its remarkable extras and bonuses, truly stands out from the regular version, elevating the reading experience to new heights. One of the most captivating aspects of this edition is the inclusion of illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. As you delve into the First Age of Middle-earth, you are accompanied by breathtaking visuals that bring Tolkien's vision to life. The illustrations not only showcase the grandeur and beauty of his artwork but also offer a unique glimpse into his creative process. The inclusion of hand-drawn maps of Middle Earth further enhances the immersive experience, allowing readers to trace the epic journeys of their favorite characters. The decision to print the complete text in two colors is a stroke of genius. The contrasting hues add a visually striking element to the pages, captivating the eye and enhancing the reading experience. Each word, each sentence, is imbued with an extra layer of significance, drawing readers even deeper into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world. Another gem of this edition is the introduction penned by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. In a letter written in 1951, Tolkien provides invaluable insights into the earlier Ages of Middle-earth, shedding light on the history and mythology that underpin "The Silmarillion." This addition enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the world Tolkien has created. Described as a definitive new edition, this illustrated masterpiece goes beyond being a mere book. It is a testament to Tolkien's artistic and literary achievements, a tribute to his enduring legacy. This edition showcases his unparalleled ability to weave a tale that transports readers to a world of wonder and magic. It is a collector's item, a cherished possession that will be passed down through generations, preserving the enchantment of Middle-earth for years to come. In conclusion, "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is a must-have for any Tolkien enthusiast. It stands out from the regular version, offering a visual feast through Tolkien's own illustrations, a captivating two-color printing, an illuminating introduction, and a definitive presentation of his seminal work. It is a work of art in its own right, preserving and celebrating the brilliance of Tolkien's imagination. Indulge in this extraordinary edition and embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and leave an indelible mark on your heart. ## Features - William Morrow - The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #356 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #7 in Metaphysical & Visionary Fiction (Books) #9 in War Fiction (Books) #11 in Science Fiction Short Stories | | Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 3,553 Reviews | ## Images ![The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OlFxwcp3L.jpg) ## Available Options This product comes in different **Media Format** options. ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A lovely book. In some ways, better than the Deluxe slipcase edition *by J***O on December 17, 2024* I received this book, in addition to The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings from the same series, as a gift from my wife for my birthday. It is a lovely book. The binding is sewn rather than glued, the paper is nice and thick and vibrant white, the printing quality is sharp and nice deep blues and blacks - it is printed in two colors - and there are a number of illustrated plates made by Tolkien himself throughout. Many of these are rough or unfinished, but it's still nice to see how the author visualized the things he was writing about. The Elvish edge painting of the pages looks very nice relative to the color scheme, and the book is very handsome, either with or without its dust jacket. The book also has a ribbon marker, which I quite liked...although it could have been a little thicker (although that is a very minor nitpick.) As for the book itself? Well, this one is pretty polarizing. People tend to either love it or think it overly dry and academic. It is not written in the narrative style of The Hobbit, or even Lord of the Rings. It's more of a historical summary in many sections, or ancient mythology in others, and is often written in a somewhat high style of English, akin to old mythological works (which Tolkien is clearly emulating - and quite successfully at that.) If I had to pigeonhole this book, I'd say it falls somewhere between The Bible / Beowulf and a history book (think Ancient Roman historians or the like). It covers Ainulindalë, the creation myth of Tolkien's Middle-Earth/Arda, and the early days spent in the light of the Two Trees of Valinor (the Middle-Earth conception of Paradise), the coming of the Elves (the firstborn) and then Men (the followers), plus the history of the eponymous Silmarils (three magical jewels - think of them as the First Age version of the One Ring and you'll get the idea) and the ensuing wars of the First Age that were fought over them between the Elves and the Big Bad, who in this book is Morgoth (think of him as Sauron's old boss, a more powerful and meaner version of the Dark Lord). For context in terms of the timeline of Tolkien's mythology - the First Age of Middle-Earth takes place some 7,000 years before the events of Lord of the Rings. The latter portions of the book also discuss the Second Age and the rise and fall of the Dúnedain of the island kingdom of Númenor, the Kings of Men of whom Aragorn, Faramir and Boromir are descendants. This is Tolkien's Middle-Earth version of the Atlantis myth. Some additional topics concerning the creation of the Rings of Power and their effect on the events of the the late Second & Third Ages are covered as well in the final section. With regards to this specific edition, this is in most ways nearly identical to the much more expensive slipcase edition. The printing, paper, and plates are identical. The maps in this version are smaller than in the slipcase edition, but are still quite nice (there are two maps, folded and fitted behind the front and back covers, and they are loose in both editions.) This edition is not quarterbound, and the hardcover is wrapped in paper rather than cloth - which can mean your hand oils could discolor it over time. However, it is worth mentioning that the slipcase edition has some notable QC issues. There are many reports of the silver embossed stamped foil text on the spine rubbing off quickly and easily, even after sparing and careful use. In my opinion, part of the point of getting books like this is to keep them for the long haul. If they're going to degrade in such a basic way, that defeats the purpose, as far as I am concerned. To me this makes this somewhat less expensive edition preferable - and one that is still likely to last for many years given the quality of its construction. Will you like this book? I think the only real way to answer that is to pick it up and give it a try. You will know after a few chapters if it's for you. I personally love it, and read it every couple of years. I consider it to be a treasure trove of lore and world-building that greatly enriches the world that underpins his more famous books, The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. You will find much information here that is only hinted at or referred to in passing in those books, which will add depth and significance to those references in future readings. As I said, it's written in an older style of English, and some may consider it a tough read. If you stick with it though, it can be incredibly rewarding. There are some fantastic stories in here; love stories, tragic antiheroes, mythical battles, acts of heroism, valor, betrayal and evil. For those that are familiar with the book already, this is an excellent edition, and one that I can happily recommend. I am very glad to have these; I find that they are good for reading, but also look great on my shelf. This would make an excellent gift for the Tolkien enthusiast in your house. You can get this, plus the matching editions of the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings together for a reasonable price here on Amazon. Any fan of Middle-earth is sure to love these! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ An Enchanting Masterpiece: The Illustrated Edition of "The Silmarillion" Transcends Imagination *by J***O on June 19, 2023* "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is an absolute treasure for any fan of J.R.R. Tolkien's masterful storytelling. This edition, with its remarkable extras and bonuses, truly stands out from the regular version, elevating the reading experience to new heights. One of the most captivating aspects of this edition is the inclusion of illustrations by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. As you delve into the First Age of Middle-earth, you are accompanied by breathtaking visuals that bring Tolkien's vision to life. The illustrations not only showcase the grandeur and beauty of his artwork but also offer a unique glimpse into his creative process. The inclusion of hand-drawn maps of Middle Earth further enhances the immersive experience, allowing readers to trace the epic journeys of their favorite characters. The decision to print the complete text in two colors is a stroke of genius. The contrasting hues add a visually striking element to the pages, captivating the eye and enhancing the reading experience. Each word, each sentence, is imbued with an extra layer of significance, drawing readers even deeper into the rich tapestry of Tolkien's world. Another gem of this edition is the introduction penned by J.R.R. Tolkien himself. In a letter written in 1951, Tolkien provides invaluable insights into the earlier Ages of Middle-earth, shedding light on the history and mythology that underpin "The Silmarillion." This addition enriches the reading experience, allowing readers to fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the world Tolkien has created. Described as a definitive new edition, this illustrated masterpiece goes beyond being a mere book. It is a testament to Tolkien's artistic and literary achievements, a tribute to his enduring legacy. This edition showcases his unparalleled ability to weave a tale that transports readers to a world of wonder and magic. It is a collector's item, a cherished possession that will be passed down through generations, preserving the enchantment of Middle-earth for years to come. In conclusion, "The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien" is a must-have for any Tolkien enthusiast. It stands out from the regular version, offering a visual feast through Tolkien's own illustrations, a captivating two-color printing, an illuminating introduction, and a definitive presentation of his seminal work. It is a work of art in its own right, preserving and celebrating the brilliance of Tolkien's imagination. Indulge in this extraordinary edition and embark on a journey that will ignite your imagination and leave an indelible mark on your heart. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Silmarillion As It Was Meant To Be *by J***D on November 9, 2022* J.R.R. Tolkien worked on the tales which eventually became known as The Silmarillion for most of his life, beginning as a young schoolboy in the early 1900s and continuing through his years as a student at Oxford, his wartime service, and his long career as a scholar and professor. The Silmarillion is a prologue of sorts to Tolkien's better known books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, both of which contain numerous references to characters and events found therein. Tolkien never finished working on The Silmarillion, and after his death in 1973 his youngest son Christopher took on the task of editing and preparing the work for publication in 1977. The Silmarillion's appearance in print was a joyous moment in the lives of everyone who had fallen in love with Tolkien's world, and it continues to amaze and delight new readers. To summarize the plot briefly, The Silmarillion is the history of the creation of the three magnificent gems called the Silmarils or Silmarilli by Feanor, greatest of all the Elves. Morgoth, the Great Enemy, stole the Silmarils, and Feanor and his fellow Elves waged a long and destructive war to regain them. That's an extremely brief recapitulation of a tale that involves hundreds of characters and many, many, chapters in the finished work. Besides The Silmarillion itself the book also contains the Ainulindalie or Creation Story, the Valaquenta, detailing the history of the Valar, the Akallabeth on the history of Numenor in the Second Age, and Of The Rings Of Power And The Third Age, a summation of the later years of Middle-earth and the fall of Morgoth's chief servant Sauron. This edition of The Silmarillion is absolutely beautiful. It is elegantly produced with sewn bindings, a ribbon bookmark, runic writing on the foredge, and magnificent designs on the cover. The dust jacket is beautifully detailed as well. But the greatest treasure of this edition are the illustrations by Tolkien himself. Tolkien was a talented artist who created many illustrations and drawings throughout his life. This edition contains many of these designs, heading each chapter and including several full page paintings. Not all of them have direct relationships with the text of The Silmarillion, but all of them enhance the beauty of the book. There are also two maps of Beleriand included (but not attached to) with the book. A foreword written by Christopher Tolkien for the original 1977 edition is included, along with a preface to the Second Edition written later, an excerpt from a lengthy letter by J.R.R. Tolkien providing a synopsis of his creation, and a Note on the Illustrations by the notable Tolkien scholars Wayne Hammond and Christina Scull. This sumptuous edition of The Silmarillion will give pleasure to its readers for many years. It is worthy of being shelved in a library in Rivendell, Minas Tirith, Lothlorien, or even Bag End, and, frankly, it is worthy of its author. ## Frequently Bought Together - The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) - The Hobbit Illustrated by the Author: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) - The Lord of the Rings Illustrated (Tolkien Illustrated Editions) --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.no/products/451951538-the-silmarillion-illustrated-by-j-r-r-tolkien-tolkien-editions](https://www.desertcart.no/products/451951538-the-silmarillion-illustrated-by-j-r-r-tolkien-tolkien-editions) --- *Product available on Desertcart Norway* *Store origin: NO* *Last updated: 2026-10-08*