Taelorn76 said:
After reading the books and seeing the movies, I want to read more about Middle Earth. I have read on these boards about the different ages along with some other stuff. What I was hopping for was some recommendations for more books. Ones that tell the stories of the ages and so forth. I have read the Hobbit as well, but I still want more. Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance
The Silmarillion - a history of the creation of the world, the coming of the elves, dwarves, and men. Covers the First Age, in which the elves fought Morgoth (whom Sauron served). Covers a lot of the Second Age, which ended with the fall of Numenor and the defeat of Sauron by the Last Alliance. This volume was compiled by Tolkien's son from his notes and reads a lot like a history text, but if you can get over that, it's got a ton of interesting material.
Unfinished Tales - another compilation by Christopher Tolkien. Has some interesting stories. One covers where the wizards - including Gandalf - came from. Another is a bittersweet love story set in Numenor. It's a bit disjointed, but there are some gems in here.
Tolkien Bestiary - by David Day. It's actually a bit of an encyclopedia on Middle Earth. Some of the artwork is outstanding and it's an excellent reference, especially for some of the more obscure elements of Tolkien's work.
The various other compilations of Tolkien's writings by his son never interested me. Neither did the
Lays of Beleriand, but YMMV.
Fair warning: None of the other material on Middle Earth reads with the same feel as the trilogy. The Hobbit is clearly told as a children's story (though it's still very entertaining). The Silmarillion reads much like a history text (though it's still very interesting). And so on. Still, if you've become a die-hard fan of Middle Earth (like so many of us), at least give the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales a shot.
