# The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Silmarillion is J.R.R. Tolkien’s history of Middle-earth’s earlier Ages, presented here as an illustrated edition with artwork attributed to Tolkien. It combines creation mythology, the story of Númenor and accounts of the First Age, offering substantial context for readers of The Lord of the Rings. Customer feedback praises its detailed world-building but notes that it can be difficult to follow.

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- Market: UK
- Language: en-GB
- Currency: GBP
- Category: Books, Music & Hobbies > Books, Music & Movies > Books & Comics
- Price: 27.00 GBP
- Previous price: 45.00 GBP
- Discount: 40%
- Price checked: 2026-11-12T16:58:42.403Z
- Rating: 4.7 / 5
- Reviews: 23671

Prices and deal status are the latest recorded data, not a guarantee of availability. Confirm the price and availability with the store.

## At a glance

- Covers the rebellion of Fëanor and the history of the First Age of Middle-earth.
- Also includes the Ainulindalë, Valaquenta, Akallabêth and Of the Rings of Power.
- The edition description says it includes Tolkien’s paintings and drawings, a 1951 letter as an introduction and sprayed edges.
- The listing describes the complete text as printed in two colours.

## Pros

- Provides substantial background to Middle-earth and events referred to in The Lord of the Rings.
- Includes several shorter works alongside the main history.
- Tolkien’s artwork and the introductory letter give this edition additional material beyond the text.

## Cons

- The layered history and dense detail may be challenging to follow, as some customers report.

## Specifications

### Publication
- Edition: Illustrated edition
- Publisher: HarperCollins
- Publication date: 10 Nov. 2022
- Language: English
- Print length: 448 pages
- ISBN-10: 0008537895
- ISBN-13: 978-0008537890
### Dimensions and weight
- Dimensions: 14.9 x 4.1 x 22.8 cm
- Weight listed: 294 g

## A good fit for

- Tolkien readers wanting background on Middle-earth’s earlier Ages.
- Readers interested in the history, mythology and creation stories behind The Lord of the Rings.
- Collectors looking for an illustrated edition featuring artwork attributed to Tolkien.

## Less suited to

- Readers looking for a light, straightforward fantasy narrative or an easy entry point into Tolkien’s world.

## Customer feedback

Customer feedback describes this edition as an essential source of Middle-earth backstory and history, especially for Tolkien fans, and praises its detailed, informative content. Some readers find it hard to follow, so its extensive historical scope may be rewarding for readers seeking context but less approachable for those wanting a simple narrative. The listing describes 448 pages and includes several related works.
- Positive themes: Customers value its extensive Middle-earth backstory and detailed content.
- Positive themes: Feedback particularly highlights its interest for Tolkien fans and readers wanting more context for The Lord of the Rings.
- Negative themes: Some customers find the book hard to follow.
- Mixed feedback: Readability is a mixed point: readers praise its detail and information, while some find its scope difficult to navigate.

## Frequently asked questions

### What stories and material does The Silmarillion include?
Alongside the history of the rebellion of Fëanor and the First Age, the listing names the Ainulindalë, Valaquenta, Akallabêth and Of the Rings of Power.
### Does this edition include Tolkien’s artwork?
The edition description says it presents Tolkien’s paintings and drawings throughout, and also mentions a 1951 letter as an introduction and sprayed edges.
### Is The Silmarillion an easy read?
Customer feedback describes it as detailed and valuable for Tolkien fans, while some readers find it hard to follow. Its broad historical scope may suit readers prepared for dense world-building.

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## Images

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 1](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/56nTiueJHuvrk0EIzavO-gSD0Sw7ex13YZFS1rPs0dPq_G0M7rEfdHWZdyOwottSm8r4YyHHuR-EAYBFgR6oPWllp2tt9AdgyfpFeGQ5eDE7kXXrtn0M.jpg)

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 2](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/mvBN4A1dfgJmky1bddwwsO3g6s_LlXbVm5orQjMAC9Hdao6GHu7iKUqhfELjKHF88x1NdTjt1k5zrcs8XoxTbAhxf6a9AsveY8F-MvgOAN33UCYzE1Fu.jpg)

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 3](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/_auTfU64Q1Sql2qLIvfd4sm-XR9WUTMK5PQcbWyzlW9V6kZ5MwVCcRjzAQUQvbd1wcNzYnRy-JUgTaTtNLFJ6YT0gAO3dFW3zfRTo-z374KWje4BjLOA.jpg)

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 4](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/8ouv2N8k4yRhb09KRUd0OjwzSDMYk-XTGWk8wUIhCOqu6cB9i80cMYimVXSzKSyJh0PRkIfz91Y7KGX1jFZlXFpD_D8cvdXyFtYl0bXPABCj_7WAoyZQ.jpg)

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 5](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/_ZJAXJyD-AQA7fXe0DqNmA5NtqzHq11U7lh7cjeaUiQjo3iATHzWTlAhOyAydwAIqgzXAq9EdgGNS2S3XfW5lQIO81PTtoo_bPKxxUfnttRmmp6wIGnU.jpg)

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 6](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/3mZih-LohQl0yk2RZr0h1hM4QFMRn0qZOvmwij44Qkjpm4N1NDqelUdNaM40oYPYQNF_tQE4ADNyXxPIPyeBEhhbbpW_aHLuXNM3bMA-RoDdVeXC9Z8L.jpg)

![The Silmarillion Illustrated Edition by J.R.R. Tolkien — 7](https://bargainpostbox.co.uk/i/fEnq7_YzDJM6_uXUi3JCh2pUv0ci00-K2LMKa1ywIT2DXgD-WCrzmi4SzlnLYPOYCk4PPFAdbXe8DOhktSWet0HaYrtDsMPiLFHaEegIud2Wyst6CnUM.jpg)