Imagineering History
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First things first, before you consider purchasing this book, it is of paramount importance that you are aware of the following. For the avoidance of doubt, this isn't really a literary novel in the way that LOTR is; you won't find the finely-hewn descriptions of the landscape or the close focus on characterisation. As others have indicated, its written in the archaic style of historical middle english legends or even that of a religious text i.e. lots of "...and lo, it came to pass", "...thus X begat Y, Y begat Z" etc, etc.
If that prospect doesn't appeal to you, even if you consider yourself a Tolkien fan - frankly, DO NOT buy this book! If on the other hand you can deal with the peculiarities of the narrative - perhaps you have an interest in myths and legends or want to gain a more in-depth knowledge of the concepts that underpin the LOTR universe - by all means dive in. You will be richly rewarded with a story of even greater scope and imagination than LOTR.
Essentially, The Silmarillion is to LOTR what the ancient greek myths are to the Illiad or The Odyssey, in that the events portrayed in LOTR are but the latest episode in a continuum of fictional history that stretches back eons. Where LOTR mainly concerns the Hobbits and Men, Silmarillion concentrates mainly on the Elves and goes someway to explain the lack of their presence in LOTR and the estrangement between them and the leaders of Men.
In these days of "universe building" stories ("Star Wars", "Star Trek" et al), its hard to appreciate the scale and majesty of what Tolkien achieved on his own (to the extent that even he couldn't fully complete it within his lifetime - his son Christopher had to finish it off). In addition, the fact that most of the detail in the book is only sketched out, provides ample opportunity for others to flesh out the stories as Christopher has done with "The Children of Hurin" - its a wonder that more authors haven't taken the opportunity (perhaps they are restricted by the Tolkien Estate).
As with all stories in this format, it does have a tendency to take itself rather seriously - there is very little in the way of humour or light relief. Also, due to the sheer density of myth, the number of characters involved and the similarity of names (e.g. Fingon, Fingolfin, Finwe, Finarfin, feanor etc.) its quite easy to get confused. Thankfully, like LOTR, there is a map and a number of explanatory appendices you can refer to if you get lost.
In conclusion, its unlikely that this will appeal to the casual reader. It requires real effort to get through, but the imaginative return is more than sufficient. I have recently re-read this book for the umpteenth time and still haven't tired of it - I find I get something new from it on each read. In addition, it aids your understanding of LOTR itself by filling in the gaps of knowledge (ever wondered who "Beren and Luthien" are?)
Of all the material published by the Tolkien estate (including all the "history of middle earth" series), it is the one book, other than LOTR itself, I'd label "Essential Reading".
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Out of this World
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Where does such a review start? No words alone can describe the intense and deep mythology Tolkien has created in The Silmarillion.
The magnificent Silmarillion captures the reader instantly and manages the impossible; to convince the reader that this is indeed lost tales from a mythical Europe, thousands and thousands of years ago back in a forgotten past.
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A Very Unique and Memorable Experience
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I would not consider myself a Tolkien fan- I put Lord of the Rings down half-way through The Two Towers. To be even more frank, I felt apprehensive about reading this book. It has the aura of being the nerdiest book ever written; even thinking about reading it threatened my self-image. Fortunately, my curiosity overpowered my insecurities, and I picked up the book.
The first thing potential readers should be aware of is this is not a novel. I think the book puzzled the big wig critics because they expected a novel. The closest thing to The Silmarillion that I've encountered is the Bible. The Silmarillion is an anthology of various works about Middle-Earth. It contains a creation story, a sort of theogony, and a collection of stories that give the history of Middle-Earth. Tolkien fans may be quick to praise the book for the depth it gives to Tolkien's world. I think the fans are right, but to stop at such a vague description would be to overlook the genius of the book.
In the Silmarillion, Tolkien constructs an entirely new worldview that we, as his readers, can experience. We do not simply read stories but we gain a new metaphors through which to see the world from his pantheon of god-like beings and his history. But the book is not heresy; it is purely imaginative fun.
I enjoyed Tolkien's Silmarillion because of how it immersed me in what I experienced as a new and unique worldview. Perhaps medievalists or mythologists will find it familiar, but to the layman, this book offered an entirely unique experience. It allows readers to see through the eyes of an inhabitant of Middle-Earth. The experience will stay with me for a long time. So, I recommend this book to the open and adventurous. Don't expect a novel; expect to immersed in a new world. For this reason, I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
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Superb Edition
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I am sure there is no point in discussing The Silmarillion itself. Whoever is considering to buy this particular edition is more than likely very familiar with the context.
The edition is wonderful. Good paper, beautiful pictures that help a lot to dive into book's atmosphere. Sure it is on a heavy side as any other book with so many illustrations and on a good paper. Anyone who is interested in an illustrated book of The Silmarillion, I would recommend this edition.
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The Ainulindale
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Much has been said about the Silmarillion, most of it true.
I'll add my own 5 pence here: in my opinion, the Ainulindale is the truest and most accurate account of the Creation Story form any quarter. It beautifully merges the truths of the big-bang theme and the evolutionary theme, and shows them to flow from one single Intelligent Source- this is the truth, sans religion.
Furthermore, it is clear to me that Tolkien was gifted with the Sight, and did not invent these worlds; rather, he was 'allowed' to 'see' into happenings in other realms, and to record them as his earthly brain could so transcribe. These happenings being spoken of are largely the events in the World of the Elementals and the worlds beyond; the Elves are a representation of beigns that exist, and the Wars are a depiction of the universal struggle of good against evil.
I'll leave it there; ponder on this a minute.
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