---
product_id: 451951538
title: "- The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions)"
price: "VT19276"
currency: VUV
in_stock: true
reviews_count: 13
url: https://www.desertcart.vu/products/451951538-the-silmarillion-illustrated-by-j-r-r-tolkien-tolkien-editions
store_origin: VU
region: Vanuatu
---

# Hardcover, sewn binding, ribbon bookmark Original Tolkien illustrations & chapter art Two detailed color maps of Beleriand - The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions)

**Price:** VT19276
**Availability:** ✅ In Stock

## Summary

> 🧙‍♂️ Unlock Tolkien’s legendary world with the ultimate illustrated gateway!

## Quick Answers

- **What is this?** - The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions)
- **How much does it cost?** VT19276 with free shipping
- **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship
- **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.vu](https://www.desertcart.vu/products/451951538-the-silmarillion-illustrated-by-j-r-r-tolkien-tolkien-editions)

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## Why This Product

- Free international shipping included
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## Key Features

- • **Authentic Tolkien Art:** Features J.R.R. Tolkien’s own illustrations and drawings, offering a rare glimpse into the creator’s artistic vision.
- • **Epic Mythology Unveiled:** Delve into the foundational lore of Middle-earth, from creation myths to the epic saga behind The Lord of the Rings.
- • **Collector's Dream Edition:** Elegantly crafted with sewn bindings, runic foredge, and a ribbon bookmark for a premium tactile experience.
- • **Immersive Middle-earth Maps:** Includes two vibrant color maps of Beleriand, elevating your journey through Tolkien’s mythic world.
- • **Scholarly Insights Included:** Foreword by Christopher Tolkien, expert notes, and Tolkien’s own creation synopsis enrich your reading experience.

## Overview

This deluxe hardcover edition of The Silmarillion showcases J.R.R. Tolkien’s original illustrations and drawings, sewn binding, and a ribbon bookmark, making it a must-have for serious Tolkien enthusiasts. It includes two color maps of Beleriand and scholarly forewords, offering an immersive exploration of Middle-earth’s mythic history and the creation of the Silmarils. Perfect for collectors and readers ready to dive deep into Tolkien’s legendary lore.

## Description

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: 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.
Review: A beautiful edition of The Silmarillion - The "Tolkien illustrated editions" are editions that incorporate J.R.R. Tolkien's own illustrations and drawings. If what you're looking for is a big, fancy book with professionally-painted illustrations throughout, then what you're looking for is probably the 2004 hardcover edition with illustrations by Ted Nasmith, a fantastic edition on its own merits. However, this edition will probably be of more interest to those hardcore Tolkien enthusiasts who are more interested in J.R.R. Tolkien's creative process than they are in having illustrations for the sake of having illustrations... so, your mileage may vary on that. As to the quality of this hardcover edition, it's fantastic. Aesthetically pleasing as a tome on one's shelf, and particularly nice-looking when set beside the matching Tolkien Illustrated "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit," this edition is both a fantastic collector's book and a fantastic way to READ the book. And as a bonus, it comes with two printed color maps of the Beleriand region of Middle-earth: one that is more fully colored and the other which is a simple "parchment brown." This is a step up from the maps included with the similar edition of The Lord of the Rings, which while they incorporate red text are otherwise merely black-and-white. The maps are still small-size print-outs on otherwise ordinary paper, however, so treat them with care. It should be stated that "The Silmarillion" is not a book to dive into lightly and is best approached by one who has already developed a strong interest in Middle-earth's history through "The Lord of the Rings," or else by a fantasy-literature veteran with a number of relatively dense novels under their belt. While not especially long, it is not written or structured as a traditional fantasy novel would be, but rather as a mythological history—reading "The Silmarillion" is a bit like reading translations of old mythology, or like reading the Bible (except for the long portions of the Bible dedicated to laying down religious law, of course). Rather than telling just one ongoing narrative as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" do, it lays out the history of Arda, Tolkien's world, from creation up to and including the background lore for the events before and (somewhat) during The Lord of the Rings, with different parts of the book being more or less detailed than others—many portions of the story being told in a distant historical/mythological mode rather than the scene-by-scene, in-the-character's-head mode novels favor. It is best to view "The Silmarillion" as Tolkien intended it to be viewed, as his narrative-framing conceit for all of his Middle-earth writings characterized them: as translated and assembled documents of the long-past history of Middle-earth itself. Indeed, because of the way "The Silmarillion" was posthumously assembled and edited together by Tolkien's son Christopher from the disparate parts and pieces of evolving, unfinished work he left behind, that characterization bears a kind of incidental authenticity in the structure and styles within the book itself. If "The Lord of the Rings" is a classic trailblazer of fantasy literature, then "The Silmarillion" is the gateway that separates Lord of the Rings fans from "Tolkien scholars..." those dedicated fans of Middle-earth who enjoy delving into all of the writings Tolkien left behind to glean as much as they can about his world beyond what is merely included in the main three books.

## Features

- William Morrow
- The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) (Tolkien Illustrated Editions)

## Technical Specifications

| Specification | Value |
|---------------|-------|
| Best Sellers Rank | #3,111 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #174 in Classic Literature & Fiction #393 in Epic Fantasy (Books) #490 in Literary Fiction (Books) |
| Customer Reviews | 4.9 out of 5 stars 3,364 Reviews |

## Images

![- The Silmarillion: Illustrated by J.R.R. Tolkien (Tolkien Editions) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71OlFxwcp3L.jpg)

## Customer Reviews

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ A beautiful edition of The Silmarillion
*by V***E on October 4, 2023*

The "Tolkien illustrated editions" are editions that incorporate J.R.R. Tolkien's own illustrations and drawings. If what you're looking for is a big, fancy book with professionally-painted illustrations throughout, then what you're looking for is probably the 2004 hardcover edition with illustrations by Ted Nasmith, a fantastic edition on its own merits. However, this edition will probably be of more interest to those hardcore Tolkien enthusiasts who are more interested in J.R.R. Tolkien's creative process than they are in having illustrations for the sake of having illustrations... so, your mileage may vary on that. As to the quality of this hardcover edition, it's fantastic. Aesthetically pleasing as a tome on one's shelf, and particularly nice-looking when set beside the matching Tolkien Illustrated "Lord of the Rings" and "Hobbit," this edition is both a fantastic collector's book and a fantastic way to READ the book. And as a bonus, it comes with two printed color maps of the Beleriand region of Middle-earth: one that is more fully colored and the other which is a simple "parchment brown." This is a step up from the maps included with the similar edition of The Lord of the Rings, which while they incorporate red text are otherwise merely black-and-white. The maps are still small-size print-outs on otherwise ordinary paper, however, so treat them with care. It should be stated that "The Silmarillion" is not a book to dive into lightly and is best approached by one who has already developed a strong interest in Middle-earth's history through "The Lord of the Rings," or else by a fantasy-literature veteran with a number of relatively dense novels under their belt. While not especially long, it is not written or structured as a traditional fantasy novel would be, but rather as a mythological history—reading "The Silmarillion" is a bit like reading translations of old mythology, or like reading the Bible (except for the long portions of the Bible dedicated to laying down religious law, of course). Rather than telling just one ongoing narrative as "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" do, it lays out the history of Arda, Tolkien's world, from creation up to and including the background lore for the events before and (somewhat) during The Lord of the Rings, with different parts of the book being more or less detailed than others—many portions of the story being told in a distant historical/mythological mode rather than the scene-by-scene, in-the-character's-head mode novels favor. It is best to view "The Silmarillion" as Tolkien intended it to be viewed, as his narrative-framing conceit for all of his Middle-earth writings characterized them: as translated and assembled documents of the long-past history of Middle-earth itself. Indeed, because of the way "The Silmarillion" was posthumously assembled and edited together by Tolkien's son Christopher from the disparate parts and pieces of evolving, unfinished work he left behind, that characterization bears a kind of incidental authenticity in the structure and styles within the book itself. If "The Lord of the Rings" is a classic trailblazer of fantasy literature, then "The Silmarillion" is the gateway that separates Lord of the Rings fans from "Tolkien scholars..." those dedicated fans of Middle-earth who enjoy delving into all of the writings Tolkien left behind to glean as much as they can about his world beyond what is merely included in the main three books.

### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 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!

## 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)

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*Product available on Desertcart Vanuatu*
*Store origin: VU*
*Last updated: 2026-05-31*