The Treason of Isengard

I am a writer and looking into the writing craft of master like JRR Tolkien is an invaluable experience. The work is meticulously researched by Tolkien's son--who also did many of the illustrations used in the various editions. You couldn't get a more conscientious and knowledgeable guide, a guide who had full access to all of Tolkien's notes. It's a real pleasure, at least for a writer/geek, to read several versions of the various chapters and see how the final vision came into being. Did you know that Aragon was in fact slated to be a wooden-shoe wearing hobbit named Trotter? Did you know the original story was going to be about Bilbo going to see another dragon (Smaug's magic put a desire in him to find another dragon)? The series is full of interesting revelations. However, don't start with this book. Begin your studies with the Return of the Shadow and read all four volumes. You'll be glad you did.

Nicht nur eine Sammlung von unveröffentlichten Geschichten: HISTORY OF MIDDLE-EARTH ist die Chronik einer jahrzehntelangen literarischen Sisyphos-Arbeit. Im Zentrum steht die Evolution der Themen und Geschichten durch viele verschiedene, z.T. widersprüchliche oder schwer zu entziffernde Texte und Textfragmente. Wer sich darauf einlässt, wird mit einem tiefgehenden Verständnis für Tolkiens Lebenswerk belohnt. Anspruchsvolle Lektüre, ungeeignet für Leser, die nur neue Geschichten aus dem HdR-Universum suchen.

Awesome

This volume gives a detail account of the Council of Elrond, sort of like the "behind the scene" of the Lord of the Ring version. It also has some accounts of the delay of Gandalf just before Frodo set of for Rivendell, it explain the delay, and what happen between then and the reunion at Elrond's Last Homely place. There is also some interesting description or rather arguments about Tom Bombadil concerning the boundaries of his land and perhaps his powers? all in all i think the it gives a n "alternate " view of the story of LOTR. a must for all lovers of LOTR

Bellissimo