I believe this is my second re-read (three reads total). It can be hard going, but just let it wash over you. Tolkien's theology, it feels like an otherworldly retelling of the old testament. Occasionally a beautiful tale will jump out of the mirk, like that of Beren and Luthien. ( )

Finally finished this after quite some time. Even better than The Lord of the Rings, Tolkien creates his fantasy world interwoven with rich theological insights and the ever present victory of hope. ( )

If you’re a Tolkien fan, then you need to read this book. It recounts the history of the Tolkien World, from it’s first creation all the way up to the Third Age, outlining the Tolkien universe and filling in a lot of background to [b: The Hobbit|5907|The Hobbit|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1372847500s/5907.jpg|1540236] and [b: The Lord of the Rings|33|The Lord of the Rings (The Lord of the Rings, #1-3)|J.R.R. Tolkien|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1411114164s/33.jpg|3462456]. I have to admit though, it’s not an easy read at first. Some chapters read like a genealogy from the Old Testament, with many names and places that can get confusing. That said, the included index of names is an excellent reference and eventually the reader begins to appreciate the sheer scope of this work. I would also recommend reading [b:The Atlas of Middle-Earth|92003|The Atlas of Middle-Earth|Karen Wynn Fonstad|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1452027305s/92003.jpg|1502479] as a companion to this book. It provides an excellent reference to the geography of the Tolkien universe and is a useful accompaniment.

Note on edition reviewed: I originally read the kindle edition of The Silmarillion. By the time I read it, I felt like I had to have a copy for my bookshelf so I purchased this Houghton Mifflin 2004 hardcover edition. It is printed on a nice glossy stock and beautifully bound with 45 color illustrations and a foldout map of Beleriand. I highly recommend this edition if you want something in your library to show off to your friends. ( )

Nota de Pamen en 1ª pág.: Recuerdo del premio ganado el 17 de mayo de 1985, Día das Letras Galegas,. 1º premio de 2500 ptas en libros. 3º de BUB. Curso 84/85

It is quite eerie to me, reading the Silmarillion at the age of 12, right after devouring Tolkien's Trilogy and the Hobbit that it is the only book that I have a vivid recollection of imaginings not stripped by the simulacra of the movies (fortunately, Silmarillion is too difficult to portray and hopefully it won't be touched). It is quite interesting that this book was the foundation for my later exploration's in gnostic movements at the age of 15 (Hans Jonas, Religion of Gnosis) that bloomed into broad interest in all mysteries and secrets of the ages - with an academic flair and a practical ardour of a practicioner of arts subtle and strange. ( )