The Silmarillion illustrated by JRR Tolkien - Regular & Deluxe Edition Hands-on Review

Regular Edition US: amzn.to/3UKfw3m
Regular Edition UK: amzn.to/3UNwopU
Deluxe Edition: tinyurl.com/32...
Product Description:
For the first time ever, a very special edition of the forerunner to The Lord of the Rings, illustrated throughout in color by J.R.R. Tolkien himself and with the complete text printed in two colors. The Silmarillion fills in the background which lies behind the more popular work, and gives the earlier history of Middle-earth, introducing some of the key characters.
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.
The Silmarillion 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. It 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: 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 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.
#silmarillion #tolkien #unboxing

[@NerdoftheRings]

Regular Edition US: amzn.to/3UKfw3m Regular Edition UK: amzn.to/3UNwopU Deluxe Edition: tinyurl.com/32vxm475

[@jonhill90]

Deluxe URL not working.

[@sweetlala7032]

The link for the deluxe edition, is showing white paper… not silver edges.

[@dhyeyapatel8688]

what background music do you use in the outro of your videos? its really good

[@8lindzy]

You should make a video of what happened in the great plague that affected Tolkiens middle earth and gives some details of its effects on other the nations like the easterlings and were the orcs of Mordor affected Aleast from Sauron’s perspective if it weakens him

[@eriksgasins9086]

will there be a Ted Nasmith illustrated LOTR trilogy book? or 3 books separately? I need it. I mean we need it :P :D

[@markadams7046]

Even the non-deluxe version seems like something that's deluxe.

[@zachrichardson8059]

It's the deluxe edition and the deluxe deluxe edition.

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@aaron3890]

Yes, I have the non-deluxe version and it is the most deluxe-looking book on the shelf!

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed. Yes

[@turtleanton6539]

​@aaron3890 so nice

[@Dark_Jaguar]

I love that J.R.P.G. Tolkerson didn't let a little thing like being dead for several decades stop him from releasing these long desired editions.

[@davidm1149]

Did you know that psychic mediums have reported talking to his ghost at Merton College in Oxfordshire, England.

[@Dark_Jaguar]

@@davidm1149 I'm sure they've claimed to talk to him all over the place. The hard part is getting him to talk back.

[@richardmaier28]

Yes,he talks back at midterms and finals,you shall not pass(if you don't study)😅

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed😮

[@hazbojangles2681]

I have the Illustrated Deluxe Edition. I can safely say that it is by far the best copy out of my entire collection! The Front of the book shimmers through the case across the entire room, just as the Silmarils do too!

[@turtleanton6539]

Nice😊

[@TolkienAnswers]

I love Tolkien's own art

[@TolkienAnswers]

7:57 FYI, the person in the painting is Beleg, the only time Tolkien ever illustrated an elf, and he has long black hair.

[@CharlesJosepDelDotto]

I really, really hope that we get a similar illustrated deluxe edition of The Hobbit to go alongside the deluxe editions of LOTR and The Silmarillion

[@nathankloske9313]

I'm anticipating the same thing since the original publication of The Hobbit was illustrated by Tolkien. It seems like it would be set for the same treatment. Cheers!

[@jonathanbrown5892]

Hear hear. Makes absolute sense, I’ll be keeping my eye out in anticipation.

[@SirSethery]

That's the only thing keeping me from picking up these two volumes. Once they announce we're getting one for The Hobbit (in green I'd assume), I might get all 3.

[@chronoscat3371]

It may not be in the same style as the deluxe Sillmarillion and LotR, but there is a fairly recent hardcover Hobbit with Tolkien's illustrations - including his original cover design.

[@ScottADunn]

Came to say this same thing!

[@hobbitonpiper]

The presentation of the regular US edition is really striking in person and just a gorgeous work of art…I wasn’t expecting it to be so nice for the very reasonable price of $39. Amazing!

[@emmaphilo4049]

This price is very good! I paid mine 60€ (62$) in France, which is expensive. Still happy with the book nonetheless

[@turtleanton6539]

​@@emmaphilo4049it is 70 dollars sweden

[@adamswierszcz5586]

I love Tolkien's maps. As he said in an interview, He always started writing by making maps.

[@davidm1149]

I wasn't aware of that. Very interesting.

[@turtleanton6539]

Me2

[@sporeham1674]

Maybe I should give that a shot. I love to write, but I've been in a massive creative pit for a decent year or so now

[@Archgeek0]

Man, something about the lighting in the room made the silver pages on the deluxe edition glitter like ice. Makes me want to get a copy and just casually refer to it as Ringil.

[@jonathanbrown5892]

Absolutely we are spoilt for choice now, just picked up my deluxe edition and am totally blown away by the quality, even to handle it is a joy. I feel as though the illustrations help us to understand just that bit more of Tolkien’s vision. They are fascinating. A great review as always.

[@alb0zfinest]

I don't know man it's kind of bizarre to keep milking these editions decades after they were written. There are probably like 30 editions of Lotr, he definitely didn't like mass consumerism.

[@rithessa]

Picked up the regular edition at my local bookshop earlier this week, completely in love with it. For a relative newcomer to the lore, the included letter from J.R.R. to his publisher was absolutely illuminating - changed my perspective on all things Rings.

[@matiyas27]

I had no idea JRR Tolkien was also an artist and did so many illustrations!

[@Falcrist]

Genuinely not bad. Look up hobbiton across the water.

[@joshhodkinson9677]

When I was at my local bookshop, I couldn't choose between the two editions, so I ended up buying them both and that's why I'm now dirt poor, but I regret nothing.

[@Dr_Cole]

I had the same reaction when opening the deluxe edition: the blue and black colors together look amazing! I’m a light Tolkien fan compared to most on here, exemplified by having never read this book. As I’ve been considering it lately, it’s great to see some new variants arrive for consideration. Thanks for making me aware of these new editions and showing us the beautiful details of these books.

[@Omnilatent]

You're in for a treat if you decide to give it a read!

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@Finarphin]

I remember getting a copy of The Silmarillion at my first opportunity, which was in Sept. 1977 at Foyle's in London. This looks good. I might get one.

[@pepsipwns666]

My first time reading the silmarillion (although I've watched the majority of your lore vids so know whats coming most of the time) and decided to wait and get this one, its really beautiful!

[@sherry3099]

I just got the regular edition and the book is stunning. The dust cover has gorgeous colors, the spine is beautiful and the printing is so nicely laid out. Having Tolkien’s illustrations makes it feel like an organic publication that he poured his heart and soul into. The book feels nice when you hold it, a perfect weight. Really happy I got it!

[@jaanaffi]

Love the Tolkien illustrations and the colours of those books 💚💙❣️ Thank you, Matt!

[@sybillestahl8646]

I still have my original hardcover Silmarillion that I bought in 1977. I remember waiting eagerly for it to come out, confident that it would fill in so much more of the lore that was briefly touched on in the appendices. Great book!

[@matthewnaylor4412]

I bought an original copy in 1980 from a newsagents here in the UK called NSS I never read it its still on my book shelf to this day 😂

[@richardmaier28]

I bought 2,1 for reading and the other sits on my shelf of greats but maps are my passion.

[@geistersound937]

Tolkien's finest work.

[@llewenthen6305]

I ordered both! So excited! The Silmarillion is so far my favorite of Tolkien's work. Thanks for sharing this comparison. I am building my library and it's so hard to decide sometimes and sometimes you just get both 🙃

[@chloe-historyandgames]

i got the regular hardcover but really want the deluxe as well now haha!

[@balrogofmorgoth6812]

I had the regular version pre-ordered which I now have in hand, but I absolutely need to get the deluxe version too! Thanks for the sneak peek, wonderful content as always, Mellon

[@thebrowneyesofmandalore]

Both books like AMAZING! They’re so beautiful. I wish the deluxe edition had some elvish writing on the side as well like the first one. I think the elvish in white would’ve looked really nice. I myself have the bigger larger version of the Silmarillion illustrated by Ted Nasmith. It’s got the cover of ships going to Numenor as opposed to the one you have with the ships leaving. It’s just a bigger book but I love it so so much. All of my ventures in Tolkien is all do to you so thank you so much from all you do and keep up the great work!

[@courtster666]

I bought this exact edition earlier today, was quite expensive, but with what comes with it, worth it

[@Cabin_Pat]

The blue and green colours are stunning

[@turtleanton6539]

Indeed😊

[@LordTelperion]

Silver is of course the "elder colour", representing Telperion, the light of the stars from his dews, and the Elves' love of silver as a result.

[@sullivandmitry1416]

Brought a 1978 version from a flee market once. Has all the original text and pull out maps and everything.

[@gwc597]

Captions say “more goths fortress” at 2:32 😂

[@richsw]

I like the 2004 edition illustrated by Ted Nasmith but the Tolkien illustrations really make this something special. I love the dark blue cover of the standard edition.

[@VolkerBee]

That's the one I have as well (2004 edition), but this illustrated edition looks very tempting.

[@eriksgasins9086]

@@VolkerBee is there a Ted Nasmith LOTR trilogy book?

[@Ronsilk-pu5hr]

I'm going to get both version from Amazon that's how much I love these books. The Silmarillion is my favorite book of all time

[@matthewcarlton5693]

I just bought this. You are doing a great job selling Tolkien books I already own! Great review. Thanks.

[@kaitlynhendricks9984]

I have this book and I'm so excited to read it tonight. I'm gonna dig into the history of the first age.

[@kenknowlton3085]

I may not have all the bells and whistles of 'deluxe editions' but I am fortunate enough to have been a Middle Earth fan when the Silmarillion was first published/printed and I have a first edition.

[@michaelminch5490]

"...way back in 1980." Thanks for making me feel old.

[@elkind58]

Very cool to hear that you went to The Tolkien exhibit at Marquette University. I have been there twice in the last 3 months.

[@Jorge_Ambruster]

I would love for you to show us your editions of the Tolkien books and what they are, the art style and everything in another video. It would help some of us with our collecting

[@christopherbascue6297]

Taur nu Fuin was one of Treebeard's earliest stomping grounds so it makes sense that it would be the first Fangorn forest before evil filled the woods.

[@BillHuzz]

A Stunning and Brilliant Deluxe Edition to add to my collection. Love all things Tolkien! The color combo is the best!!!

[@fgdj2000]

I've collected a lot of the recent editions. The deluxe ones were usually presents, the "regular" ones I got myself. I love his writing and I prefer collecting multiple versions of his stories to buying new books I probably won't enjoy (not to say I won't enjoy them). I love having different "sets". For reading I prefer the regular hardbacks as I find them easy and comfortable to use and I don't mind smudging them up too much. I also really enjoy the recent audio books narrated by Andy Serkis and also Martin Shaw, as someone who drives a lot, it's great to be able to "read" Tolkien's stories while driving and the poetry in particular also feels more effective when performed.

[@genreartwithjb5095]

Just got this for Christmas. As a professional artist of the human variety I found some of the background on illustrations interesting

[@WhoIsCalli]

Thanks Matt. My copy turned up last weekend. Have had it by my bed side ever since 😆

[@marcelocorreia2383]

maan, u look incredibly adorable holding those books. like: we can see how much happy you are on doing it enough as to feel it and be glad for it

[@joeingram100]

Saw this video the other day and bought the Regular version based and today on what i saw in this video so thankyou ... i received my copy today Its Absolutely beautiful and may just say that i love this channel

[@UnseenHitman-1932]

Just bought it,it will be delivered tonight!

[@joncarroll2040]

I have one of the earlier editions that has the same (or very similar) map but it's actually pasted onto the end papers so you can unfold it while you're reading.

[@agucci]

With great books comes great responsibility. Illustrations are lawful for the "pops". The silmarils will bring us power.

[@Theseus9-cl7ol]

Buying this book tonight, can’t wait to get it. Thanks for the review, it looks like a beautiful book (as well as a great read).

[@cindycrewsbeach72]

I just recently bought the previous boxed edition of this book, and now I’m so mad that a better version is out. Well, just in time for Christmas I guess. I love both versions though! I really like the green edges. It reminds me of Arwens coronation dress. I’m thinking that’s the one for me. Thanks for the unboxing. Appreciate you!

[@DisHammerhand]

I just picked up the regular illustrated by the author to got with my LoTR of the same format. They are really nice and i love the script on the page ends.

[@305areacode4]

I like the “regular” because the green color pops along with the elvish script.

[@Clubbedcashew50]

I have been waiting for something like this

[@istari0]

They both look quite beautiful!

[@jdzabalad]

The good thing about being a non-native English speaker is I can get Ted Nasmith's edition in Spanish and Tolkien's Illustrations in English. The Deluxe Edition looks amazing!

[@MoldyMojoMonkey]

I have the deluxe version of the Ted Nasmith illustrated Silmarillion, but I also have that lovely red deluxe Tolkien illustrated edition of LOTR from last year that this blue deluxe would look incredible next to... £75 is a lot for a book I already own, but it just looks so damn nice!

[@Casual-Enthusiast]

Completely get you. I have the same Ted nasmith one and a folio society one and I still want this edition. 😂

[@lordNARUTOITACHI1234]

Treat yo self

[@MtBArN]

My daughter got me the Deluxe for my Christmas. A gift from my kid, she told me right after she bought it 😂

[@erikbender1967]

I'd like to have the one with the custom hard sleeve, reminds me of the boxed leatherbound that I had seen in the PX while stationed in the small town of Schwäbische Gmund, FRG. Wasn't able to pick it up, at least not on a Pfc's salary. The set cost about $200 then, I would hate to see how much they are now.

[@Xyderflame]

I wish I could draw, I've already got the Silmarillion but I'm tempted just for the pictures.

[@sarahcschaefer]

Thanks for the exhibition shoutout!

[@Epic_Kingdom]

Can't wait to get this book!

[@B__C__]

I have an old soft cover edition of the Lord of the Rings with those Fangorn and Barad-dûr illustrations on the covers and have always felt drawn to them.

[@mshovic1357]

i like the green one more.

[@heydon2012]

I would urge caution to anyone that buys the Deluxe Edition blue quarter-bound blue leather edition, as it appears there are issues with the silver lettering on the spine of the book beginning to wear off , I myself have an original copy , and my replacement from Harper Collins , also had the same issue , so please be aware

[@paarthurnax8519]

I now know what I want for Christmas!

[@tpampe25]

I love his voice

[@Kravven]

I really do appreciate your videos ! Thank you !❤

[@LarrysLibrary]

I got the standard and love it

[@Iamtherealvicky]

I love that art! ❤

[@aliens4143]

Some design works of Tolkien are really nifty (unique Celtish or old Finnish influence, I presume), and some illustrations are nice and atmospheric too. But not all drawings are that interesting. (And they are also not all consistent, which is to the benefit of the final version. E.g. old Orthanc is dull, the final version is the marvellous piece we appreciate, clearly described and in a small drawing or two.)

[@CanhamHQ]

Nice ! I recently got the illustrated lord of the rings and wana get this next looks cool 😎

[@michaelm2796]

Son-of-a-Bombadil! I already have three editions of the SIlmarillion (original 1977, and both Nasmiths)...

[@arisgazetas2920]

Just received this today. Looks great!

[@koheletcalaforexclan6508]

Dang it! I just got a illustrated Hardcover earlier this year of Silmarrillion but, this one looks so much better! 😖

[@VoiceoftheRings]

Nice Review! What Wonderful Books! So cool!

[@fgdj2000]

I Love Tolkien editions. It’s the only set of books next to maybe Frank Herbert’s Dune that I‘m more than okay with having several editions. I think all the different illustrations have their pros and cons. Tolkien’s own art is great because, well, ultimately it’s his imagination and he has the authority on it and some of his expressionistic artwork is really amazing. Meanwhile Alan Lee is of course the person to define what Tolkien’s works are „supposed“ to look like. However I also thoroughly enjoy Ted Nasmith, because he had nothing to do with the movies and I like the alternative versions of the world he depicts. John Howe is also awesome, but it seems there is comparatively little published, which is a shame since he also has a great eye for Tolkien. The Middle-Earth Traveller has some great art in there. Generally, I enjoy most people‘s art and find it helpful to distinguish the books from the films, which were my first exposure to Tolkien.

[@neilbakshi7365]

This is the most beautiful book I've ever seen. Honestly, the non-deluxe edition looks way cooler...but some of the selections of art are not what I would have expected. I think there were better ones left out. Also, showing the Sauron Eye image with only one of the Elven Rings is really weird, especially for the purpose they gave it.

[@SizarieldoR]

Which one holds out better for continuous reading?

[@matthewgaudet4064]

Wish i had a signed copy of the first edition by Christopher Tolkien. I used to have the first US printing not signed, never had the UK print.

[@zetectic7968]

Thanks for the comparison video. Interesting they are both the same size. Maybe it is the paper stock that is different.

[@matthew-jy5jp]

There is a great version of that book that is in video form or audiobook form, I should say. but with photos on KZbin. Search for the Simarilion by jrr tolkien. It has 22 videos all together, but it's excellent.

[@captainnolan5062]

I have the first edition of the Silmarillion.

[@EvanZamir]

I bought this edition, along with The Hobbit and LOTR from the same publisher. Great books.

[@GreatOnion1111]

WE WANTS IT, WE NEEDS IT!!!

[@JoJo-nt5hr]

I am huge fan of Tolkien and I love your channel! Thank you guys so much! could you maybe do a video talking about the differences in lore/genealogy of the house of Finwe between the Silmarillion and the stuff published later like Peoples of Middle Earth. It's kind of an annoying topic because of all the changes, like Gil-Galad's ancestry, but it would be helpful. ty! 🙂❤

[@Tadzioreik]

Would love to se your shelf man

[@arianathenova]

I read the Silmarillion from my local library first-try!

[@pspboy7]

I have Ted Nasmith's illustrated Silmarillion. Great book.

[@stuartarmstrong5190]

I am so glad I found this. I have been trying to figure out exactly what it looks like inside! I already have several versions of the Silmarillion (including the previous deluxe version which is lovely but not illustrated). I will definitely get one of the new ones but am not sure which. Funnily enough, I actually prefer the colour scheme of the standard edition. However, the larger maps look good and I am steadily building my collection of deluxe Tolkien. I already have the book of Tolkien's pictures which you mention (although most of those are illustrations for the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings, and only a few from the Silmarillion), so I was wondering how many of the illustrations are likely to be things I have not seen before and how many are actual sketches/pictures as opposed to symbols/heraldic devices etc. Can you/anyone help?

[@tonybaker1268]

Waiting for my deluxe edition to arrive is torture 😂 I’m so excited to have it next to my deluxe edition of LOTR.

[@1987joshc]

I ordered the standard edition through Amazon they sadly didn’t include the updated map. 😭 Other then that I’m completely blown away by this edition.

[@hank3368]

I have the regular edition and I love it. Can anyone help me figure out what the elvish script on the exterior says? My Quenya and Sindarin lessons on duolingo aren’t going well

[@breecrossroads]

Yes! Chad in Texas of the Prancing Pony Podcast translated it: "The tales of the First Age when Morgoth dwelt in Middle-earth and the elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils." The bottom of the cover says: "To which are appended the Downfall of Númenor and the history of the Rings of Power and the Third Age in which these tales come to their end."

[@hank3368]

@@breecrossroads thank you. You are a blessing of the Valar

[@neiltaylor513]

Picked up the standard. The deluxe one is lovely but it is a ornament and not really to be read, the standard is okay to be read

[@Solingen1000]

just got mine!

[@Fanaro]

I really like the green! It matches really well the blue as well. And it might refer to the green in nature?

[@jointhefist1016]

Looks like an epic book.

[@samanthaw.6929]

I bought the beautiful monstrosity that is the non deluxe edition, I love it so VERY much. (Also I regret to inform you that the Silmarillion is actually really fun to read. Currently on like, chapter 11. (Wish me luck, I'm gonna need it.)

[@josiahjoseph720]

Pre ordered but Canadians can’t get it until January ..

[@mlease1]

Finally got my copy of the "regular" edition, and despite not being the "deluxe" edition, it's so beautiful I dont even want to open it to read it haha, luckily I have a more basic copy. Also got my copy of The Lord of the Rings, as well, also stunning!!! Again, luckily I have paper back copies so I dont have to ruin these hahaha!

[@nogamenolife705]

I have the Silmarillion Hardcover special edition - the orange one - and wonder if its worth upgrading to this one. I have all the Alan Lee Illustrated 4 book collection as well as the Unfinished Tales.

[@nikospapageorgiou57]

Definitely getting the deluxe edition! Thank you for the presentation of the books. Oh, and one question please, do you know why there has never been a Graphic Novel for the Lord of the Rings?