This epic story of the mythical Middle Earth provides much of the background to the events that later unfold in the Lord of the Rings. The work comprises a series of loosely related tales, including the High Elves' battle to recover the Silmarils, jewels containing the pure light of Valinor, and the Ainulindale, a Middle Earth creation myth. A vast, sprawling account that is essential reading for the Tolkien enthusiast, here presented in a special gift edition. (Kirkus UK)