70th Anniversary Edition of the Hobbit - 30th Anniversary Edition of the Silmarillion

Tolkien Books re-issued by Harper Collins in 2006 (25.09.06)

The Lord of the Rings was already acclaimed worldwide as the most popular book of the 20th Century before the blockbuster films in 2001 - 3 broke new ground and inspired millions more to read J.R.R. tolkien's books – an additional 50 million copies were sold, leaving new fans wanting more. Well, this year we will get a lot more. A re-issue of almost every book by Tolkien will be made by Harper Collins. All major works like The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion will be re-issued and a lot of secondary works or book about J.R.R. Tolkien will be published in paperback form. A new thing this year are the downloadable audio books. In this article I will list all the re-issues of 2006 by Harper Collins. Hope you enjoy the covers for the celebration editions of The Hobbit and The Silmarillion!

FINN AND HENGEST, J. R. R. Tolkien, Edited by Alan Bliss

Tolkien’s famous translations and lectures on the story of two fifth century heroes in northern Europe. Professor J.R.R.Tolkien is most widely known as the author of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, but he was also a distinguished scholar in the field of Mediaeval English language and literature. His most significant contribution to Anglo-Saxon studies is to be found in his lectures on Finn and Hengest (pronounced Hen-jist), two fifth-century heroes in northern Europe. The story is told in two Old English poems, Beowulf and The Fights at Finnesburg, but told so obscurely and allusively that its interpretation had been a matter of controversy for over 100 years. Bringing his unique combination of philological erudition and poetic imagination to the task, however, Tolkien revealed a classic tragedy of divided loyalties, of vengeance, blood and death.
Tolkien’s original and persuasive solution of the many problems raised by the story ranged widely through the early history and legend of the Germanic peoples. The story has the added attraction that it describes the events immediately preceding the first Germanic invasion of Britain which was led by Hengest himself.
This book will be of interest not only to students of Old English and all those interested in the history of northern Europe and Anglo-Saxon England, but also admirers of The Lord of the Rings who will be fascinated to see how Tolkien handled a story which he did not invent.

• Published to match Tolkien’s other book of translations, Sir Gawain and the Green.
• Attractive new design as part of the Tolkien Collection, the matching library of b-format
paperbacks

SIR GAWAIN AND THE GREEN KNIGHT / PEARL / SIR ORFEO, Translated by J. R. R. Tolkien

A collection of three medieval English poems, translated by Tolkien for the modern-day reader and containing romance, tragedy, love, sex and honour. Published to match Tolkien’s other book of translations, Finn and Hengest, also reissued in the same month. Attractive new design as part of the Tolkien Collection, the matching library of b-format paperbacks.

THE MONSTERS AND THE CRITICS, J. R. R. Tolkien

Complete collection of Tolkien’s essays, including two on Beowulf, which span three decades beginning six years before The Hobbit to five years after The Lord of the Rings.
The seven ‘essays’ by J.R.R. Tolkien assembled in this new paperback edition were with one exception delivered as general lectures on particular occasions; and while they mostly arose out of Tolkien’s work in medieval literature, they are accessible to all. Two of them are concerned with Beowulf, including the wellknown lecture whose title is taken for this book, and one with Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, given in the University of Glasgow in 1953.
Also included in this volume is the lecture English and Welsh; the Valedictory Address to the University of Oxford in 1959; and a paper on Invented Languages delivered in 1931, with exemplification from poems in the Elvish tongues. Most famous of all is On fairy-stories, a discussion of the nature of fairy-tales and fantasy, which gives insight into Tolkien’s approach to the whole genre.
The pieces in this collection cover a period of nearly thirty years, beginning six years before the publication of The Hobbit, with a unique ‘academic’ lecture on his invention (calling it A Secret Vice) and concluding with his farewell to professorship, five years after the publication of The Lord of the Rings.

• Complete collection of Tolkien’s essays
• Repackaged to complement the Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien
• Attractive new design as part of the Tolkien Collection, the matching library of b-format
paperbacks

THE LETTERS OF J. R. R. TOLKIEN, Humphrey Carpenter and Christopher Tolkien

A comprehensive collection of letters spanning the adult life (1914- 1973) of one of the world’s most famous storytellers.‘It is not possible even at great length to "pot" The Lord of the Rings in a paragraph or two. It was begun in 1936, and every part has been written many times… the labour has been colossal; and it must stand or fall, practically as it is.’
J.R.R. Tolkien was one of the most prolific letter writers of this century. Over the years he wrote to his publishers, his family, to friends (including C.S. Lewis, W.H. Auden and Naomi Mitchison) and to fans of his books. The letters present a fascinating and highly detailed portrait of the man in many of his aspects: as storyteller, scholar, Catholic, parent and observer of the world around him. They also shed much light on his creative genius and grand design for the creation of a whole new world – Middle-earth.
This collection will appeal not only to the legions of Tolkien fans, but will entertain anyone who appreciates the art of letter-writing, of which Tolkien was a master.

• A fascinating insight into the character of the man behind ‘The Book of the Century’
• Records the history of composition of his works and his reaction to subsequent events
• Includes fresh information about Middle-earth and its inhabitants and many analyses by Tolkien himself of the meanings of his stories
• This edition contains an expanded index making the letters even more accessible
• Repackaged to complement The Monsters and the Critics
• Attractive new design as part of the Tolkien Collection, the matching library of b-format
paperbacks

THE HOBBIT: 70th Anniversary Edition, J.R.R. Tolkien

A new paperback edition of JRR Tolkien’s fantasy masterpiece, The Hobbit, 70th Anniversary Edition.
The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of Five Armies are just some of the adventures that befall Bilbo.
Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children’s fiction. Written by Professor Tolkien for his own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when published.

• The most successful of all Tolkien titles, The Hobbit has been translated into 40 languages
and sold over 90 million copies
• Read by each new generation since publication in 1937
• Has a huge cult following plus potential for far wider readership, both children and adult
• Special edition – completely reset and now includes the first chapter of The Lord of the
Rings

THE HOBBIT [Graphic Novel edition], J. R. R. Tolkien, Illustrated by David Wenzel

A brand new revised edition of the best-selling graphic novel based on the enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings. First published 70 years ago, J.R.R. tolkien's 'The Hobbit' has become one of the best-loved books of all time. Now tolkien's fantasy classic has been adapted into a fully painted graphic novel.
Illustrated in full colour throughout, and accompanied by the carefully abridged text of the original novel, this handsome authorised edition will introduce new generations to a magical masterpiece - and be treasured by Hobbit fans of all ages, everywhere.

• Fully illustrated edition of Tolkien’s beloved tale of adventure includes brand new cover design and additions and updates by the original artist
• Artwork completely rescanned and type cleaned up to give the most accurate and faithful version ever published
• Perfect for all ages – one of the best-selling graphic novels af all time (previous edition has sold 100,000 copies in the UK trade, plus 50,000 bookclub, more than 200,000 export and additionally in 13 foreign languages).

UNFINISHED TALES, J. R. R. Tolkien, Edited by Christopher Tolkien

A new hardback edition of JRR Tolkien’s legacy of short stories which inhabit the realm of The Lord of the Rings.
Unfinished Tales is a collection of narratives ranging in time from the Elder Days of Middle-earth to the end of the War of the Ring, and provides those who have read The Lord of the Rings with a whole collection of background and new stories from the twentieth century’s most acclaimed popular author.
The book concentrates on the realm of Middle-earth and comprises such elements as Gandalf’s lively account of how it was that he came to send the Dwarves to the celebrated party at bag-end, the emergence of the sea-god Ulmo before the eyes of Tuor on the coast of Beleriand, and an exact description of the military organization of the Riders of Rohan.
Unfinished Tales also contains the only story about the long ages of Numenor before its downfall, and all that is known about such matters as the Five Wizards, the Palantiri and the legend of Amroth.
The tales were collated and edited by JRR Tolkien’s son and literary heir, Christopher Tolkien, who provides a short commentary on each story, helping the reader to fill in the gaps and put each story into the context of the rest of his father’s writings.

• New edition of JRR Tolkien’s book of short stories and ‘unfinished’ tales
• Published to match Tolkien’s major works The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, finally placing this largely overlooked volume up with the rest of his core works
• Suitable for all Tolkien fans – includes material originally intended for The Lord of the Rings but not developed, plus stories linked to The Hobbit, as well as some which stand alone

THE SILMARILLION: 30th Anniversary Edition, J. R. R. Tolkien, Edited by Christopher Tolkien

A new hardback edition with a cover design by Tolkien himself, to complement the popular Hobbit and Lord of the Rings hardbacks. Includes new Preface by J.R.R. Tolkien unique to this edition.
The Silmarillion is an account of the Elder Days, of the First Age of Tolkien’s World. 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 tales of The Silmarillion are set in an age when Morgoth, the first Dark Lord, dwelt in Middle-Earth, and the High Elves made war upon him for the recovery of the Silmarils, the jewels containing the pure light of Valinor.
Included in the book are several shorter works. The Ainulindale is a myth of the Creation and in the Valaquenta the nature and powers of each of the gods is described. The Akallabeth 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.

LETTERS FROM FATHER CHRISTMAS, J. R. R. Tolkien

Paperback edition of Tolkien’s famous illustrated letters from Father Christmas includes extracts and pictures not included 25 years ago in the original publication.
Every December an envelope bearing a stamp from the North Pole would arrive for J.R.R.tolkien's children. Inside would be a letter in strange spidery handwriting and a beautiful coloured drawing or some sketches. The letters were from Father Christmas.
This special edition contains a selection of these enchanting letters and pictures and will delight fans old and new - of both J.R.R. Tolkien and Father Christmas!

• A delightful Christmas book with more than 40 charming paintings and drawings.
• Contains selected letters by Tolkien to his children, all unabridged.
• Ideal Christmas gift for all ages.

THE HOBBIT: Children's Fiction Edition, J. R. R. Tolkien

The classic story of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures through Rivendell, Mirkwood, and Erebor; released in a new paperback format. Easily one of the most famous children's books of modern times, The Hobbit is a must read and this edition will bring it to life for a whole new generation of readers.
The Hobbit became an instant success when it was first published in 1937, and nearly 70 years later Tolkien’s epic tale of elves, dwarves, trolls, goblins, myth, magic and adventure, with its reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins, has become a timeless classic.
This new children’s edition of The Hobbit, with a refreshed cover, will bring this classic story to a whole new generation of readers.

• The Hobbit is a timeless classic with unlimited appeal to children’s vivid imaginations.
• Perfect for reading aloud, this title is an ideal parent, grandparent or teacher purchase.
• The Hobbit does magic and fantasy like nothing else. Witches, wizards and monsters may have followed - but there are only one Gandalf and Bilbo!
• The perfect introduction to The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, still a major series for older fantasy readers and ‘the nation’s favourite book’ (winner of the BBC Big Read).

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