The Maclure Library
EST 1797 in Pittsford, VT.

New and Featured Books

The Children of Húrin by J.R.R. Tolkien

The first complete book by J.R.R. Tolkien in three decades–since the publication of The Silmarillion in 1977–The Children of Húrin reunites fans of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings with Elves and Men, dragons and Dwarves, Eagles and Orcs. Presented for the first time as a complete, standalone story, this stirring narrative will appeal to casual fans and expert readers alike, returning them to the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien.

Amazon.com

What could be more apropos than hiring the face of Sauron from The Lord of the Rings to read Tolkien’s newly complete version of these pre-Rings tales? Christopher Lee, the British actor beloved for his role in Peter Jackson’s trilogy as well as his numerous turns in Hammer fright films, reads Tolkien’s Rings precursor as if still in full makeup. Booming and vaguely menacing, Lee sounds like Sauron around the campfire, entertaining his minions with a tale of adventure and woe.

Even Lee cannot sound entirely convincing bellowing some of Tolkien’s invented languages, but his reading is suitably ominous. Tolkien’s son, Christopher, who edited his father’s book, also contributes a preface and introduction he reads himself. His voice—phlegmy and rough—provides a taste of what it might have sounded like had the author himself been available to read his own work. Copyright © Reed Business Informa