Newbie help please - The Barrow-Downs Discussion Forum

05-15-2007, 03:25 PM

Hey folks. I'm recently new to Tolkien books (and loving them).

I've read:
- The Hobbit
- LOTR
- The Silmarillion
- Unfinished Tales
- Tales From The Perilous Realm

I was wondering if there are any other books (written by Tolkien) that I can read regarding middle earth in any way.

Keeping in mind that I'd rather not read about stuff that isn't accurate in regards to the stuff I have already read. For instance; I don't want to read about stuff like how Aragorn's character was originally Trotter the Hobbit, etc. I feel that it would ruin the rest of the books for me.

Any help would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance

Finduilas · 05-15-2007, 03:46 PM

Do you want them to be related to Middle Earth? If not, he has some short stories such as Farmer Giles of Ham and Roverandom that are fun to read.

Nogrod · 05-15-2007, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCRZA

I was wondering if there are any other books (written by Tolkien) that I can read regarding middle earth in any way.

Check the newest one as well. The Children of Hurin, which was released just a few weeks ago, the story of the children of Hurin compiled by the prof's son Christopher.

And there surely is the HoMe (Histories of the Middle-Earth) as well if you're really interested... but reading through all of them takes a real dedication - and a nice amount of cash or a very good library near you. Many of us here have done that... not me, but many others.

05-15-2007, 04:17 PM

are the HoME books stories, or are they more of a "behind the scenes" look at middle earth?

Thanks for the replies

Nogrod · 05-15-2007, 04:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TheCRZA

are the HoME books stories, or are they more of a "behind the scenes" look at middle earth?

Kind of both but more the latter...

05-15-2007, 04:44 PM

Hmmm.

I'm the kind of person who would rather not watch the special features of a dvd because it would ruin the film for me. But I may yet read those if I find myself starved more more.

Finduilas · 05-15-2007, 05:42 PM

If you like poetry, I've heard that The Lays of Belariand, and the Green Knight and Other Tales(I think that's it's name) are good books. I haven't read them, but as I know that Tolkien is a good poet, I'm sure they are excellent.

Thinlómien · 05-16-2007, 02:12 AM

The problem with the HoME is that if you're too nit-picky, they'll ruin it for you. I mean, they're full of earlier versions of things and alternative stories and contradicting minor details...

If you like fairytales and poetry, try The Adventures of Tom Bombadil.

Mithalwen · 05-16-2007, 04:41 AM

You may find parts of HoME acceptable even if you don't want to say read all the early drafts of LOTR. It is like Unfinished Tales on a grand scale: yes there is stuff that "contradicts" the main works however there are also things that expand on what there is (like the stuff on the Palantirs, and Numenore in UT).

A lot depends on what kind of Tolkien fan you are. I love Middle Earth more than the individual stories and want information on how it worked - and reading essays say on the marriage customs of the elves is fascinating. I really enjoyed the History of LOTR volumes of HoME for the insight into how the world grew in Tolkien's mind. Since we have the "definitive version" in the published work, it doesn't corrupt my vision of that. However I can understand you not wanting to go there.

The works not prepared for publication by JRRT, I treat more as historical sources - which in RL often conflict. Christopher Tolkien has done a great job but if you want more complete stories like the LOTR , after The Children of Hurin, you may find it difficult to go further if you don't want to have alternate versions.

05-16-2007, 07:08 AM

Thanks for all the help everyone. I will look into all the stuff you mentioned.

The Might · 05-17-2007, 08:59 AM

I'd also say the Letters are a good source for interesting information on Middle-earth, not all, but many of them.

MatthewM · 05-18-2007, 08:21 AM

Check out The Letters

05-22-2007, 03:21 PM

what are "the letters"?

05-22-2007, 04:23 PM

nevermind, I just found out what they are.

Thanks, I'll check it out.

Elmo · 05-23-2007, 04:21 AM

The only book in the history I own is Morgoth's Ring but's its brilliant. I'd recommend it as a good start for the series. It includes the 'Athrabeth' which is a conversation between Finrod Felagund and a mortal women Andreth. It is one of my favourite piece of writings by any author.

05-15-2007, 03:25 PM	#1
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	Newbie help please Hey folks. I'm recently new to Tolkien books (and loving them). I've read: - The Hobbit - LOTR - The Silmarillion - Unfinished Tales - Tales From The Perilous Realm I was wondering if there are any other books (written by Tolkien) that I can read regarding middle earth in any way. Keeping in mind that I'd rather not read about stuff that isn't accurate in regards to the stuff I have already read. For instance; I don't want to read about stuff like how Aragorn's character was originally Trotter the Hobbit, etc. I feel that it would ruin the rest of the books for me. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance

05-15-2007, 03:46 PM	#2
Finduilas Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Home. Where rolling green hills and clear rivers are practically my backyard. Posts: 595	Do you want them to be related to Middle Earth? If not, he has some short stories such as Farmer Giles of Ham and Roverandom that are fun to read. __________________ One (1) book of rules and traffic regulations, which may not be bent or broken. ~ The Phantom Tollbooth

05-15-2007, 05:42 PM	#7
Finduilas Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Home. Where rolling green hills and clear rivers are practically my backyard. Posts: 595	If you like poetry, I've heard that The Lays of Belariand, and the Green Knight and Other Tales(I think that's it's name) are good books. I haven't read them, but as I know that Tolkien is a good poet, I'm sure they are excellent. __________________ One (1) book of rules and traffic regulations, which may not be bent or broken. ~ The Phantom Tollbooth

05-16-2007, 02:12 AM	#8
Thinlómien Shady She-Penguin Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: In a far land beyond the Sea Posts: 8,093	The problem with the HoME is that if you're too nit-picky, they'll ruin it for you. I mean, they're full of earlier versions of things and alternative stories and contradicting minor details... If you like fairytales and poetry, try The Adventures of Tom Bombadil. __________________ Like the stars chase the sun, over the glowing hill I will conquer Blood is running deep, some things never sleep Double Fenris

05-16-2007, 04:41 AM	#9
Mithalwen Pilgrim Soul Join Date: May 2004 Location: watching the wonga-wonga birds circle... Posts: 9,458	You may find parts of HoME acceptable even if you don't want to say read all the early drafts of LOTR. It is like Unfinished Tales on a grand scale: yes there is stuff that "contradicts" the main works however there are also things that expand on what there is (like the stuff on the Palantirs, and Numenore in UT). A lot depends on what kind of Tolkien fan you are. I love Middle Earth more than the individual stories and want information on how it worked - and reading essays say on the marriage customs of the elves is fascinating. I really enjoyed the History of LOTR volumes of HoME for the insight into how the world grew in Tolkien's mind. Since we have the "definitive version" in the published work, it doesn't corrupt my vision of that. However I can understand you not wanting to go there. The works not prepared for publication by JRRT, I treat more as historical sources - which in RL often conflict. Christopher Tolkien has done a great job but if you want more complete stories like the LOTR , after The Children of Hurin, you may find it difficult to go further if you don't want to have alternate versions. __________________ “But Finrod walks with Finarfin his father beneath the trees in Eldamar.” Christopher Tolkien, Requiescat in pace

05-15-2007, 04:17 PM	#4
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	are the HoME books stories, or are they more of a "behind the scenes" look at middle earth? Thanks for the replies

05-15-2007, 04:44 PM	#6
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	Hmmm. I'm the kind of person who would rather not watch the special features of a dvd because it would ruin the film for me. But I may yet read those if I find myself starved more more.

05-16-2007, 07:08 AM	#10
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	Thanks for all the help everyone. I will look into all the stuff you mentioned.

05-17-2007, 08:59 AM	#11
The Might Guard of the Citadel Join Date: Dec 2006 Location: Oxon Posts: 2,205	I'd also say the Letters are a good source for interesting information on Middle-earth, not all, but many of them. __________________ “The invisible and the non-existent look very much alike.” Delos B. McKown

05-18-2007, 08:21 AM	#12
MatthewM Ghost Prince of Cardolan Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: New York Posts: 628	Check out The Letters __________________ "Loud and clear it sounds in the valleys of the hills...and then let all the foes of Gondor flee!" -Boromir, The Fellowship of the Ring

05-22-2007, 03:21 PM	#13
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	what are "the letters"?

05-22-2007, 04:23 PM	#14
TheCRZA Guest Posts: n/a	nevermind, I just found out what they are. Thanks, I'll check it out.

05-23-2007, 04:21 AM	#15
Elmo Pittodrie Poltergeist Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: trying to find that warm and winding lane again Posts: 633	The only book in the history I own is Morgoth's Ring but's its brilliant. I'd recommend it as a good start for the series. It includes the 'Athrabeth' which is a conversation between Finrod Felagund and a mortal women Andreth. It is one of my favourite piece of writings by any author. __________________ As Beren looked into her eyes within the shadows of her hair, The trembling starlight of the skies he saw there mirrored shimmering.