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- Publisher: Houghton Mifflin
- Edition: Paperback (September 2000)
- Average Customer Rating:
The final volume in the history of the LOTR's genesis
- Christopher Tolkien's final entry in his history of the writing of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy is an abbreviated version of his "Sauron Defeated" coupled with some miscellaneous scraps, most notably the possible epilogue which Tolkien wrote, but discarded, later, regarding Sam's forthcoming final meeting with King Elessar of Gondor. It also includes information on The One Ring's destruction at Mount Doom, and the subsequent parting of the surviving Fellowship of the Ring. This slender volume with be of interest to diehard Tolkien fans and literary scholars alike.
Essential for an understanding of LOTR's creation
- "The End of the Third Age" is the last of four volumes dealing with the history of the writing of "The Lord of the Rings."
It is also, buyers should know, an independently published portion of the previously published book called "Sauron Defeated," not a wholly new entry into the "History of Middle Earth" series, the larger, 12-part History that takes a close look at the creation of Tolkien's greatest achievement - Middle Earth itself - through early drafts, unpublished texts, and dead end writings. If you already have "Sauron Defeated," you will find no new text here. If you're not a Tolkien fan, you need not apply. These incomplete and unfinished texts of early LOTR drafts, all explained, footnoted, annotated and expounded upon by his son, Christopher Tolkien, will only bore you. But if you're interested in seeing how the Professor developed the rich creation of Middle Earth, warts and all, this is a treasure trove of material. Christopher Tolkien goes to great lengths to examine each text, putting them in the context of the larger puzzle of his father's writings. Most fascinating, and making this arguably the most essential entry to purchase for fans of the famous "trilogy," is the previously unpublished Epilogue featuring Sam speaking to his children. It was originally intended to be the book's final chapter, but was ultimately cut. It makes for interesting reading. Again, take note: readers who can track down "Sauron Defeated" will get the entire text of this volume in that book, plus a wealth of other material not directly related to "The Lord of the Rings." For casual fans, this is text better left unread. This is, after all, a series of unfinished draft chapters and essays. I enjoyed it, but many won't. Seek elsewhere if you are looking for more tales in the way of "The Lord of the Rings." For ardent Tolkien readers, the series is a fascinating look at one of the great literary creations of the 20th Century, full of writings never before seen and stories only now being told. The exploration of how "The Lord of the Rings" came about is fantastic for those interested. Christopher Tolkien's work here is appreciated. Snatch this up.
Among the last scraps
- His notes. His rewrites. His discarded scribbles. His shopping lists. Just about every word J.R.R. Tolkien ever wrote has been carefully scrutinized and compiled into the "History" series. The finale of the series, "The End of the Third Age," is a prized curiosity for fans.
It contains Tolkien's (sometimes garbled) notes and drafts of "Return of the King." Different lines, altered characterizations, changed scenes, and a radically different Scouring of the Shire appear in these drafts. (Frodo killed "Sharkey" in earlier drafts) Christopher Tolkien provides plenty of explanation between nuggets of text about "my father's" writings. And the crowning touch is a couple drafts of the unused epilogue, in which we see Sam talking with his family. People who aren't devoted fans of the "Lord of the Rings" books may be completely befuddled by "End of the Third Age." It's a fangeek thing, but it also serves as a literary curiosity. How did the story evolve, and how it was originally different? Well, this is part of what Tolkien wrote before the story was finished and published. Tolkien's outstanding writing is hinted at even in the roughest, most incomplete fragments. And what makes this of special interest is not what was unfinished, but what was finished and not included. The epilogues (which were unfortunately not used) are beautiful, sweet and touching, and show Tolkien's love of family. They also serve as a better wrap-up to the trilogy. The sweet epilogues lift "End of the Third Age" from a fan curiosity to a sort of "director's cut" book. For die-hard fans, it's a must-have. For casual fans, it's certainly something to check out.
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