The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor by J.R.R. Tolkien is a remarkable collection of writings on the Second Age of Middle-earth, presented in one deluxe slipcased edition.

J.R.R. Tolkien famously described the Second Age of Middle-earth as a ‘dark age, and not very much of its history is (or need be) told’. For years, readers would only catch glimpses of this era within the pages of The Lord of the Rings and its appendices, particularly concerning the forging of the Rings of Power, the construction of Barad-dûr, and the ascent of Sauron.

Christopher Tolkien's publication of The Silmarillion after his father's passing allowed a more complete story to emerge. While much of the book focused on the First Age of Middle-earth, it concluded with two pivotal works detailing the rise and fall of Númenor. This island, gifted to the Men of Middle-earth for aiding in the defeat of Morgoth, flourished in power and wealth. However, as its power grew, so did the seeds of its downfall, leading to the eventual Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

Further understanding of the Second Age came through subsequent works, beginning with Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth, and later, Christopher Tolkien's twelve-volume series, The History of Middle-earth.

Editor Brian Sibley has now compiled a new chronicle based on ‘The Tale of Years’ from the appendices of The Lord of the Rings. This volume recounts the Second Age of Middle-earth, mostly in Tolkien’s own words from various published texts, accompanied by 10 new paintings and 65 pencil drawings by Alan Lee.

This deluxe slipcased edition is meticulously quarterbound and printed on heavyweight acid-free paper, adorned with gold foil on dove grey boards featuring a unique motif by Alan Lee. It includes a ribbon marker and is housed in a custom-built slipcase, making it a collector's delight.