The Fireside

To begin with, I need to state that I am a big of both the Harry Potter books, as well as the films. Hundreds of hundreds of peoples' lives have been changed, or affected, by her Harry Potter series. She made reading 'cool' again. However, ever since Deathly Hallows (both film and book) had ended, I can't help but notic something 'odd', especially of late. I've got "The Complete Harry Potter Collection", which includes all 7 of the Harry Potter books. It was I believe 2011 or 2012 that she launched Pottermore. From the looks of things, it was going to be an impressive, interesting and expansion of the world she created in the books. In fact, it would 'cover' the books, while going off in a few different directions. This was fine, as its been said that she would create new content for Pottermore (such as little short stories to actually creating the Sorting Hat questions.). I thought that was pretty neat of her to get involved like that. ...

A new trend I'm starting today is "Tolkien Tuesday", where each Tuesday I will do a Tolkien related post. For the next bit, I'll do a sort of 'review' of the books I own, as well as the edition etc. So, naturally, first up is The Hobbit , published by Harper Collins in 2007 for the 70th anniversary in hardback; with the ISBN of 9780261103283. The dustjacet cover is by Tolkien himself, and has been on editions ever since it was initially published. It has a paper-y / matte feeling to it. Removing the dustjacket, the book itself is black, with copper / brass engraving of the 'Tolkien Logo' as well as the title on the spine. When you open the book at either end, you are treated to a map. The front end has Thror's Map, and the back end has Wilderland. It is on brown-ish paper this time, and looks quite nice. There is also bit of color here and there as well. The text includes a preface by Christopher Tolkien, as well as a Note on the Text. Then...

There’s another Tolkien book coming on the horizon! Each time another one is published, I think ‘will this be the last one?’ Because, aside from anniversary or deluxe editions, there’s no telling. In the case of this one I’m going to mention, and A Secret Vice (and possibly others) it’s existing material, but ‘expanded’…because we are seeing more ‘expanded’ Tolkien works, I’m going to give a new category called that. Anyway, this time, it’s The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun . Here is the official ‘blurb’, and info (still a tad early in regards to know if a deluxe version will be coming (it could come later like The Story of Kullervo , whose deluxe edition is coming in October. USUALLY the deluxe version is published the same time as other versions, or shortly after. In Kullervo’s case, it’s about a year off) “Coming from the darker side of J.R.R. Tolkien's imagination, "The Lay of Aotrou and Itroun" is an important non Middle-earth work to set alongside his o...

Fantasy sometimes gets a pretty bad rap when it comes to live action adaptions. There have been more 'bad' than 'good'. I won't go off listing some of the bad ones since The Lord of the Rings film trilogy showed us that it can be good (or close to when it came out.) There's been a TV series on MTV (I know, shudder, right?) that's been doing well for the network. Well enough to get a second season renewal. It's called The Shannara Chronicles . The series is based on Terry Brooks' Shannara titles. I admit, I've not read them. Back when I was first discovering fantasy after reading some Tolkien in about 2002-2003, I heard of some of the more success ones in that 'vein' of fantasy: The Wheel of Time, The Sword of Truth, Shannara... but I never actually checked out Shannara first hand. I did read the short story (or was it stories?) that was included in the anthologies Legends, and Legends II in the past few years on my ereader. I found ...

Ok, I realize something now: when I suggest Tolkien books to get, I tend to favour my preferred editions of the books. At the time I publish those posts, they may be in stock. But, months later, they may not be, thus making them harder to find, even online. T his post is for those who may not have the time and effort to go hunting after a particular edition ; or anyone wishing to get hardbacks of Tolkien's books.   The numbers I'm listing below are the ISBN, a direct link to a particular version of the book. I even put them in bold. In my research before writing this post, I have found some pretty common ones. So check these 'easier to find' hardback editions by plugging in the ISBN into whichever site you plan to buy them from [or search the ISBN on Google to read more about them. they are pretty basic, but still nice, and cost-effective.]   First up, we have The Hobbit , where it all began. If you're shopping in Canada using Chapters, I recommend...

Whether or not we’ll have The Winds of Winter by then, (or know the release date) there’s a reason to celebrate 2016 for Ice and Fire fans – it marks twenty years since the saga first began with A Game of Thrones . On October 18, the anniversary will be celebrated by publishing a hardback illustrated edition. At this point, all the details (artist who is illustrating, cover art etc) has yet to be revealed, but at the moment the page count is 992 pages, or 800, depending on which site you visit. The ISBN for this edition is 9780553808049 . So far, only the first book in the series will receive this format. I’m sure it’ll be great for collectors to grab up though. Other food for though I have: Martin seems extremely dedicated to finishing up The Winds of Winter, the next book in the series. There has been evidence in the past 3-6 months supporting this. After the book comes out, I fully expect a few non 'main book' (but still related, and in the world and mythos)...

A lovely edition of Tolkien’s works are the illustrated editions. While absolutely stunning editions, they are slightly impractical for reading purposes. They are not only in hardback, but larger format hardback. Due to the type of paper used (in part, or due the illustrations), combined with the size, they are also quite heavy. These minor things aside, they are among the most treasured editions of the works since they were published, remain, so, and most likely always be that way. First up (in written / original publication order) we have the illustrated edition of The Hobbit , published to celebrate the book’s 60 th anniversary. Alan Lee did the artwork; including the dustjacket.   Of course, next is The Lord of the Rings . It’s in a 3-volume hardback box set, which can be weighty and pricy. There are three of these books, after all. You get the complete matching set, and the box is nothing to shrug off, in the attraction department. [though i...

I’ve often said that my essential Tolkien books consist of : ­ The Hobbit The Lord of the Rings The Silmarillion Unfinished Tales The Children of Hurin The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrun The Fall of Arthur Beowulf The Story of Kullervo Many people have often mentioned, or asked about, ‘The History of Middle-earth’. This series serves as further insight into the development of Tolkien’s worlds, so there are often ‘alternate versions’ of material. I’ve felt that The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales have provided me with satisfactory information to quench any thirsts I may have. Of course, there may be a few items that have been only published within specific books of the series. If Tolkien’s main middle-earth books ( The Hobbit – Unfinished Tales ) are a movie, let’s say, then ‘The History of Middle-earth’ would be it’s ‘making of’ or ‘audio commentary’. So this post is for the completists, and / or die hards. Or those who wish to know more, or get the ‘History o...

Well, it’s that time of year again! I generally like to assume that no one follows my blog. By that, I mean, when I write a post, I think that is the first entry that someone may read. So, as is my custom, I’m going to be spotlighting a few books around Yuletide. This entry will focus on Tolkien. This year, there is no Hobbit film coming out, so fans of the series (or newcomers) may be keeping an eye out for themselves, or for gifting to those they think may be interested. I will provide the ISBNs for the best paperback, hardback, and deluxe editions. (Since The Lord of the Rings is often sold in a box set, I’ll provide that ISB as well) The ‘essentials’:   THE HOBBIT Paperback: 9780261103344  Hardback: 9780261103283 Deluxe: 9780007118359 "Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services – as a bur...