Sauron Defeated: The History of The Lord of the Rings, Part Four : Book Review

"Sauron Defeated" is the ninth volume of "The History of Middle-earth" series, a collection of writings by J.R.R. Tolkien, edited and compiled by his son Christopher Tolkien. This captivating book provides valuable insights into Tolkien's creative process and the evolution of his famous works, particularly "The Lord of the Rings."

The book is divided into three main sections. The first part, titled "The End of the Third Age," presents an alternate ending to "The Lord of the Rings" where Gollum succeeds in destroying the Ring before his demise. This alternative version gives readers a glimpse into Tolkien's exploration of different narrative possibilities and the potential consequences that would have unfolded.

The second part, "The Notion Club Papers," unveils a series of fictional dialogues between a group of scholars who share dreams related to the history of Middle-earth. These dream sequences are intriguing and thought-provoking, providing deeper insights into various aspects of Tolkien's imaginative world and the interconnectedness of its characters and events.

The third part, "The Drowning of Anadûnê," delves into the backstory of the downfall of Númenor and the rise of Sauron. This section offers a detailed account of the events leading up to the destruction of Númenor, shedding light on the ancient history of Middle-earth and the motivations of its pivotal figures. It enriches our understanding of the world Tolkien created and the complexities of its lore.

Overall, "Sauron Defeated" offers an enriching experience for fans of Tolkien's masterpieces. It presents alternative perspectives, untold tales, and extensive commentary by Christopher Tolkien that add depth and breadth to the reader's understanding. This book is a must-read for any admirer of Tolkien's work, as it allows them to venture further into the imagination of one of the most revered fantasy authors of all time.

What are readers saying?

Sauron Defeated is a collection of writings by acclaimed author J.R.R. Tolkien, primarily focusing on his well-known masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings. The book has garnered a variety of responses from readers, both positive and negative. Some readers commend the depth of Tolkien's storytelling and the valuable insights provided in this collection. On the other hand, others criticize the repetitive nature of the book and its difficulty to follow.

One aspect that readers widely appreciate about Sauron Defeated is the inclusion of additional material. This includes unpublished drafts, essays, and notes that offer a glimpse into Tolkien's creative process. Readers find these insights into Tolkien's world-building and character development fascinating and enriching, providing a deeper understanding and enhancing their enjoyment of The Lord of the Rings.

The collection's essays receive particular praise, as they delve into Tolkien's thoughts and explanations on various aspects of his works. Readers find these essays enlightening and value the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of Tolkien's intentions and motivations as an author.

However, some readers feel that Sauron Defeated becomes unnecessarily repetitive. They argue that the multiple versions and drafts of the same passages become tiresome, offering little added value to their reading experience. Consequently, they find themselves skipping large sections of the book due to this repetition.

Additionally, some readers find the book challenging to follow. It assumes a significant amount of prior knowledge about Tolkien's works, making it less accessible to readers who are not already deeply familiar with The Lord of the Rings and its world. As a result, these readers may struggle to fully appreciate the book's content.

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