Beren and Lúthien, one of the great tales from the first age of Middle Earth, held a special place in J. R. R. Tolkien’s heart. His wife, Edith, was the inspiration for Lúthien and these two names are now inscribed on John and Edith’s tombstone.

This is a love story full of overwhelming danger and heroism—for both actors. Lúthien is no damsel-in-distress. Daughter of the Ainu Melian, Lúthien embraced danger with a unique grace. The scene of Lúthien dancing in the depths of Angband will not be soon forgotten by the reader!

The purpose of this volume is to record the lengthy textual history of this tale. Christopher Tolkien has compiled the various versions of his father’s story—both prose and poetic—complete with helpful interpretive notes.

I can’t recommend the three Great Tales of the first age highly enough for anyone who enjoyed The Lord of the Rings.

• Book One: Beren and Lúthien
• Book Two: The Children of Húrin
• Book Three: The Fall of Gondolin

Tolkien, J. R. R. Beren and Lúthien. Harper Collins, 2017.