The second of a two-book set that contains the early myths and legends which led to the writing of Tolkien's epic tale of war, The Silmarillion.

This second part of 'The Book of Lost Tales' includes the tales of Beren and Lúthien, Túrin and the Dragon, and the only full narratives of the Necklace of the Dwarves and the Fall of Gondolin. Each tale is followed by a commentary in the form of a short essay, together with the texts of associated poems, and contains extensive information on names and vocabulary in the earliest Elvish languages.

"Christopher Tolkien shows himself to be his father's son, delving into the question of Elvish genealogies¿he gives the reader histories of each of the character's names as it evolved in the course of Tolkien's revisions¿Tolkien devotees will rejoice."
THE NEW YORK TIMES BOOK REVIEW

"The 'Tales' will be appreciated by those who have read 'The Silmarillion' and wish to examine how Tolkien improved his story and style from their original form, and how eventually 'The Lord of the Rings' came to stand independently with only a few hints from the early mythology."
BRITISH BOOK NEWS