J.R.R. Tolkien

"An enchanting tale of a wanderer who finds his way into the perilous realm of Faery is being republished ; but in addition to a facsimile of the illustrated first edition this new version includes a manuscript of Tolkien's early draft of the story, notes on the genesis, chronology and alternate ending of the story, and a lengthy essay on the nature of Faery, all of which is previously unpublished." - Front inside cover.

Smith of Wootton Major

A charming new pocket edition of one of Tolkien's major pieces of short fiction, and his only finished work dating from after publication of The Lord of the Rings. What began as a preface to The Golden Key by George MacDonald eventually grew into this charming short story, so named by Tolkien to suggest an early work by P.G. Wodehouse. Composed almost a decade after The Lord of the Rings, and when his lifelong occupation with the 'Silmarillion' was winding down, Smith of Wootton Major was the product of ripened experience and reflection. It was published in 1967 as a small hardback, complete with charming black and white illustrations by Pauline Baynes, and would be the last work of fiction to be published in Tolkien's own lifetime. Now, almost 50 years on, this enchanting tale of a wanderer who finds his way into the perilous realm of Faery is being published once again as a pocket hardback. Contained here are many intriguing links to the world of Middle-earth, as well as to Tolkien's other tales, and this new edition is enhanced with a facsimile of the illustrated first edition, a manuscript of Tolkien's early draft of the story, notes and an alternate ending, and a lengthy essay on the nature of Faery.

C. J. Daley 

This is the fourth tale in Tales from the Perilous Realm, and this is the only other story I had not read prior. I have to say I’m not sure how I feel about it, but like the others, I’m sure I’d like it more a second time. 

This was one of Tolkien’s tales trying to explain the meaning of faery, or at least whatever that meant to him. It was apparently supposed to be part of a preface he was writing for George MacDonald’s ‘The Golden Key’, but became its own thing. (I’m no expert, I looked it up) 

Other than his usual and original use of the term Faery, this is not linked to his middle-earth legendarium, and in my opinion, has more of the lighthearted silliness of the other novellas in it. A great cook and his apprentice (referred to as ‘prentice) make a great cake filled with 24 trinkets and coins for the children. However, this year they include a 25th item, a star from faery. The smith’s son swallows it, later spitting it out and affixing it to his forehead. This serves almost like a blessing from the faeries, and he is blessed with skills and personality. 

This one was not really my favorite, I was a bit confused at points, which isn’t unusual for Tolkien, but it was short, so I thought it’d be easy going. Maybe it’d be an easier read than a listen. Personally a 4/5* for me.

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Sarah Escorsa

What a delightful little book! I loved the tale and enjoyed the illustrations very much:) One thing I find quite strange is that Tolkien chose the title to suggest an early work by Wodehouse. Why Wodehouse? I just fail to understand it...

A charming new pocket edition of one of Tolkien’s major pieces of short fiction, and his only finished work dating from after publication of The Lord of the Rings.

Smith of Wootton Major

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