OXFORD — There was much rejoicing amongst the race of Men as the Tolkien Estate announced the release of a new study version of The Silmarillion.
The new study edition of the epic masterpiece by Tolkien was billed as a "must-have" for those who find reading The Silmarillion to be like trying to sail west to the Undying Lands after the world was made round. The Study Silmarillion, taking its cue from the world of study Bibles, will break down the basic flow of the 8,288 years-long mythological narrative of the First and Second Ages of Middle-earth with copious study notes, maps, genealogical charts, and cross-references.
While the original paperback edition of The Silmarillion came in at around 442 pages, The Study Silmarillion weighs in at a hefty 1,845 pages, since a note, chart, or cross-reference will appear every time something confusing comes up in the original text.
"Hooray," cried reader Michael Watson upon hearing the announcement. "I couldn't stick to my Read-Through The Silmarillion In A Year plan, so I am hoping that this new study edition will help me to feel like less of a failure."
The publisher did advise readers interested in the study edition to begin strength training now, as the imposing tome was expected to clock in at nearly 40 pounds.
At publishing time, the Tolkien Estate had announced that Amazon had purchased the rights to The Study Silmarillion to produce a billion-dollar TV series that will disregard all its notes entirely.
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