The Fall of Númenor by J. R. R. Tolkien

The rise and ruin of Middle-earth's Second Age

The Fall of Númenor brings together Tolkien's writings about the Second Age of Middle-earth, an era of expanding kingdoms, dangerous ambitions and the growing power of Sauron. Edited by Brian Sibley, the volume arranges material drawn from Tolkien's published works into a chronological account, connecting the island realm of Númenor with events among the Elves and the forging of the Rings of Power. The story moves towards the catastrophes and alliances that shape the world later encountered in The Lord of the Rings. Alan Lee's illustrations accompany a collection that gives readers a fuller view of this earlier age and the histories behind its eventual downfall.