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The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007, Hardcover) 
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007, Hardcover)

 
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007, Hardcover)

Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
Publication Date: 2007-04-17
Language: English
Format: Hardcover
ISBN-10: 0618894640
ISBN-13: 9780618894642
Product ID: EPID57030834
Description: J.R.R. Tolkien's THE CHILDREN OF HURIN was begun in 1918, and has since been pieced together from his estate by his son, Christopher. The book has been greatly anticipated by Tolkien's legions of fans: the LORD OF THE RINGS crowd is sure...
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Top Reviews
  another good book
Review created: 05/08/07
19 of 19 people found this review helpful.

Taking place in the distant past of the Middle Earth most people know from the "Lord of the Rings," the "Children of Hurin" is a poignantly beautiful gem from JRR Tolkien's literary world. Before great cataclysms that altered the very substance of Middle Earth, the High Elves were allied with three great Houses of Men in a proud and hopeless struggle against the original Dark Enemy. "The Children of Hurin" begins with the most disastrous defeat of Elves and Men in that war, and how Turin, son of the greatest warrior in the history of Men, tries to take up his father's responsibility and reverse the damage.
One of JRR Tolkien's greatest achievements was the world of Middle Earth itself, which contained endless layers of history and backstory that informed the origin and actions of its characters. What can be easy to miss in reading LOTR is that Middle Earth is a desolate shadow of what it used to be, before time and the mistakes of foolish pride wore down the greatness of Elves and Men to almost nothing. This book takes place in a part of Middle Earth that was later destroyed, to be remembered only in the sad songs and anecdotes that pop up here and there in the background of LOTR. This and the book's maps may initially confuse fans of LOTR, but the journey into unfamiliar territory is more than worth it: "The Children of Hurin" is great all by itself, but will do a lot to help you understand the world of LOTR in general. Fans who have trouble with the drier, historical tone of the "Silmarillion" might be better served with this fleshed-out piece of its story. If you have ever wondered why the Elves are such a small, sad, and reclusive bunch in LOTR, you'll see a bit of the answer here, and did you know the great Sauron was once just a servant of the true and original Dark Enemy? You'll meet the dark god Melkor here, and understand why Sauron was just carrying on a legacy. Be prepared also for the diabolical Father of Dragons, Glaurung. If you enjoyed the combination of guile and physical might that Smaug brought to the table, you'll get more than you bargained for from this dragon.
"Children of Hurin" may also surprise fans that are used to the "plain Hobbit sense" and sober steadfastness of more well-known Tolkien protagonists. The central character, Turin, is in many senses the complete opposite of a Hobbit: a great and proud warrior, born for leadership, but doomed to make poor, rash decisions in the heat of emotion. You might be reminded a bit of Boromir, and rightly so. Turin struggles with moral choices and his pride often gets the better of him. Whereas you could trust the Bagginses to use logic, see the big picture, and keep their heads cool enough to defeat despair... or even the cunning wits and words of a dragon... you'll be horrified to see Turin falter. He's the essence of a tragic hero, and although he'll frustrate you, you might see more of yourself in him than in the nearly-unbreakable Hobbits.
It's altogether a different flavor from LOTR or the Hobbit, but it's no less great, and anyone interested in the world of Middle Earth should give it a go.


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  Christopher a worthly heir to JRR
Review created: 08/06/07
8 of 8 people found this review helpful.

Hurin is one of the most nobel of all humans and a close friend of the high elves. When the elves square off against Morgoth (Tolkien's name for Satan) in an attempt to finish him once and for all, the house of Hurin joins their banners to fight.

But Morgoth outwits the elves and, with the dragon Glaurung in the van, tribe by tribe of elves are slaughtered on the battlefield. Hurin offers to sacrafice himself so that the last of the elvish tribes can escape back to their sanctuary in Gondolin. But Morgoth is angered that a mere man would dare challenge him and he orders Hurin captured alive.

As punishment for defing his plans, Morgoth makes Hurin sit in a chair that sees all in Middle Earth and is given the curse of knowing and seeing what Morgoth knows. In addition, Morgoth curses Hurin's children Turin (son)and Nienor (daughter).

The rest of the story mostly follows Turin in his valiant but futile attempt to break the curse. Wherever he goes, his battle prowness brings temporary relief to those he joins, but eventually his pride brings utter destruction to those he swore to protect.

But Turin's efforts at breaking the curse does cause Morgoth much grief and fear of failure. In the end, Morgoth must send Glaurung forth to guarentee the curse does not fail. Although Turin finally defeats the dragon, Glaurung tells Turin a secret that no man of honor can bear.

The tragedy of Hurin's children is well known, published by Christopher in the Simrileon as well as the many histories of Middle Earth that have been published. What makes this version stick out is that, for the first time, Christopher is filling in the gaps that the original story had.

These previously published gaps, for those that don't know, are because JRR never finished them. Up to now, his son Christopher deciphered the confusing and cryptic notes that his father left behind, showing how the stories developed over time. Now, at long last, Tolkien fans can read of the fate of Hunin's house in a smooth, completed piece.

This is not an easy task. The story of Hurin and his family were smaller parts of a much larger collection of closely inter-related stories. Christopher not only had to tell the main story of Turin's troubled life, but he had to decide just how much to tell about the other stories. Too much, and it is no longer The Children of Hurin, but it becomes Simrileon II. Too little, and readers unfamiliar with the 2nd Age will become lost.

I feel that Christopher has done a marvelous job in achieving the delicate balance. The only point of contention I have is that I believe the death of Mim the Dwarf should have been mentioned. It is foreshadowed by one of Turin's followers, but the reader never sees it happen.

With this one exception, I found the book well written and entertaining. It is a wonderful addition to any Tolkien library.

John Holland-author of The Necklace of Terrersylvanous


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Reviews
  The Children of Hurin
Review created: 05/04/07
by:
6 of 14 people found this review helpful.

The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007)
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007)
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007)
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007)
The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007)


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  the children of hurin
Review created: 07/03/07
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5 of 5 people found this review helpful.

Having read the bits and pieces of these tales through the Silmarillion and the Unfinished Tales it was so wonderful to see them woven into a seamless whole. Tragic and beautiful. The ultimate in cautionary tale of the price of pride and being heedless, so were the children of Hurin. Though the tale is even richer if you have read the other works of Middle Earth, it stands alone as great on its own. Highly recommended to all, absolute necessity to devotees of Middle Earth.


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  Don't Expect a Happy Ending!
Review created: 10/17/07
3 of 4 people found this review helpful.

The Children of Húrin is about a curse. Christopher Tolkien tells us in the Introduction (p.18) that JRR Tolkien's proposed alternative title was Narn e-'Rach Morgoth, The Tale of the Curse of Morgoth. The curse "works," not because of some quality within Middle-Earth. but because of who Morgoth is. "Morgoth is not 'invoking' evil or calamity on Húrin and his children, he is not 'calling on' a higher power to be the agent: for he,'Master of the fates of Arda' as he named himself to Húrin, intends to bring about the ruin of his enemy by force of his own gigantic will." (Ibid.)

The lives of the Children of Húrin end tragically, which may cause some Tolkien fans to ask "Where is the eucatastrophe? Where is the Recovery and Consolation Tolkien speaks of in "On Fair Stories"? The quick answer is that The Children of Húrin was not intended to be a Fairy Story. In his letter to his editor quoted in the Second Edition of The Silmarillion, Tolkien describes what was in his mythology. The story of Beren and Lúthien is, he says, a "heroic-fairy-romance," while The Children of Húrin is a "tragic tale," admitting that it is "derived from the elements in Sigurd the Volsung, Oedipus, and the Finnish Kullervo."

Tolkien lovers who have struggled through the History of Middle-earth series edited by Christopher will be delighted to know that the story is presented uninterrupted by notes and commentary. Tolkien scholars will, on the other hand, be pleased that an Appendix is included giving a detailed history of the manuscripts.


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  The Children of Hurin Rox
Review created: 09/26/07(updated 09/26/07)
by:
kathbahl ( 3 )
3 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I loved this book, although it almost made me cry. I think that it was much easier to understand than the story line of Silmarillion not to dis that or anything, but it reminded me of the way that "LOTR" was written. It was a great way to present the story of "The Tale of Tinuviel", not to complicated yet not to bland. Turin himself I thik kind of represents all of us in the sense tha He keeps trying to do the right thing but everything that He does goes wrong, also in his way of thinking through things is very human. In the end although tragic it is a good story, a good story that all Tolkien lovers and simply fantasy lovers will like.

Just as a side note I read a review saying that they didn't like it because Christopher Tolkien wrote it, and that it was hard to understand however Christopher Tolkien did not write it he only edited it. I also think that the person who wrote this must not be a true Tolkien fan if they found this difficult to read.


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  Tolkien and Literacy
Review created: 03/05/08
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

Professor Tolkien (with whom I corresponded many years ago) was a philologist whose study of Beowulf, Sir Gawain, and the Scandinavian sagas, among others, is clearly reflected in this work. It is not to be compared with the facile entertainments that amuse the "Harry Potter" crowd (nothing against the series or its admirers), but will be most deeply appreciated by those who not only want to read fantasy with more meat on its bones, but those who prefer genuine literature, of the kind that will be remembered centuries from now.

Christopher Tolkien, son of the master, has done an admirable job patching together various incomplete manuscripts giving this story from different periods in Tolkien's life, and not always cohering as to plot and characterization. If there is anything lacking, it is that C.T. might have included some of J.R.R.T.'s poetic renditions of the story, at least in part, and provided a more detailed textual apparatus explaining which versions are reflected in his final version and what exactly he did to emend them.

Even lacking these additions for the armchair Tolkienist, the book is magnificently prepared and printed. One hopes that C.T. will do the same for other less fully presented tales of his father, especially that of Beorn.


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  A Pleased Tolkein Audience
Review created: 08/06/07
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2 of 2 people found this review helpful.

WARNING: Non-Tolkein fans should obviously steer clear of this book. If you haven't read The Lord of the Rings Trilogy or if you have and you didn't enjoy it, then you will not enjoy this book anymore.
Even after J.R.R. Tolkein's death his authorship and deep and focused writing is still showing up thanks to his son Christopher Tolkein. The Children of Hurin tells a story that mainly deals with his son Turin who was an important character to Tolkein in his world of Middle-Earth. The thing about Tolkein's writings that always impressed me and still impresses me with this book is he has great story ideas but he doesn't just throw them into some random fantasy world but he actually creates the world itself from scratch. The entire land of Middle-Earth is completely and solely from the late mind of Tolkein, everything from it's detailed and epic history to its own mooncharts!
This book begins a bit like Silmarilion does only because of the fact that it feels a bit like reading a history textbook, but once you jump into the story it grabs you and pulls you into a living breathing world that really feels as though it actually exists. That is the wonder of Tolkein and his writing, it's real and for all you know that world really is only a plane ride away. He proved his superior talent when he released The Lord of the Rings Trilogy and Christopher Tolkein helped him prove it again now after his death with The Children of Hurin.


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  Tolkien (posthumous) - The Children of Hurin
Review created: 07/03/07
2 of 3 people found this review helpful.

I was afraid Children of Hurin would be altered or slanted by Christopher Tolkien, marring the touch of the master - but so far it is classic mythical wonder, albeit with less action than the Hobbit or the Ring Trilogy. I am particularly fond of Tolkien's subtle, unassuming portrait of the human heart in Turin.


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  A Most Excellent Book
Review created: 01/03/09
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

I received it in Absolutely Perfect condition, so it should remain essentially that way (because of its secure binding)! Delivery was swift (especially given that it was during the Christmas Season)! John Ronald Reuel Tolkien is one of my favorite authors, so a new member of his "oeuvre" is of immense importance (and a most pleasant surprise, given that his death was nearly forty years ago)! In fact, this copy is in such excellent shape that I am almost afraid to open and read it! But, of course, I will!


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  A great and horrible trajedy
Review created: 06/16/08
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

After reading the Silmarillion, this was a refreshing tale of heorism and tragedy. More narrative than the former, it is full of all the great things you look for in an adventure. It was a quick and enjoyable read. The pride, but impending doom, of Turin is very moving. I loved it!


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  Excellent Quality
Review created: 05/19/08
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The book is really gret. For all the people who love what Tolkien wrote is a nice complement for all other books, the graphics also are terrific!


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  Expands upon The Silmarillion
Review created: 04/17/08(updated 04/17/08)
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

The Children of Hurin is the first complete book by J.R.R. Tolkien published in three decades - since The Silmarillion in 1977. This story is presented for the first time as a complete, stand-alone story (it elaborates upon the story of the man Hurin from The Silmarillion). This elaborate narrative will appeal to casual fans and Tolkien fanatics alike, returning them to the rich landscape and characters unique to Tolkien's Middle Earth.

The story of The Children of Hurin is organized very much like a Greek Tragedy (Oedipus Rex by Sophocles and Medea by Euripedes come to mind). The hero, Hurin, defies Morgoth (the master of Sauron) and invokes his wrath. Hurin is captured by Morgoth and in his anger, the Dark Lord curses Hurin's descendants. The story then turns to Turin and Nienor (his son and daughter).

After Hurin was thus bound, Turin goes to the kingdom of Doriath and grows up in Menegroth, with the elf-King Thingol, who claims him as "foster-son". There Turin is taught the language of the elves, hunting, and fighting. He rapidly becomes a great warrior, as agile and quick as an elf yet with the great strength of a man.

He accepts the Dragon-helm of his father from Thingol, and fights against the Orcs (the Orcs fear the dragon-helm). There is a conspiracy to discredit Turin with Thingol and as a result Turin leaves, believing that he has lost the favor of the king. Yet, Turin is prideful, and he believes that he has been wronged and rejects all ties to Doriath (avoiding the summons of Thingol for the rest of the book). The story continues through the various adventures of Turin as he encounters one despair after another. This is not a happy story, but it is written in the best traditions of many ancient and modern writers who focus on the fallen man and human characteristics which lead to that downfall.

If you are a Tolkien fan, you need this!


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  The Children of Hurin
Review created: 03/03/08
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1 of 1 people found this review helpful.

"The Children of Hurin" is one of the great tragedies of English Literature, written in Tolkien's classical style. The tale is chronologically set before the now familiar "Lord of the Rings" and tells in part, the history of Beleriand, in the western lands, and the wars fought there against Melkor/Morgoth. The man Hurin was captured by Morgoth and forced, through sorcery, to see all the suffering and doom of his own family, especially his son, Turin, who had been cursed by Morgoth. Everything Turin did, no matter how valiant, ended in ruin to himself and all those he loved.
It is a complex tale, well told, and exhibits the ancient Saxon concept of "wyrd", or fate, and the interconnectedness of individual lives. Another fine example of Tolkien's genius well worth reading.


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  The Children of Hurin
Review created: 10/25/09

I love this book! It's a great story and has the morals about friendship and fear. Recommended to anyone, especially Tolkien fans!5 stars!!!


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  Phenomenal book
Review created: 06/02/09
by:

It is a beautiful, moving story that is very well told. Christopher really did his father' story justice.
The artwork is also amazing.


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  Children of Hurin
Review created: 01/01/09
by:

Seller was great to work with and I got the book several days before I expected it. Book was in the condition that the seller said it was. I would highly recommend this seller.


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  powerful stuff
Review created: 11/30/08(updated 12/03/08)
by:

This is a serious tale of a proud family. The style is more entertaining than The Silmarillion, and less fun than The Lord of the Rings. I guess tough guys had to be (kinda dickish) back then, because of all the wars and bad guys.


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  Awesome
Review created: 08/18/08

This story is so great - I'm very glad that it was finally issued in a beautiful hardcover edition on its own. The story is fantastic and the artwork (as always) is superb.


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  A great place to shop
Review created: 04/07/08
by:

I have been a seller for several years and have a reputation for quick and honest shipping. These folks are also at the top for quick and reasonable shipping. They are honest in their product descriptions, they are customer service oriented in every aspect of their buisness and they go that extra mile to make every buyer feel like they are getting the kind of service most of us can only get in person. I hope they are very successful, and I hope more sellers get the opportunity to learn a little on-line etiquette from these folks. My very best regards to both of them. Vern


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  Excellent!
Review created: 12/09/07
by:

This book was considered new entry when i bought it
but i got a really good price on ebay
The seller was really good and shipped fast

This book really satisfied me and came in very good condition


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  The children of Hurin
Review created: 12/04/07
by:

Familiar with author.Like the book.aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa


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  The Chiklren of Hurin by JRR tolkein
Review created: 09/06/07
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0 of 3 people found this review helpful.

This was a very hard book to read. I'm a big fan of JRR Tolkien but this was written by his son Christopher. Their writting styles are totally different. If you like The Silmarillion, you'll like this book. If your style is more to LOTR, I don't think you'll like this.


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  Builds anticipation
Review created: 08/04/07
0 of 2 people found this review helpful.

I bought it for a gift for a friend. E-bay had excellent prices in comparison to bookstores. My friend hasn't read the book yet.


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  The Children of Hurin by J. R. R. Tolkien (2007)
Review created: 07/20/07
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0 of 4 people found this review helpful.

I was disappointed in this book. I am a huge fan of LOTR, having read all of them, seen the movies, and read just about everything else Tolkien has written. I had a hard time getting into this story, and it took me a long time to finally finish it. Not my favorite book.


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