This book "seeks to present, in a single volume, selections from J.R.R. Tolkien's postumously puslished writings about the Second Age of Middle-earth." Here, we learn of the forging of the rings of power and Sauron's dealing with the elves. But the bulk of the account is about Numenor, an island created by and given as gift of the Valar to men—the Edain—who helped defeat Morgoth in the First Age. These men, hence called the Dunedain, were also granted long lifespans (400 years or more) as they cultivated and enjoyed this island between Valinor and Middle-earth. They were forbidden to travel west, but otherwise free to explore the seas and lands to the east. So Numenor rose and became mighty for centuries, but it was not to last. For Sauron was at work and determined to bring its downfall. His handiwork would eventually lead to Numenor's destruction, a Last Alliance of men (including Numenoreans who fled the island and founded Gondor) and elves, and the end of the Second Age.
I quite enjoyed this work, and was excited to learn the canon of the Second Age, being as that is the time period addressed in the Rings of Power television show. This is a mixture of material found in Tolkien's other works, including the Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, but it presents the various writings in a chronological fashion with commentary as needed to fill in the gaps. Mildly boring or confusing in places, but excellent overall.
Rating: A-
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