The Silmarillian is a work completed and published posthumously by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It is the bible of Middle Earth and contains a much abbreviated taste of several other tales and books of Middle Earth, including: The Children of Hurin and The Lord of The Rings. This is where you'll find the legend of Beren Erchamion and Lúthien Tinúviel, family trees, and the relationships of the free peoples of Middle Earth. It begins at the beginning of the birth of Middle Earth, Elves, Dwarves, and Men, of good and of evil. Must reading for the Tolkien scholar, informative reading for the Tolkien fan, and entertaining reading for the passive listener.