I have read Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit at least twice now, and always wanted more information on the background to Tolkien's world and the history he established to make Middle-Earth feel so realistic, and alive. This fills in much of what I wished o know, and makes the experience of traversing Middle-Earth (In the Lord of the Rings or The Hobbit) richer and deeper. The Silmarillion gives new meaning and understanding to the reader, and to the events that take place in their stories by relating to you the history of ages before. A must read for any true Tolkien fan.