The poem is accompanied by three scholarly essays by Christopher Tolkien, one of which draws tantalizing links between The Fall of Arthur and The Silmarillion.

This new Tolkien book is available in both hardback and deluxe slipcased edition for collectors.

This is the first new book by J.R.R. Tolkien since the internationally bestselling The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún in 2009. And The Fall of Arthur is the world first publication of a previously unknown work by J.R.R. Tolkien, which tells the extraordinary story of the final days of England’s legendary hero, King Arthur. Somehow I have the feeling the publication came and went, without the well-deserved attention the book should have got.

My question is, have you already read The Fall of Arthur and if so what did you think of the book? The Fall of Arthur may be found to have much to recommend it by those who make the effort to actually read it.

The Fall of Arthur, begun by J.R.R. Tolkien just a few years before The Hobbit, was inspired by tales of the iconic British hero contained within the work of Geoffrey of Monmouth, Thomas Malory and other English poets, but depicts drama and adventure in language only Tolkien could have written.

It comprises a work of narrative verse telling of the last days of the King, and has been edited by Christopher Tolkien, who also provides detailed commentary and notes.

To my opinion the poem is excellent, however sadly rather short and left unfinished. On the other hand it shows us once again how brilliant J.R.R. Tolkien was and when read out loud this poem can really take you along and bring you to the old halls where verses like these would have been told.

This edition nicely matches the other deluxe editions in the same style and sits nicely next to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, The Children of Hurin, Tales from the Perilous Realms and Children of Hurin. However somehow I believe this book is not going to end up being a major best seller like the previous books and has been published for a much smaller and select audience. It is my hope that many will give the book a chance and read it. The poem is just spectacular and the essays by Christopher Tolkien are very informative.

I have to admit that sometimes the essays are hard to read and there is probably no other author who manages to write longer sentences, which does not improve on reading them. But clearly Christopher Tolkien feels like a fish in the water and shows clear mastery of the subject.

The publishers don't hide the fact that the poem is way too short and obviously unfinished but once you finish the whole book (I admit I also needed some re-reading) and let it all sink in you understand that this is indeed one of Tolkien's best works and a must read. So will you pick up a copy and read it? If you already did, what did you find of it?