Ship, my ship! I seek the west,and fields and mountains ever blest. Farewell to Middle-earth at last,I see the Star above your mast!! Bilbo's Last Song is a poem written by Bilbo, hero adventurer of The Hobbit, before he leaves Middle Earth to take a ship to the Undying Lands beyond the sunset at the end of The Lord of the Rings. Pauline Baynes magical, jewel-like illustrations depict the journey that brings the ring bearers and the company of elves to The Grey Havens and the ship that is waiting to take them on their final journey. Running concurrently is a series of vignettes showing scenes from The Hobbit; so Bilbo remembers his first journey as he contemplates his last. A friend of the author's for many years, Pauline Baynes has included several of Tolkien's own ideas in her portrayal of the characters and scenes. The Lord of the Rings, the book of the 20th Century has been acclaimed as the motion picture event of the 21st Century - a groundbreaking epic of good versus evil, extraordinary heroes, wondrous creatures and dark armies of terror. The extraordinary success of this film has brought Tolkien and his world to the forefront of public consciousness worldwide.
Bilbo's Last Song
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Considered to be Bilbo Baggins' epilogue to The Lord of the Rings sequence, Bilbo's Last Song is his short but beautiful farewell poem to Middle-Earth. The lyrical text in this new gift edition is accompanied by some stunningly detailed colour illustrations by Pauline Baynes that are worth the cover price alone. Baynes, who famously illustrated CS Lewis'sNarnia Chronicles, was much admired by Tolkien as well as a good friend of his.
Bilbo Baggins, the famous Hobbit adventurer, composed his last song after arriving at Grey Havens to board the White Ship on its journey west. He reflects on the leaving of Middle-Earth and the voyage that would take him to the Undying Lands at the end of the sunset. Like Elrond, he had indicated to Frodo that his thoughts were turning towards departure.
There are extensive notes contained within about Baynes' illustrations, which depict two journeys. The larger ones depict the journey that brings the ring-bearers and the company of elves to the Grey Havens and the beginning of the final voyage. Another sequence of smaller vignettes show scenes from The Hobbit as Bilbo remembers his first journey on the eve of his last.
Interestingly, the copyright of Bilbo's Last Song was a gift from Tolkien to a young woman seconded from his publisher in the 1970s to help him with his correspondence--which was vast. He used to joke that if ever a diamond bracelet fell out of an envelope it would be hers. Once, when she was helping him pack up his office before he moved house, Bilbo's Last Song fell out of a book and she loved it so much that Tolkien said it could be her diamond bracelet. It was never published in his lifetime.
Suitable for readers aged 10 and over, this is a stunningly beautiful book that collectors will treasure. --John McLay
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"A must for all fans of Tolkien's vast, epic fantasy" --"Publishers Weekly"
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
42 of 44 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
Having only recently read the poem on a website, I became incresingly aware of its intense emotion and beauty. I found myself re-reading it again and again, I must say I really fell in love with it. When I found this book for sale at Amazon I was initially afraid that it might be a disappointment. Now that it has just recently arrived, I find that it has become preciouss to me... Pauline Baynes' drawings are just wonderful, suitable for a child or an adult in the same way as "The Hobbit" itself fits both audiences. The hardcover is beautifully decorated and comes covered with a perfectly identical removable softcover. On each odd page you get a bit of the poem, while each even page is illustrated with a large drawing relating to Bilbo's departure from Middle-Earth. On the bottom of every page there is also a small illustration from "The Hobbit" which, as a set, roughly depict the main passages of J.R.R. Tolkien's wonderful book.
In the end, I must say that this book truly conveys part of the emotion of "The Lord of The Rings" and "The Hobbit", so it should appeal to anyone who's already a lover of these books.
In the end, I must say that this book truly conveys part of the emotion of "The Lord of The Rings" and "The Hobbit", so it should appeal to anyone who's already a lover of these books.
13 of 14 people found the following review helpful
By Cuivienna
Format:Hardcover
There is a risk, if you have Peter Jackson's epic as your visualisation of Middle-earth, that you might find Ms Baynes' illustrations too primitive; they are the sort you might find in a childrens book. I found them enchanting. The 24 line poem is spread throughout the book with illustrations of Bilbo's last journey with the Elves, meeting Frodo and Sam, then on to the Grey Havens and the Blessed Realm. Illustrations from The Hobbit sit in cameo,like a memory, on each page. In this way, the pictures mingle with the poem and become part of it; the journey experienced as the poem forms and the memory of Bilbo's finest hour. It's almost as if you're inside Bilbo's mind as he journeys to leave Middle-earth forever. This is a great book to give to a Tolkien fan, and to any child who has read The Hobbit, or had it read to them.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Erebor
Format:Hardcover
If you have read Hobbit and LOTR, this might be a bit of a surprise. Bilbo's farewell to Middle-earth as a short poem with illustrations from Tolkien's favourite illustrator Paulinen Baynes. The perfect little gift for Tolkien fans of all ages.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By Lucinda
Format:Kindle Edition|Amazon Verified Purchase
This exquisitely beautiful book is a real treasure, with such wonderful full-color illustrations by Pauline Baynes and sparkling silver lettering on the cover. Bilbo's Last Song is considered to be Tolkien's epilogue to his classic work `the Lord of the Rings' and closure on Bilbo's story. The jewel-like paintings by Pauline Baynes (Tolkien's favorite illustrator of his works), within this book tell two stories simultaneously ~ with the larger illustrations depicting the journey that brings the Ring-bearers and the company of Elves to the Grey Havens and the beginning of the final voyage across the sea. Running concurrently is a sequence of vignettes showing scenes from `The Hobbit' so Bilbo remembers his first journey, as he prepares for his last. This is an enchanting, supremely magical book filled with lyrical prose and fantastical adventure.
Bilbo Baggins, famous Hobbit adventurer and savior of the One Ring, arrives at the Grey Havens at the end of the Third Age to board the White Ship on its journey West. It is here that he composes his last song, reflecting on the leaving of Middle-Earth and the voyage that will take him to the Undying Lands at the end of the sunset. (This representation of JRR Tolkien's ideals on death and/ or immortality is pleasantly harmonius and it is nice that you are left in the unknown). Poignant and lyrical, the song is both a longing to set forth on his ultimate journey and a tender farewell to his friends left behind.
"Farewell friends! The sails are set, the wind is east, the moorings fret..."
Bilbo's last song is a must for all fans of Tolkien's vast, epic fantasy as it offers closure to one of the most significant character's stories.... Read more ›
Bilbo Baggins, famous Hobbit adventurer and savior of the One Ring, arrives at the Grey Havens at the end of the Third Age to board the White Ship on its journey West. It is here that he composes his last song, reflecting on the leaving of Middle-Earth and the voyage that will take him to the Undying Lands at the end of the sunset. (This representation of JRR Tolkien's ideals on death and/ or immortality is pleasantly harmonius and it is nice that you are left in the unknown). Poignant and lyrical, the song is both a longing to set forth on his ultimate journey and a tender farewell to his friends left behind.
"Farewell friends! The sails are set, the wind is east, the moorings fret..."
Bilbo's last song is a must for all fans of Tolkien's vast, epic fantasy as it offers closure to one of the most significant character's stories.... Read more ›
By Shell
Format:Hardcover
I didn't know what this was - I ordered it for my son. It's lovely though a bit pricy. its not really his thing
By JRS
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
This is for the Tolkien fans. The illustrations are beautiful, but the poem is very short. I read it within no time.
By Pentaur
Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase
Tolkien, J.R.R. (2012), Bilbo's Last Song, illustrated by Pauline Baynes, London/Uxbridge: Red Fox (= a Random House subsidiary). ISBN 978-0-099-43975-2.
This is a complex document. At the heart is a poem, originally drafted in the 1920s and given to Joy Hill in 1970. Shortly after Tolkien's death it was published in poster form, and also set to music by Donald Swann. The text has gone through three editions since then (1990, 2002, 2012), all illustrated by Pauline Baynes in her faux-Luttrell style. The present edition coincides with the première of the Hobbit. The volume contains Tolkien's poem, Bilbo's Last Song (at the Grey Havens), Baynes' illustrations, a biographical note on Tolkien and `Notes on the Pictures' probably by Baynes.
The pictures form two groups: 13 large pictures, which illustrate Bilbo's final journey, and 26 small pictures, placed at the foot of the page, which follow the original narrative of The Hobbit. This gives the work a double focus. The original poem bids farewell to Middle Earth, saying `Farewell, friends'. In a sense it is Tolkien's own farewell. He imagines Bilbo at the Grey Havens, awaiting the departure of the Last Boat, as in the final chapter of The Return of the King. Bilbo's hopes appear to mirror Frodo's thoughts on the voyage: `And the ship went out into the High Sea, and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water.'
The Baynes pictures add a retrospective note. They tell us of Bilbo's recollections of his old journey `There and back again', while at the same time they follow his movements from Rivendell, where he lives in retirement among the Elves, first to the Grey Havens, where the elves are met by Cirdan (ill.... Read more ›
This is a complex document. At the heart is a poem, originally drafted in the 1920s and given to Joy Hill in 1970. Shortly after Tolkien's death it was published in poster form, and also set to music by Donald Swann. The text has gone through three editions since then (1990, 2002, 2012), all illustrated by Pauline Baynes in her faux-Luttrell style. The present edition coincides with the première of the Hobbit. The volume contains Tolkien's poem, Bilbo's Last Song (at the Grey Havens), Baynes' illustrations, a biographical note on Tolkien and `Notes on the Pictures' probably by Baynes.
The pictures form two groups: 13 large pictures, which illustrate Bilbo's final journey, and 26 small pictures, placed at the foot of the page, which follow the original narrative of The Hobbit. This gives the work a double focus. The original poem bids farewell to Middle Earth, saying `Farewell, friends'. In a sense it is Tolkien's own farewell. He imagines Bilbo at the Grey Havens, awaiting the departure of the Last Boat, as in the final chapter of The Return of the King. Bilbo's hopes appear to mirror Frodo's thoughts on the voyage: `And the ship went out into the High Sea, and passed on into the West, until at last on a night of rain Frodo smelled a sweet fragrance on the air and heard the sound of singing that came over the water.'
The Baynes pictures add a retrospective note. They tell us of Bilbo's recollections of his old journey `There and back again', while at the same time they follow his movements from Rivendell, where he lives in retirement among the Elves, first to the Grey Havens, where the elves are met by Cirdan (ill.... Read more ›
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
5.0 out of 5 stars
So cute!
Such a cute book! Has little pictures showing things that happen in the actual book :) beautiful pictures aswell! buy it!!!
Published 3 months ago by TammyRae
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful
Having recently been to see the Hobbit I was looking for copy of the book to buy for my son and came across this whilst browsing. Read more
Published 4 months ago by Soothing Sole
5.0 out of 5 stars
A standard.
Love the Hobbit or Lord of the Rings? You will love this, too. Illustrations brilliant by Pauline Baynes. A good book as a present for all ages.
Published 4 months ago by evelync
3.0 out of 5 stars
ok
making people write long reviews on ggod they receive is in my opinion expecting a lot. surely just a simple word comment is enough??
Published 4 months ago by Ms. Julie A. Renyard
5.0 out of 5 stars
Wow
An amazing book and well worth the price. I highly recommend this book. I also have a first of this :>)
Published 4 months ago by JCNJ
5.0 out of 5 stars
bilbos last song
for all follower,s of tolkiens books this is a must. the illustrations are superb.the whole concept of the book is beautifully
laid out
laid out
Published 5 months ago by mr john mcgrath
5.0 out of 5 stars
Middle Earth ..........Yet again
A small but unusual gift as part of a Christmas present for an avid fan and collector of this particular Saga`s memerobilia,and was well received.
Published 5 months ago by Bulgaria
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beautiful illustrations
Beautiful colour illustrations by the late Pauline Baynes. Looks great on Kindle fire HD. A perfect gift book for Hobbit fans.
Published 5 months ago by Jill Sawyer
5.0 out of 5 stars
Bilbo's Last Song
This was a present for someone, so I haven't read it personally,but the person was very pleased with the book.
It was exactly what he wanted. Thank you.
It was exactly what he wanted. Thank you.
Published 5 months ago by val
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