http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/entertainment/6562757.stmA new book by The Lord of the Rings author JRR Tolkien has gone on sale, 34 years after the writer's death.
The Children of Hurin has been completed by his son Christopher from a series of unfinished manuscripts.
Christopher said the story, set long before the events of the Rings trilogy, represents the last major work by his father about Middle-earth.
The book has been illustrated by Alan Lee, who worked on the movie series and helped launch the book in London.
Tolkien's grandson Adam, who worked as assistant editor on the book, was also at the launch.
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Speaking to BBC Two's Newsnight Adam said the book had a different tone to the Rings trilogy.
He said: "It is definitely a tragic tale. I don't know what people will make of it.
"It takes place in a part of Middle-earth that doesn't exist any more when Lord of the Rings takes place but it is very much Middle-earth, it is very much the same world but it is a more serious tale."
He added: "It's a beautiful tale in itself but it may not strike a chord because people feel there aren't enough hobbits in it - because there aren't any."
/Marcus
