J. R. R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator, by Wayne G.
Hammond and Christina Scull. (1995)
“J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) renowned author of THE HOBBIT,
THE LORD OF THE RINGS and THE SILMARILLION, was an artist in pictures as well
as in words. Though he often remarked that he had no talent for drawing, his
art has charmed his readers and has been exhibited to large and appreciative
audiences the world over. In fact, his talent was far more than he admitted,
and his sense of design was natural and keen. J.R.R. TOLKIEN: ARTIST &
ILLUSTRATOR explores Tolkien's art at length, from his childhood paintings and
drawings to his final sketches. At its heart are his illustrations for his
books, especially his tales of Middle-earth. Also examined are the pictures
Tolkien made for his children, his expressive calligraphy, his love of
decoration, and his contributions to the typography and design of his books.
With 200 reproductions, many in full colour, this lavishly-produced book offers
a perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to discover a largely unexplored
aspect of J.R.R. Tolkien's character.” Amazon. I think I remember the first
time I saw a picture by Tolkien (if you exclude the jacket cover): I opened up
‘The Hobbit’ to the picture of the Elven-King’s Gate. I have seen that picture
at least once in my dreams. Drawn in under the mountain into an enchanted realm.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art/Illustration. Biography. Hardback.
The Art of The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien, Edited by Wayne G.
Hammond and Christina Scull. (2011)
“J.R.R. Tolkien’s complete artwork for The Hobbit,
presented for the first time in this edition. When J.R.R. Tolkien wrote The
Hobbit, he was already an accomplished amateur artist, and drew
illustrations for his book while it was still in manuscript. The Hobbit as
first printed had ten black-and-white pictures, two maps, and binding and dust
jacket designs by its author. Later, Tolkien also painted five scenes for color
plates, which comprise some of his best work. His illustrations for The
Hobbit add an extra dimension to that remarkable book and have long
influenced how readers imagine Bilbo Baggins and his world. Written and edited
by leading Tolkien experts Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, The
Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien showcases the complete artwork
created by the author for his story—including related pictures, more than one
hundred sketches, drawings, paintings, maps, and plans. Some of these images
are published here for the first time, others for the first time in color,
allowing Tolkien’s Hobbit pictures to be seen completely and
more vividly than ever before.” – Amazon.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art/Illustration. Literary
History. Hardback.
The Art of ‘The Lord of the Rings’ by J. R. R. Tolkien,
edited by Wayne G. Hammond & Christina Scull. (2015)
“As he wrote The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R.
Tolkien’s mental pictures often found expression in drawing, from rough
sketches made within the manuscript to more finished illustrations. Only a few
of these were meant for publication; most were aids to help Tolkien conceive
his complex story and keep it consistent. Many do not illustrate the final
text, but represent moments of creation, illuminating Tolkien’s process of
writing and design. In addition to pictorial sketches, numerous maps follow the
development of the Shire and the larger landscape of Middle-earth, while
inscriptions in runes and Elvish script, and "facsimile" leaves from
the burned and blood-stained Book of Mazarbul, support Tolkien’s pose as an
"editor" or "translator" of ancient records. The Art of
The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien collects these drawings,
inscriptions, maps, and plans in one deluxe volume. More than 180 images are
included, all of them printed in color from high-quality scans and photographs,
more than half not previously published. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull,
two of the world’s leading Tolkien scholars, have edited the book and provide
an expert introduction and comments.” – Amazon.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art/Illustration. Literary History. Hardback.
Pictures, by J. R. R. Tolkien. (1979)
Tolkien was a gifted artist who provided a very clear version
of his image of Middle Earth. This volume gathers together all the picture
(paintings, drawings, designs) by Tolkien which were published in a series of
six Calendars from 1973 to 1979, with a gap in 1975. Here, you'll find
Tolkien’s vision of the Hill in Hobbiton-across-the-water; the Trolls; the
three trolls turned to stone; Rivendell looking west; Rivendell looking east;
Rivendell (as it appeared in several published versions of the books); the
mountain path; the Misty Mountain looking West from the Eyrie towards Goblin
Gate; Bilbo woke with the early sun in his eyes (with the Eagles); Beorn's
Hall; the Elvenking's gate (two versions); Bilbo comes to the huts of the
Raft-elves (two versions); Lake Town; the Front Gate; Conversation with Smaug;
Smaug flies round the mountain; the death of Smaug; the Hall at Bag End,
residence of B. Baggins Esquire; Old Man Willow; Doors of Durin and Moria Gate;
Leaves from the Book of Mazarbul; Moria Gate (the steps to the East Gate); the
Forest of Lothlorien in Spring; Helm's Deep and the Hornberg; Orthanc and Minas
Tirith; Shelob's Lair; Dunharrow; Orodruin and Barad-dur; Taniquetil; Lake
Mithrim; Nargothrond (I & II); Gondolin and the Vale of Tumladen;; Tol
Sirion; Mirkwood and Beleg finds Gwindor in Taur-nu-Fuin (entitled Fangorn
Forest);; Glaurung sets forth to seek Turin; Polar Bear had fallen from top to
botton onto his nose; Three Dragons; [Three] Trees; Flowering Trees with
Friezes; Patterns (I) [on newsprint]; Patterns (II); Floral Designs; Numenorean
Tiles and Textiles; Heraldic Devices [a collection of 16); Elvish Script (3
samples).” - Amazon. After that
exhaustive catalogue, what can I say? I find that it is within this thin but
nearly 14 by 13 inch square slip-cased book (with large reproductions for
minute examination) that I have also secured the Hildebrandt poster from ‘The
Tolkien Years’ and the poster of the Rankin/Bass Bilbo from ‘The Weekly
Reader.’ John had (has?) a copy of this book too.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art. Fantasy. Hardback.
The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook, by Alan Lee. (2005)
“Alan Lee, the Oscar-winning conceptual designer for the Lord
of the Rings movie trilogy, discusses his approach to depicting Tolkien’s
imaginary world. The book presents more than 150 of Lee’s celebrated
illustrations to show how his imagery for both the illustrated Lord of the
Rings and the films progressed from concept to finished art. In addition, the
book contains 20 full-color plates and numerous examples of the conceptual art
produced for Peter Jackson’s film adaptation.” – Amazon. There is a companion
book, The Hobbit Sketchbook, that I don’t have.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art. Fantasy. Hardback.
A Middle-Earth Album: Paintings by Joan Wyatt (Inspired by J.
R. R. Tolkien’s ‘The Lord of the Rings). (1979)
“Introduction and Commentaries by Jessica Yates, Secretary of
The Tolkien Society in Great Britain.” A classic interpretation of Middle-Earth
from when Tolkien iconography was still a little thin on the ground. Famous for
‘the Nazgul turning into chili’ picture of the destruction at Mount Doom.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art. Album. Middle-Earth. Softcover.
Tolkien’s World: Paintings of Middle-earth, MJF Books. (1992)
“Middle-earth, the world created by J.R.R. Tolkien in
"The Hobbit", "The Lord of the Rings" and "The
Silmarillion", has been an inspiration for generations of artists. This
book includes paintings by artists from all over the world, both famous and
unknown, including Alan Lee, John Howe, Ted Nasmith, Inger Edelfeldt, Michael
Hague and Roger Garland. Each of the pictures is accompanied by a page of text
from the relevant passage in Tolkien's fiction.” – Amazon. After the Peter
Jackson movies, illustration for Tolkien’s work proliferated exponentially,
especially on the internet. But it was, unfortunately, now inevitably tinctured
by the films’ imagery. Here are images and interpretations that are more
personal visions. Gathers quite a bit from early Tolkien calendars.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art. Fantasy. Hardback.
Realms of Tolkien: Images of Middle-Earth, Harper Prism
(1996)
“Following the success of Tolkien's World, this
new collection of shining illustrations inspired by the work of J.R.R. Tolkien is
as beautiful and unique as its predecessor. This breathtaking four-color volume
is designed in a deluxe, oversized format, and includes paintings from a
diverse group of international artists. Each picture is accompanied by text
from the relevant passage in Tolkien's fiction as well as a personal statement
by the artist about the inspiration and influence J.R.R. Tolkien has had on
their work. Includes works by an eclectic group of artists, both famous and
up-and-coming, including Alan Lee, Ted Nasmith, John Howe, and Inger Edelfelt.”
– Amazon.
Ranking: Essential.
File Code: Art. Fantasy. Hardback.
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