Customer Reviews

J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator

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Wayne Hammond is one of the top Tolkien scholars in the world, and in J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator he and his wife Christina Scull prove why he is so well-regarded. The research and analysis of the many drawings and paintings Tolkien left behind is of the highest quality.

The commentaries on the pictures, the selection of which is the broadest of any publication featuring Tolkien's artwork, provide a clear and thorough explanation of how and when the pictures were created. The context thus provided enables other Tolkien researchers to examine the evolving landscape of Middle-earth as no other source text does.

When fans ask if Tolkien ever envisioned certain things clearly, they need only turn to this book to see that indeed he did. J.R.R. Tolkien was one of the few authors with the talent to actually illusrtrate his own characters and worlds. The experience of seeing all these images in one volume is exhilarating. It's almost like a long lost Tolkien book had been found in some dusty archive.

With the reissue of Tolkien's cover of "The Hobbit" and other original drawings that he did, it seems like an appropriate time to pick up this book. Why? Because for a really complete vision of Tolkien's work (Lord of the Rings, Hobbit, and all the rest) it's probably best to see it as he saw it.

This book contains all the artwork that Tolkien created (NOT all the artwork BASED on his works, just the stuff he did himself!). Some are miscellaneous sketches and doodles, some are watercolors, ink drawings, prints, pencil sketches, and combinations of all of the above. One doodle looks like multicolored snowflakes, some are landscapes or pictures of little houses, teddy bears, owls, and so on. Very cute and cool, especially the illustrations done for "Roverandum."

And many are Middle-Earth related -- different views of the Misty Mountains or the Elvenking's hall, the evolution of what the Shire looked like, different Laketowns, different "Doors of Durin," even drawings of the tattered pages of the Dwarf Book of Moria. Near the end, even Tolkien's design drawings for LOTR book covers are included. And, of course -- MAPS! Maps of Wilderland, as well as the famous map from "Hobbit."

The text accompanying these many pictures carefully dissects all of the drawings and their importance, as well as how they evolved. (It's a bit like looking at concept art) As well as going over only Tolkien's work, Wayne G. Hammond also examines influences on Tolkien's artwork. For example, there is a fairy-tale picture that influenced a "Hobbit" picture, and a scientific drawing of a golden eagle that influenced another "Hobbit" picture with Bilbo.

This is a must-read for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien, a great peek into a great mind. And it emphasizes that Tolkien was not just a brilliant writer, but a brilliant artist as well. Great stuff, definitely a must-see.

This book gives fans of Tolkien and the Middle Earth a look into what Tolkien was envisioning when he wrote his extrodinary works. It also has many drawings from his earlier days. Lots of commentary round out the paintings and drawings. I think it's a must have for the Tolkien fan. It's interesting, after looking through this book, to see just how far some artists have deviated from Tolkiens ideas (not that that's necessarily bad). A good commpanion to this book is "The History of the Lord of the Rings" by his son, Christopher Tolkien. I highly recommend both.

In this book you find a complete review of the drawings of J.R.R. Tolkien himself. From early drawings till the drawings he made for the Hobbit and the LOTR as well as a few doodles and other stuff. Really great is that you can find here explanations to the drawings with quotes and why certain adjustments are made to fit the drawing in the storyline of the book. If you like Tolkiens books and if you like his artwork, this book will certainly please you.

This book features many of Tolkien's ink, watercolor, pencil, and colored pencil works. The detailed descriptions of each drawing include history, explanations, and dates. Quite a few maps are included, as well as illustrations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It is wonderful to see how Tolkien imagined Middle Earth and its inhabitants. The colors he used are very earthy and lovely.

My favorite drawing in this book is "End of the World" done in pencil and colored pencil on a sheet of notebook paper - you can actually see the lines of the paper. It is so simple; yet, the story it tells includes subtle intricacies and complexities similar to those in his writings. I also love the pencil and colored pencil drawing, "The Tree of Amalion," which obviously blooms with the flowers of Tolkien's imagination since they do not resemble traditional flowers. Finally, the hand drawn Christmas cards are beautiful mini-stories with dancing bears and penguins, and Father Christmas making deliveries.

This book is truly exquisite, full of details and surprises for those of us who didn't know Tolkien was an extremely talented artist. It is a worthwhile purchase in my opinion.

J.H. Sweet, author of The Fairy Chronicles

Beautiful book that showcases Tolkien's artistic talent while giving insight into Tolkien's creative process. Be sure to get it in hardcover!

While not close to being a world renowned visual artist in comparison to his writing, having Tolkien's honest, raw artwork celebrated in this book does the man good justice. Not only does this book cover Tolkien's famed cover illustrations for his early prints of The Hobbit, etc, it also showcases early work of his as a child and in-between. It's beautiful insight into his creative well. I used to check this paperback out from my library every week as a child, and was delighted to find it online and finally own it for myself.

A wonderful book for any Tolkien fan, and those wishing to know another creative side of the writer.

J.R.R. Tolkien was a great author (millions of readers can attest to that). His talents, however, weren't confined to the written word. Professor Tolkien was also a proficient artist and illustrator. His illustrations graced the cover of each book of the "Lord of the Rings" (LOTR) trilogy (paperback) in the early 80s -- when I first read the series. I was unaware at the time that the the covers were reproductions of the author's handiwork. The art enhanced my LOTR 'experience' (for me, an '80s teen, Tolkien's books were portals to alternate realities and were not simply good reads). "J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator" does, of course, present the expected, and I daresay obligatory, snapshots of Tolkien's vision of Middle Earth. However, it isn't limited to the vast expanse of that realm. The book also provides insights into what inspired many of his other artistic endeavors and shows many of the fruits of that inspiration. Truth be told, I purchased this book primarily for the eye candy. The commentary is an added bonus -- like a colorful eye candy wrapper imprinted with ingredients. If you like Tolkien, art and escapism, this book is for you.

This book is much better than I thought it would be. Mostly I was curious to see more of Tolkien's art, but the text that goes along with it is wonderful. Christopher Tolkien asked the authors to write this book to showcase his father's art, and they do a wonderful job of describing the pictures, pointing out details that I missed, and putting them in context of when and where and why Tolkien drew them. Several versions of the same pictures are shown so you can see how Tolkien worked through a problem until he found the best final product. Plus the inspirations for some of the pictures are also shown, to show that Tolkien copied others sometimes, but in the end put his own mark on it. By copied, I don't mean plagarized. He drew his eagle from a book of birds to make sure he got it right, or was inspired by other artists particular works. Highly recommended if you are a Tolkien fan. If you are just into art and not a Tolkien fan, then I don't think this will interest you.

Lleno de ilustraciones color, y algunas en blanco y negro. Me gusta porque es lo que Tolkien imaginó para sus obras... eso es lo que lo hace más hermoso. Además demuestra que Tolkien era un alma muy sensible, amante de la naturaleza, y esto se refleja no solo en sus libros sino también en sus dibujos. Me gustaría que estos dibujos estén incluidos en sus obras, no solo los dibujos de otros artistas. Hermoso, hermoso, para todos los admiradores de Tolkien.