Customer Reviews

Tolkien: The Lord of the Rings Calendar 2007

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This calendar is the first in three years not to use J.R.R. Tolkien's own illustrations. While Tolkien's works have their own special charm, Alan Lee's efforts for this calendar are praiseworthy in their own right.

The calendar is beautifully designed, with color illustrations for each month set off by separate charcoal and graphite sketches, some of which extend into, but do not obscure, the actual calendar grid. Additionally there is a quote from The Lord of the Rings, written in the same charcoal or graphite, to accompany the color illustration. The center illustration consists of more of these black and white drawings, including a sketch of Galadriel carrying water to her Mirror. The calendar notes important dates in our world, including the anniversaries of the publications of Tolkien's own works.

Some of the color illustrations are identical to or only slight variations of paintings Lee did for the one volume Lord of the Rings published about 15 years ago, while others are completely new. Among the best of the new works is an impressive view of Weathertop and the East Road, emphasizing the loneliness of the area. I also liked a lovely depiction of Rivendell and a suitably treeish portrait of Treebeard with Merry and Pippin. Nearly all of the illustrations are rendered in very pale colors with a misty effect. The brightest colors are in a painting of Mount Doom, showing the volcano in the midst of eruption after the destruction of the Ring.

Fans of Peter Jackson's movies will recognize many of the scenes shown here, which is to be expected as Lee was one of the artists who helped plan the films and design the sets.

This is a very fine calendar which all lovers of Middle earth will enjoy throughout the year.

Yes I have. Usually I find them at the bookstore or somewhere. This year I couldn't find them anywhere here in town. I looked and looked. Finally I went to Amazon and they had not one but I think three. So I picked what I considered the best one (it had Alan Lee's drawings) and got it in just a few days. It is hanging right here by my desk. Thank you

This is a great calendar, the work in this calendar is a combination of the main images being full color and complemented on the borders and other places with drawing and sketches. It's a pleasure to look at and it goes well in the office or your house. I gave it 5 stars because there isn't a detail that I don't like about the calendar.

The art work is fantastic. I use the calender at work and I like to look at good art and things I am interested in and this calender fills that slot.