The Art of The Hobbit by J. R. R. Tolkien

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Overview

J.R.R. Tolkien’s complete artwork for The Hobbit, presented for the first time in celebration of the 75th anniversary

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780007440818
Publisher:	HarperCollins Publishers
Publication date:	10/28/2011
Pages:	128
Sales rank:	384,063
Product dimensions:	6.50(w) x 1.50(h) x 9.50(d)

About the Author

J.R.R. TOLKIEN (1892-1973) is the creator of Middle-earth and author of such classic and extraordinary works of fiction as The Hobbit , The Lord of the Rings , and The Silmarillion . His books have been translated into more than fifty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Date of Birth:

January 3, 1892

Date of Death:

September 2, 1973

Place of Birth:

Bloemfontein, Orange Free State (South Africa)

Place of Death:

Oxford, England

Education:

B.A., Exeter College, Oxford University, 1915; M.A., 1919

What People are Saying About This

From the Publisher

“A splendid introduction to Tolkien the artist . . . Editors and experts Hammond and Scull walk through the classic book's publication history, providing context for the over 100 pieces of artwork, some never before published, which the author prepared to accompany his account of Bilbo Baggins's adventures.” – Publishers Weekly

Editorial Reviews

Marking the 75th anniversary of the publication of the beloved classic (and publishing just in time for Peter Jackson's new film), this handsome volume is a splendid introduction to Tolkien the artist, a skill of which many of his fans are ignorant. Editors and experts Hammond and Scull walk through the classic book's publication history, providing context for the over 100 pieces of artwork, some never before published, which the author prepared to accompany his account of Bilbo Baggins's adventures. Somewhat ironically, the authors' introduction quotes 10-year-old Rayner Unwin, whose positive evaluation led his father to publish The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. "his book, with the help of maps, does not need any illustrations," said Unwin; "it is good and should appeal to all children between the ages of five and nine." Nonetheless, Tolkien's more than three decades as an amateur artist made it inevitable that he try his hand at rendering visions of Bag End, Hobbiton, and Rivendell. Varying illustrations of the same scenes provide insight into Tolkien's creative processes. Illus. (Sept.)

Publishers Weekly

A splendid introduction to Tolkien the artist . . . Editors and experts Hammond and Scull walk through the classic book's publication history, providing context for the over 100 pieces of artwork, some never before published, which the author prepared to accompany his account of Bilbo Baggins's adventures.” – Publishers Weekly

From the Publisher