J.R.R. Tolkien’s complete artwork for his magisterial novel, published on the sixtieth anniversary of The Lord of the Rings

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 showcasing Tolkien's calligraphy 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included, all of them printed in color from high-quality scans and photographs, with more than half being previously unpublished Tolkien artwork. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, two of the world’s leading Tolkien scholars, have edited this must-have fantasy art book and provide an expert introduction and comments.

This comprehensive collection opens the author’s private sketchbooks, revealing Tolkien’s world as he first imagined it:

• The Author as Illustrator: See the story take shape through rough sketches, detailed drawings, and finished illustrations created as Tolkien wrote his masterpiece.
• A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Witness Tolkien’s creative process with a treasure trove of imagery, including many pieces that illuminate moments of invention not seen in the final text.
• The Evolving Map of Middle-earth: Follow the development of the Shire and the wider world through numerous maps that Tolkien drew to ensure the consistency of his complex legendarium.
• Artifacts from the Legendarium: Examine facsimile leaves from the Book of Mazarbul and intricate inscriptions in runes and Elvish script, supporting Tolkien’s pose as a translator of ancient records.
• Expert Scholarly Commentary: Gain deeper insight from introductions and notes by world-renowned Tolkien scholars Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull.