J. R. R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator - Softcover

Hammond, Wayne G.; Scull, Christina

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0261103601 ISBN 13: 9780261103603

Publisher: HarperCollins, 1998

Synopsis

A lavishly-illustrated study of Tolkien's paintings and drawings, set in the context of his writings.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. In fact, for him the two were closely linked, and in his paintings and drawings he displayed remarkable powers of invention that equalled his gift for words. His books have been read by many thousands; most of his art, however, has only been seen by a few.This book 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 (notably in his `Father Christmas' letters and for the story Mr. Bliss), his expressive calligraphy, his love of decoration, and his contributions to the typography and design of his books.J.R.R. Tolkien, Artist and Illustrator contains 200 reproductions, over half of which are in colour and many published for the first time.

About this title

About the Author

Wayne G Hammond is a librarian at the Chapin Library of Rare Books at Williams College Massachusetts. He is the author of The Graphic Art of C.B. Falls (1892), J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography (1993), and regular notes on Tolkien in the journal Mythlore.Christina Scull is the former librarian of Sir John Soane's Museum, London. She is the author of The Soane Hogarths (1991), edits the journal The Tolkien Collector, and frequently writes and speaks about Tolkien.Together, Wayne and Christina have written the two-volume J.R.R. TOLKIEN COMPANION & GUIDE and edited Tolkien's ROVERANDOM and FARMER GILES OF HAM 50th anniversary edition.

From Booklist

Much has been written about Tolkien's work; Carpenter's splendid biography, Tolkien (1977), reveals fascinating insights into the man's life and books. Interestingly however, until now his art has been mostly ignored; Hammond and Scull reverse this oversight in an informative exploration that includes more than 200 reproductions of the drawings, sketches, and paintings Tolkien made from his early childhood through his final years. In a loosely chronological, well-documented text, the authors discuss Tolkien's early work, the "Father Christmas" letters to his children (recently released with facsimile letters), the images made in connection with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings cycle (which, unlike his stories, received mixed reviews), and his later fascination with decorative patterns and designs. The open and inviting format and the reproductions of his art make this a Tolkien lover's dream, and the insightful text will quickly capture attention as well. Barbara Elleman

About this edition

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 1998
• ISBN 10: 0261103601
• ISBN 13: 9780261103603
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 208