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Searching... Central | Book | NF 709.2 H18J | 1 | Non-fiction Collection | Searching... Unknown | Searching... Unavailable |
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Summary
Summary
J.R.R. Tolkien, renowned author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, was an artist in pictures as well as in words. Though he often remarked that he had no talent for drawing, his art has charmed his readers and has been exhibited to large and appreciative audiences. In fact, his talent was greater than he admitted, and his sense of design was natural and keen. 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 The Father Christmas Letters and 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 & Illustrator includes 200 reproductions, many in color and over half published for the first time.
Reviews (3)
School Library Journal Review
YAA fascinating glimpse into the life of the writer and artist. Over 200 reproductions of Tolkien's paintings, drawings, and sketches fill this engaging title. Basically arranged chronologically into six sections, the book explores the man's early work; visions, myths, and legends; art for children; The Hobbit; "The Lord of the Rings"; and patterns and devices. In a readable style, Hammond and Scull weave their subject's writing career with his love of art. Tolkien's use of inks, washes, watercolors, and pencil is examined. Many previously unpublished illustrations are included and preliminary sketches show how they developed. Excerpted text shows the art within the context of its completed work.John Lawson, Fairfax County Public Library, VA (c) Copyright 2010. Library Journals LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.
Booklist Review
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
Choice Review
Hammond (The Graphic Art of C.B. Falls, 1982, and J.R.R. Tolkien: A Descriptive Bibliography, 1993) and Scull (The Soane Hogarths, 1991, and editor of the small journal The Tolkien Collector, 1992- ) have the credentials for writing this excellent book. More than half of the 200 plates (105 in color) have never been published before. The book surveys far more than Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien, introduction and notes by Christopher Tolkien (1979), which was limited primarily to illustrations related to The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. Here, the first chapter surveys Tolkien's early, more realistic drawings; the second chapter, his early nonrealistic works--though his Middle-earth mythos appears at the end of this chapter. The next chapters address art for children (The Father Christmas Letters, ed. by Baillie Tolkien, CH, Feb'77, and others), The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings (including some unfamiliar early sketches), and patterns and devices (the Elvish heraldry and similar materials). Hammond and Scull point to Tolkien's repeated motifs, to the influence of Art Nouveau, to his successes and failures in some of the more finished pieces. The authors include a good bibliographic listing of primary and secondary materials. Although Pictures is a useful supplement, this book is more basic. Highly recommended for public libraries and undergraduate collections serving Tolkien enthusiasts and for graduate collections tied to children's book illustration, fantasy study, and popular culture. J. R. Christopher; Tarleton State University