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. 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 the world over. In fact, his talent was far more than he admitted to, and he possessed a keen and natural sense of design.

'J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator' explores Tolkien’s art at length, form 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, his expressive calligraphy, his love of decoration, and his contributions to the typography and design of his books.

With 200 reproductions, many in full colour, this lavishly-produced book offers a perfect opportunity for anyone wishing to discover a largely unexplored aspect of J.R.R. Tolkien’s character.

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.