A rich art book with full-color content that includes a collection of nearly 200 sketches, drawings, paintings, and maps created by J.R.R. Tolkien for the World of The Lord of the Rings.

As he wrote The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's mental images were often expressed through drawings, from rough sketches made within the manuscript to more complete illustrations. Many of these were not intended for publication but were aids to help Tolkien conceive his complex story and keep it consistent. Many of these do not illustrate the final text but represent moments of creation, illuminating Tolkien's process of writing and designing. In addition to illustrative thoughts, numerous maps track the development of the Shire and the larger landscape of Middle-earth, while inscriptions in rune and elvish script, as well as “facsimile” sheets from the torn and bloodstained Book of Mazarbul, support Tolkien's position as "publisher" or "translator" of ancient texts.

The Art of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien assembles these drawings, inscriptions, maps, and designs into a single volume. Over 180 images are included, all printed in color from high-quality scans and photographs. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, two of the world's leading Tolkien scholars, have edited the book and provide an in-depth introduction and commentary. Readers who have enjoyed The Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien will also find much of interest in The Art of The Lord of the Rings.

Pages: 240, Dimensions: 26.1x26.1cm