There have been numerous books written about The Lord of the Rings over the years, but this new release to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the first ever publication is a little different. Within its textured and tantalising cover there are 240 lavishly printed pages containing all the sketches, drawings and scribblings made by J. R. R. Tolkien during the writing process. Given that, if you’re a fan, you may already own much of what this book contains, at least in some form, the question is why do you need it? Chances are you don’t, but you’re still going to want it.
From the astonishing and intricately thought out detail in the design of the rolling meadows of The Shire to the craggy battlements of Minas Tirith, this is a book that shows how Middle Earth came into being. Rarely has a world been so meticulously created, and the accompanying text details the exchanges between Tolkien and his publisher, and outlines the frustrations felt by the author at what he perceived to be his own limitations. At times this becomes a little long winded and too reference-like, but does offer intriguing peeks into the creation of The Lord of the Rings.
There is no doubt that The Art of the Lord of the Rings is a book any fan will want to own. It is a perfect coffee table book that you will return to time and again. Beautiful throughout and full of interesting content, it is a timeless book that, if nothing else, will make you want to watch Peter Jackson’s films all over again.
THE ART OF THE LORD OF THE RINGS (60TH ANNIVERSARY SLIPCASE) / AUTHOR & ARTIST: J.R.R. TOLKIEN / EDITOR: WAYNE G. HAMMOND, CHRISTINA SCULL / PUBLISHER: HARPERCOLLINS / RELEASE DATE: OUT NOW
