• The Art of the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien
1 1

William Morrow & Company

The Art of the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Art of the Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien

$ 45.00 USD
$ 45.00 USD
$ 45.00 item
Sale Sold out
Free Shipping for Orders Over $109.99

J.R.R. Tolkien's complete artwork for his magisterial novel, published on the sixtieth anniversary of The Lord of the Rings

As he wrote The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien's mental pictures often found expression in drawing, from rough sketches made within the manuscript to more finished illustrations. Only a few of these were meant for publication; most were aids to help Tolkien conceive his complex story and keep it consistent. Many do not illustrate the final text, but represent moments of creation, illuminating Tolkien's process of writing and design. In addition to pictorial sketches, numerous maps follow the development of the Shire and the larger landscape of Middle-earth, while inscriptions showcasing Tolkien's calligraphy in runes and Elvish script, and "facsimile" leaves from the burned and blood-stained Book of Mazarbul, support Tolkien's pose as an "editor" or "translator" of ancient records.

The Art of The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien collects these drawings, inscriptions, maps, and plans in one deluxe volume. More than 180 images are included, all of them printed in color from high-quality scans and photographs, with more than half being previously unpublished Tolkien artwork. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, two of the world's leading Tolkien scholars, have edited this must-have fantasy art book and provide an expert introduction and comments.

This comprehensive collection opens the author's private sketchbooks, revealing Tolkien's world as he first imagined it:

  • The Author as Illustrator: See the story take shape through rough sketches, detailed drawings, and finished illustrations created as Tolkien wrote his masterpiece.
  • A Behind-the-Scenes Look: Witness Tolkien's creative process with a treasure trove of imagery, including many pieces that illuminate moments of invention not seen in the final text.
  • The Evolving Map of Middle-earth: Follow the development of the Shire and the wider world through numerous maps that Tolkien drew to ensure the consistency of his complex legendarium.
  • Artifacts from the Legendarium: Examine facsimile leaves from the Book of Mazarbul and intricate inscriptions in runes and Elvish script, supporting Tolkien's pose as a translator of ancient records.
  • Expert Scholarly Commentary: Gain deeper insight from introductions and notes by world-renowned Tolkien scholars Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull.
View full details

Customer Reviews

Overall rating: 4.9 / 5 from 101 reviews.

Customer photo review of Bunnicula Unisex T-Shirt

My second graders loved it!

Erica C. 5/5 Verified

Bunnicula Unisex T-Shirt

Store owner replied: Ohhh this makes us so happy! Can we use your pic?

Customer photo review of Outlander Nine Books - By Diana Gabaldon - Trade Paperback

I am so happy with my purchase. I received my books early and I’m perfect condition! I am so happy to have found a privately owned company that I can feel proud of buying from.

Alyssa A. 5/5 Verified

Outlander Nine Books - By Diana Gabaldon - Trade Paperback

Store owner replied: Ohhh that looks amazing! Thank you so very much for taking the time to leave a review. We’re so privileged to be able to sell books 📖 and gifts 🎁to thoughtful customers. The Reading Spa appreciates each customer, in person and online, your feedback and suggestions matter to us! We have a lovely working atmosphere of a small group of tight knit friends and family and making you happy makes us happy, truly 🎁📖💝

Customer photo review of Stormlight Archives HC Box Set 1-4: The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive)

I’m so unbelievably stoked and happy about both sets the Mistborn and the Storm Light archives hardback books that I got from the reading spa. I just randomly fell across the reading spa in searching for these quality of books and the reading spa has far surpassed my expectations. I am really excited to continue to fill my library with hardcover books from the reading spa for years to come. Great prices, the books are an amazing shape and a brand new and they shipped them to you quickly. Thank you again for being a place I can count on for good quality, hardcover books.!

Michael L. 5/5 Verified

Stormlight Archives HC Box Set 1-4: The Way of Kings, Words of Radiance, Oathbringer, Rhythm of War (The Stormlight Archive)

Store owner replied: Ohhhh that looks amazing! Thank you so much much for taking the time to post it. If you don't find what you are looking for in our store, just write to us–via contact page or the chat on the landing page–and we will find and list any set you want. We are adding sets daily! Thanks again, we are stoked that you are our customer.

Adorable and durable bag! First time ordering from The Reading Spa. Great experience all around! Fast shipping too.

Anna S. 5/5 Verified

Pete the Cat Tote Bag

what a sweet little puzzle!

Andrea M H. 5/5 Verified

The Gardener MINI

I didn't know these books existed so I had to have them for my Wizard of Oz book collection.

Toni A. 5/5 Verified

Wicked Years Series 4 Books Collection Set: Wicked, Son of a Witch, A Lion Among Men & Out of Oz - Gregory Maguire

Store owner replied: Hi Toni! We aim to find special collections! So glad you found us. These are published by a friend who owns a large company abroad! His books are lovely:-) They also have a paperback version I believe... So happy you are happy!

My experience with The Reading Spa was nothing but pleasurable. I ordered the Avatar book set as a gift for my partners birthday. I sent en email to check on shipping and arrival time to see if they could send it out before his birthday. They got back to me right away, said they would send it out as soon as they could, and were very friendly to converse with. There was one book missing that they addressed in our email exchange that hadn’t arrived for them yet. They took the time to send what was there so I could present the gift, and as soon as the other book arrived for them they sent it out immediately. I was able to present my gift on time, and my partner was so thrilled with it all thanks to them. I couldn’t recommend this place more!

Ariana S. 5/5 Verified

Avatar: The Last Airbender Complete Series Collection Set - 23 books - paperback