some text. I suppose it is incredibly obvious that it is more for viewing…an understatement. It is for gazing, contemplating, studying, and indulging the visual sense and memories.
- Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien
- Illustrations selected and annotated by Christopher Tolkien
- Illustrator: J.R.R. Tolkien
- First Published: January 1, 1979
- My edition: November 16, 2021 by William Morrow
I was gifted this beautiful book for Christmas a few years back by my daughter. I thumbed through it briefly, thought it was cool, and then put it away. I recently picked it up again, and after another short perusal realized it was worthy of more dedicated study.
I’ve seen many of the pictures before, though not all, and never with informed annotations such as those provided by Christopher Tolkien.
Professor Tolkien stated that he had no talent for drawing, but this book is evidence to the contrary. The selections are primarily from The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion. But there are a handful from lesser works such as The Father Christmas Letters, Leaf by Niggle, or just from the volumes of notes and drawings that were not part of published volumes. Many also appeared in Tolkien Calanders over the years.
Many of the pictures are expansive and intricate, and some contain tiny figures that are easily missed. I do not have permission to post the artwork here, but if you can find the picture titled Fangorn Forsest and look closely you may find Merry and Pippin…though Christopher Tolkien suggests they are actually Beleg and Gwindor in Taur-nu-Fuin.
There are professional artists who have illustrated Tolkien: Barbara Remington my personal favortie (see HERE). Professor Tolkien's standing as an amateur is evident by contrast, but it is also the greatest charm of this book...the glimpse it gives of his obsessive love for the worlds he built.
The term “must have” is probably over used, but if you have a Tolkien fan on your Christmas list, here’s a great gift idea.
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