J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator

From School Library Journal YA?A fascinating glimpse into the life of the writer and artist. Over 200 reproductions of Tolkien's paintings, drawings, and sketches fill this engaging title. Basically arranged chronologically into six sections, the book explores the man's early work; visions, myths, and legends; art for children; The Hobbit; "The Lord of the Rings"; and patterns and devices. In a readable style, Hammond and Scull weave their subject's writing career with his love of art. Tolkien's use of inks, washes, watercolors, and pencil is examined. Many previously unpublished illustrations are included and preliminary sketches show how they developed. Excerpted text shows the art within the context of its completed work.?John Lawson, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1996 Reed Business Information, Inc. From Booklist Much has been written about Tolkien's work; Carpenter's splendid biography, Tolkien (1977), reveals fascinating insights into the man's life and books. Interestingly however, until now his art has been mostly ignored; Hammond and Scull reverse this oversight in an informative exploration that includes more than 200 reproductions of the drawings, sketches, and paintings Tolkien made from his early childhood through his final years. In a loosely chronological, well-documented text, the authors discuss Tolkien's early work, the "Father Christmas" letters to his children (recently released with facsimile letters), the images made in connection with The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings cycle (which, unlike his stories, received mixed reviews), and his later fascination with decorative patterns and designs. The open and inviting format and the reproductions of his art make this a Tolkien lover's dream, and the insightful text will quickly capture attention as well. Barbara Elleman Wayne G. Hammond is a librarian at the Chapin Library of Rare Books, Williams College, Williamstown, Massachusetts. Read more