The Hobbit Sketchbook

This richly illustrated book celebrates in words and pictures the beautiful work that award-winning artist Alan Lee produced for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, and includes dozens of brand-new paintings and pencil drawings exploring the world of Bilbo Baggins. Since The Hobbit was first published in 1937, generations of readers have fallen under its spell. That magic was reignited sixty years later when Alan Lee was commissioned to produce a special illustrated edition, and his delicate pencil drawings and beautiful watercolor paintings have become for many the definitive vision of J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth. In this sumptuous, large-format hardback, Alan Lee reveals in pictures and in words how he created these images, which would prove so powerful, matching perfectly with Tolkien's own vision, that they would eventually define the look of Peter Jackson's film adaptations and earn Alan a coveted Academy Award. The Hobbit Sketchbook is filled with more than 100 of Lee's sketches and early conceptual pieces, which reveal how the project progressed from idea to finished art. It also contains a wealth of brand-new full-color paintings and sketches drawn specially for this book, which unlock the secrets of how Alan creates his own magic and provide a fascinating insight into the imagination of the man who breathed new life into Tolkien's vision.

"In The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook Alan Lee reveals in pictures and in words how he created the watercolor paintings for the special centenary edition of The Lord of the Rings. These images would prove so powerful and evocative that they would eventually define the look of Peter Jackson's movie trilogy and earn him a coveted Academy Award." "The book is filled with more than 150 of his sketches and early conceptual pieces showing how the project progressed from idea to finished art. It also contains a selection of full-page paintings reproduced in full color, together with numerous examples of previously unseen conceptual art produced for the films and many new works drawn specially for this book." "The Lord of the Rings Sketchbook provides an insight into the imagination of the man who painted Tolkien's vision, first on the page and then in three dimensions on the movie screen. It will also be of interest to many of the thousands of people who have bought the illustrated Lord of the Rings as well as to budding artists who want to unlock the secrets of book illustration."--BOOK JACKET.

Let acclaimed Tolkien artist John Howe take you on an unforgettable journey across Middle-earth, from Bag End to Mordor, in this richly illustrated sketchbook fully of previously unseen artwork, anecdotes and meditations on Middle-earth.

This richly illustrated book celebrates in words and pictures the beautiful work that award-winning artist Alan Lee produced for J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit, and includes dozens of brand-new paintings and pencil drawings exploring the world of Bilbo Baggins.

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles II: Creatures and Characters explores the amazing cast of heroes, villains, beasts, and beings that populate Middleearth in the fi rst chapter of Peter Jackson's fi lm adaptations of JRR Tolkien's The Hobbit. Richly illustrated with behind-the-scenes photographs, digital renders, and fi lm stills, this comprehensive book goes species by species and character by character through the fi lm's huge ensemble cast and bustling menagerie of creatures, both physical and digital, and shows how each came to be realized for the fi lm. First-hand accounts from the actors, makeup artists, digital effects specialists, dialect coaches, prosthetics technicians, movement coaches, and many other crew members describe the process and how the production unfolded, while also sharing insights into the characters. A bonus feature, unique to this book, is the special fold-out character size chart, which compares all the major creatures and characters of the fi lm, from Radagast's hedgehog friend to the towering Stone Giants! Compiled by Weta Workshop designer Daniel Falconer and featuring a wealth of stunning imagery, this book puts the reader face-to-face with all the creatures and characters of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, from the Dwarf heroes to the dark denizens of Middle-earth–the Orcs, Goblins, Trolls, and Wargs–and, of course, the hobbit himself, Bilbo Baggins.

"The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated" is a captivating edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's epic fantasy trilogy, featuring "The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers," and "The Return of the King," accompanied by stunning illustrations that bring Middle-earth to life in vivid detail. In "The Fellowship of the Ring," readers are introduced to the peaceful land of the Shire and its unassuming protagonist, Frodo Baggins, who embarks on a perilous quest to destroy the One Ring and save Middle-earth from the dark lord Sauron. Joined by a diverse fellowship of elves, dwarves, men, and hobbits, Frodo and his companions journey through enchanted forests, treacherous mountains, and haunted ruins, facing countless dangers and adversaries along the way. "The Two Towers" continues the saga as Frodo and his loyal friend Samwise Gamgee venture into the heart of enemy territory, while their companions confront their own trials and challenges in the war-torn lands of Rohan and Gondor. As the forces of darkness gather and the fate of Middle-earth hangs in the balance, alliances are forged, battles are fought, and sacrifices are made in the struggle against evil. Finally, in "The Return of the King," the epic climax unfolds as the armies of Middle-earth converge for the ultimate showdown between good and evil. With the fate of the world hanging in the balance, Frodo and Sam must overcome their own inner demons and confront the dark power of the One Ring in the fiery depths of Mount Doom. Illustrated with breathtaking artwork that captures the grandeur and beauty of Tolkien's mythical world, "The Lord of the Rings: Illustrated" is a must-have edition for fans of epic fantasy and literary adventure. With its timeless tale of courage, friendship, and the triumph of good over evil, Tolkien's masterpiece continues to captivate readers of all ages and inspire generations of storytellers.

Analyzes and illuminates Tolkien's lesser-known achievements as an artist and collects the complete artwork created for "The Hobbit, " including over one hundred sketches, paintings, maps, and plans.

Contains five hundred exclusive images, including pencil sketches and conceptual drawings, which helped shape the film "The Fellowship of the Ring."