J.R.R. Tolkiens 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. Tolkiens 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 Tolkiens process of writing and design. In addition to pictorial sketches numerous maps follow the development of the Shire and the larger landscape of Middleearth while inscriptions in runes and Elvish script and facsimile leaves from the burned and bloodstained Book of Mazarbul support Tolkiens 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 highquality scans and photographs more than half not previously published. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull two of the worlds leading Tolkien scholars have edited the book and provide an expert introduction and comments. show more