J.R.R. Tolkien, Christina Scull, Wayne G. Hammond

J. R. R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator is a posthumously published 1995 collection that delves into the visual artistic output of the renowned author. Despite Tolkien's own self-deprecation regarding his drawing abilities, the book demonstrates a natural and keen sense of design evident in his numerous paintings and sketches. The work, edited by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, was recognized with the 1996 Mythopoeic Scholarship Award for Inklings Studies.

The volume presents a comprehensive look at Tolkien's art, spanning from his early childhood creations to his later sketches. It features reproductions of 200 distinct artworks, with a particular focus on his illustrations for his most famous literary works, The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Beyond these iconic pieces, the book also examines the pictures he created for his children, his distinctive calligraphy, his appreciation for decorative art, and his involvement in the typographic and design aspects of his published books. An appendix dedicated to Tolkien's calligraphy is also included.

J.R.R. Tolkien possessed a dual talent for both writing and visual art, a fact often understated by the author himself. He frequently claimed a lack of drawing skill, yet his artistic creations have consistently captivated audiences and have been featured in exhibitions to considerable acclaim. The book highlights that his artistic abilities were significant, marked by an innate and sharp sense of design. Notably, his body of work conspicuously lacks portraiture, suggesting a focus on other forms of visual expression. This collection reveals the depth and breadth of his visual imagination, complementing his literary achievements.

The compilation J. R. R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator meticulously examines the author's artistic journey, presenting a wide array of his visual work. It includes over 200 reproductions, tracing his artistic development from his earliest childhood drawings to his final sketches. A significant portion is dedicated to his iconic illustrations for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, demonstrating how his visual art informed and enhanced his legendary narratives. The book further explores his personal artistic endeavors, such as the charming pictures created for his children, exemplified in The Father Christmas Letters, and his unique approach to typography and book design, including his expressive calligraphy.

Upon its release, J. R. R. Tolkien: Artist and Illustrator garnered significant recognition, notably winning the 1996 Mythopoeic Scholarship Award for Inklings Studies. Critics and scholars received the work favorably, with The Tolkien Library deeming it a crucial contribution to understanding Tolkien's life and artistic scope, suggesting its textual content alone was substantial. Reviewer Raymond Lister, writing in the journal VII, observed that while Tolkien considered himself an amateur, his illustrations, particularly those for his own fantastical narratives and works for children, possessed a professional quality. Lister also praised editors Hammond and Scull for their extensive research and the book's successful integration of scholarly text with high-quality illustrations.

“a full book's worth even without the artwork”

“a good book ... extensively and beautifully illustrated ... its text ... an excellent example of how scholarship and clear prose—so often mutually exclusive—should be combined”