To celebrate the 60th Anniversary of the publication of The Lord of the Rings; a sumptuous full-colour art book containing the complete collection of almost 200 sketches; drawings; paintings and maps by J.R.R. Tolkien. As he wrote The Lord of the Rings; J.R.R. Tolkien's 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 Tolkien's process of writing and design. In addition to pictorial sketches; numerous maps follow the development of the Shire and the larger landscape of Middle-earth; while inscriptions in runes and Elvish script; and 'facsimile' leaves from the burned and blood-stained Book of Mazarbul; support Tolkien's 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 colour from high-quality scans and photographs; more than half not previously published. Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull; two of the world's leading Tolkien scholars; have edited the book and provide an expert introduction and comments. Readers who have enjoyed The Art of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien; with which the new book is uniform; will find much of interest also in The Art of The Lord of the Rings.