Sunday, February 2, 2014

Review: Myth and Magic: The Art of John Howe by John Howe

Synopsis: For the first time ever, a portfolio of illustrated work from the award-winning artist, John Howe, which reveals the breathtaking vision of one of the foremost fantasy artists in the world. Myth and Magic is arranged into six sections, which looks at the books by J.R.R. Tolkien that have inspired John, as well as a fascinating tour through the paintings that he has produced for some of the finest fantasy authors working today. From the beloved painting of Smaug which decorates The Hobbit, his numerous and bestselling calendar illustrations, the world famous "Gandalf" picture, which is synonymous with the HarperCollins one-volume edition of The Lord of the Rings, this large-format hardback will delight fans of Tolkien, and anyone who has been captured by the imagination of the artist who so brilliantly brings to life the literary vision of J.R.R. Tolkien. (from the back of the book)

Review: This pick this up without even looking at the inside because it was about LotR and it as $2 at B&N. First, I didn't know much about John Howe, but I recognized his work and was glad to read more about him. Second, his art is gorgeous - full of mystery and fire and life and death and emotion. Third, this book is horrible arranged, disjointed prose dumbed in between pictures that have confusing tags and no clear connection. It's a shame such marvelous art is hampered by a simple-to-solve problem as lack of organization.

Bookmarks: 6 of 10

Awards: None

ISBN: 978-0-7607-8686-4
Date Finished: 1-31-2014
Pages: 139

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