The paintings and drawings of J.R.R. Tolkien are featured in this illustrated study, seen in the context of his writing. He is the author of "The Hobbit", "The Lord of the Rings" and "The Silmarillion". This book explores Tolkien's art at length, from his childhood paintings and drawings to his final sketches. Central to the book are his illustrations for his works, especially his tales of "Middle-earth". Also examined are the pictures Tolkien made for his children, notably in his "Father Christmas" letters and for the story of "Mr Bliss", his calligraphy, his love of decoration, and his contributions to the typography and design of his books. Wayne G. Hammond is the author of "The Graphic Art of C.B. Falls" and "J.R.R. Tolkien: a Descriptive Bibliography" and he is a contributor of notes on Tolkien to the journal "Mythlore". Christina Skull is the author of "Soane Hogarths" and she edits the journal, "The Tolkien Collector".

WITH A FOREWORD BY TIM HARFORD Which nations have North Korean embassies? Which region has the highest number of death metal bands per capita? How many countries have bigger economies than California? Who drives on the 'wrong' side of the road? And where can you find lions in the wild? Revelatory, thought-provoking and fun, Brilliant Maps is a unique atlas of culture, history, politics and miscellanea, compiled by the editor of the iconic Brilliant Maps website. As visually arresting as Information is Beautiful and as full of surprising facts and figures as any encyclopaedia, Brilliant Maps is a stunning piece of cartography that maps our curious and varied planet. For graphic design enthusiasts, compulsive Wikipedia readers and those looking for the sort of gift they buy for someone else and wind up keeping for themselves, this book will change the way you see the world and your place in it.

Get up close to the beauty and detail of nature through the artwork of award-winning UK artist, Julia Trickey. See how ordinary and sometimes overlooked subjects, such as leaves and fading flowers, can be centre stage and come to life in this beautiful showcase of some of Julia's best-loved botanical watercolours. Having been a tutor of botanical art for many years, teaching as far afield as Moscow and New York, Julia loves to help others explore the potential of watercolour and to discover the keys to a good botanical portrait. In this book she shares some of these insights as well as the motivation behind her favourite projects, together with some of the processes and watercolour techniques involved. Take inspiration from these glowing, contemporary watercolours in a book that is both beautiful and useful.

A FLAME TREE NOTEBOOK. Beautiful and luxurious the journals combine high-quality production with magnificent art. Perfect as a gift, and an essential personal choice for writers, notetakers, travellers, students, poets and diarists. Features a wide range of well-known and modern artists, with new artworks published throughout the year. BEAUTIFULLY DESIGNED. The highly crafted covers are printed on foil paper, embossed then foil stamped, complemented by the luxury binding and rose red end-papers. The covers are created by our artists and designers who spend many hours transforming original artwork into gorgeous 3d masterpieces that feel good in the hand, and look wonderful on a desk or table. PRACTICAL, EASY TO USE. Flame Tree Notebooks come with practical features too: a pocket at the back for scraps and receipts; two ribbon markers to help keep track of more than just a to-do list and robust ivory text paper. THE ARTIST. Tove Jansson was a Finnish-Swedish writer and artist. She first started painting Moomintrolls in 1935 but her stories live on and continue to be adapted and enjoyed by many generations. HE FINAL WORD. As William Morris said, "Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful, or believe to be beautiful."

Moomin Classics Set of 3 Mini Notebooks features a collection of three mini, foiled notebooks, each with a different beautiful design. With alternating lined and blank pages, a sturdy cover and rounded corners, they are perfect to be carried everywhere!

Tove Jansson was a Finnish-Swedish writer and artist who created the Moomin family and their friends. She first started painting Moomintrolls in 1935 and her last Moomin book was published in 1970; but her stories live on and continue to be adapted and enjoyed by many generations.

An illustrated biography, this book is the life story of Rachel Cassels Brown, children's illustrator and etcher.

Which nations have launched which animals into space? Which countries have no sea views? Where were our planet's now-extinct species last sighted? Who is behind the great avocado boom? Where can you hug the world's oldest trees? With infographic maps covering the entire globe, Wild Maps will delight cartography fans and nature lovers, as well as anyone with an interest in all that is fascinating and awe-inspiring on Planet Earth (and beyond). Beautifully designed and illustrated, Wild Maps is an eye-opening celebration of our world, and the plants and animals with whom we share it.

"Counterweight" is a collection of images, observations, and concepts by artist/creator Rick O'Brien. For the last eight years, Rick has been a one-man art department in Hollywood, designing, constructing, and painting sets and props for such clients as Victoria's Secret, Luxor Las Vegas, Nikon, London IMAX, Konica, Tevo, Motorola, Honda, United States Postal Service, Proctor & Gamble, The Contender, and The Apprentice. Compiling stunning images from experiences, environments, and the emotions perceived on these diverse projects, as well as from his everyday life, Rick captures the human condition like no one else. Through traditional mediums ranging from egg tempera and oil to gouache, wood, ink, resin, and plaster, "Counterweight" beautifully scrutinizes Man and his journey, showcasing captivating images that unequivocally resound O'Brien's motto, "Fortitude."

The Clangers memorably spoke in a language played on swannee whistles. No one expected them to have scripts. But they did. Within an ancient barn nestled in the heart of the Kent countryside, Smallfilms founders Oliver Postgate and Peter Firmin created one of the most beloved BBC children's series of the twentieth century: Clangers. Clangers: The Complete Scripts 1969-1974 is the ultimate compendium of scripts from the original two series of the show in one lavishly illustrated volume. These previously unseen scripts sit alongside original writing from Daniel Postgate - son of the original creator Oliver Postgate - exploring the inspiration for and lasting cultural impact of the show, new and historical photographs, Peter's original illustrations, Oliver's handwritten musical notations and more. The joyful revelation that the Clangers' often colourful words were scripted in English brings an exciting new dimension to the Smallfilms legacy.

Learn to design simple, powerful, and timeless logos. When you think of a brand, often the first thing that comes to mind is the logo, the visual representation of that product, place, thing, or business. The power of simplicity for these marks can never be underestimated-a logo that comprises simple shapes can communicate a stronger message than a complex one, leaving a lasting impression in a viewer's mind. In Principles of Logo Design, noted logo designer George Bokhua shares his process for creating logotypes that will stand the test of time. Applying the enduring principles of classic texts on grid systems by Josef Muller-Brockmann and on form and design by Wucius Wong, Bokhua elaborates on his popular online classes, demonstrating in detail how to maximize communicationwith minimal information to create logos using, simple, monochromatic shapes. This comprehensive volume includes: How to apply a strong, simple, and minimal design aesthetic to logo design Why gridding is important, and understanding the golden ratio and when to use it How to sketch and refine logos through tracing, then grid and execute a mark in Adobe Illustrator Fine-tuning techniques to ensure visual integrity Knowing how to design a great logo is a core skill for any graphic designer. Principles of Logo Design helps designers at all levels of skill and experience conceive, develop, and create logos that are not only pleasing to the eye but evoke a sense of perfection.

Part of a series of exciting and luxurious Flame Tree Notebooks. Combining high-quality production with magnificent fine art, the covers are printed on foil in five colours, embossed, then foil stamped. And they're powerfully practical: a pocket at the back for receipts and scraps, two bookmarks and a solid magnetic side flap. These are perfect for personal use and make a dazzling gift. This example features Moomin: Cover of Finn Family Moomintroll. Tove Jansson was a Finnish-Swedish writer and artist who created the Moomin family and their friends. She first started painting Moomintrolls in 1935 and her last Moomin book was published in 1970; but her stories live on and continue to be adapted and enjoyed by many generations.

This richly illustrated book explores the huge creative endeavour behind Tolkien's enduring popularity. Lavishly illustrated with over 300 images of his manuscripts, drawings, maps and letters, the book traces the creative process behind his most famous literary works - 'The Hobbit', 'The Lord of the Rings' and 'The Silmarillion' and reproduces personal photographs and private papers,some of which have never been seen before in print. Tolkien drew on his deep knowledge of medieval literature and language to inform his literary imagination. Six introductory essays cover some of the main themes in Tolkien's life and work including the influence of northern languages and legends on the creation of his own legendarium; his concept of 'Faerie' as a literary construct; the central importance of his invented languages in his fantasy writing; his visual imagination and its emergence in his artwork; and the encouragement he derived from the literary group known as the Inklings. This book brings together the largest collection of original Tolkien material ever assembled in a single volume. Drawing on the archives of the Tolkien collections at the Bodleian Libraries, Oxford, and Marquette University, Milwaukee, as well as private collections, this exquisitely produced catalogue draws together the worlds of J.R.R. Tolkien - scholarly, literary, creative and domestic - offering a rich and detailed understanding and appreciation of this extraordinary author.

Celebrated children's book illustrator Fritz Wegner (b.Vienna 15th September 1924, d. London 15th March 2015,). Early work included assignments for Lilliput, Dorothy L.Sayers and Enid Blyton, with book covers for Raymond Chandler and J.D.Salinger. In the late 1950s he moved away from advertising and commercial art to focus on children's literature. Significant titles include The Hamish Hamilton Book of Princes and Princesses (1963), The Marvellous Adventures and Travels of Baron Munchausen (1967), Fatipuffs and Thinifers (Andre Maurois), to books by Alan Ahlberg, Michael Rosen and Brian Alderson in the 1980s and '90s. He also created over thirty stamp designs for the Royal Mail.The Fritz Wegner Archive documents phases of his work from the 1950s to the 2000s, and includes comprehensive images scanned from the originals kept ion seventeen folders in his studio. The publication is authorised by executors of the estate of the artist.