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."

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

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.

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.

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.

There is something morbidly fascinating about the dark and grotesque. Although it is human nature to tiptoe around the uncomfortable (or avoid it altogether), some artists are inspired by the unsettling to create intriguing works of art that push the boundaries of normality and provoke viewers into exploring their fears and taboos. There are also others who use them as springboards of the imagination to express their innermost feelings and question the often-grim realities of existence. In conjunction with Victionary's 20th anniversary, the new edition of 'DARK INSPIRATION' combines most of the projects from the first two best-selling titles of the same name along with new work into one meaty celebration of the macabre. Featuring chilling depictions of childhood reveries, folklore, mysteries, and death in a variety of styles and interpretations, each project serves unconventionally as a celebration of life in all its gruesome glory. With contributions from: Aitch, Akino Kondoh, Aleksandra Waliszewska, Alessandro Sicioldr Bianchi, Alex Garant, Alice Lin, Amandine Urruty, Audrey Kawasaki, Bene Rohlmann, Dadu Shin, Dan Hillier, Daniel Martin Diaz, Danny Van Ryswyk, David Ho, dromsjel, Eero Lampinen, Eika, Elisa Ancori, Erik Mark Sandberg, Evelyn Bencicova, Fabian Merelle, Fiona Roberts, Francesco Brunotti, Francois Robert, Fuco Ueda, Gabriel Isak, Giacomo Carmagnola, Guim Tio Zarraluki, Hannes Hummel, Heiko Muller, James Jean, Januz Miralles, Jeff Mcmillan, Jesse Auersalo, Jim Johnson Tsang, Jon Beinart, Jules Julien, Justin Nelson, Kate Macdowell, Katy Horan, Kayan Kwok, Kim Simonsson, Kotaro Chiba, Lala Gallardo, Lola Dupre, Lostfish, Mariana Magdaleno, merve morkoc (Lakormis), Mia Makilo, Michael Reedy, Miranda Meeks, Nadja Jovanovic, Nicoletta Ceccoli, Oleg Dou, Olivia Knapp, Paola Rojas H & David Perez, Paul Hollingworth, Raffaello De Vito, Raul Oprea aka Saddo, Richard Colman, Ryan Oliver, Sergio Mora / Agency Rush, Tara McPherson, Till Rabus, Tim Lee, Yido, Yoshitoshi Kanemaki, Yuka Yamaguchi, Yury Ustsinau, and Zhou Fan

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.

Learn how to create effective illustrations to match children's stories for different age groups. The art of illustration for children has a long and rich tradition, and for generations has been loved by countless readers. Illustrating Children's Books shows you how to create beautiful artwork for children, examines the approaches taken by advanced-level students and leading artists and describes how their ideas evolve from start to finish through step-by-step sketches. - Identify the techniques used by successful children's illustrators and get advice on how to tackle fantasy, fairy tale, realism and nature drawings - Learn tips on working in a wide variety of media and receive professional advice on illustrating for different age groups and types of publication - Discover how to interpret and enrich the text, build consistent character identities, and create vibrant settings that will stir readers' imaginations - Find out how to create storyboards and layouts, work to brief, and present your work professionally - Explore specific examples such as picture books for little ones, storybooks for older children and educational books, with the final chapters devoted to design and typography and the business of getting published