Middle-earth Envisioned

Title: Middle-earth Envisioned: The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Authors: Brian J. Robb and Paul Simpson Publication Date: 2013

Key Themes

• Artistic Legacy: The book explores the artistic interpretations of J.R.R. Tolkien's world, including paintings, drawings, theatrical performances, radio serials, and films inspired by The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
• Adaptations: It delves into various adaptations of Tolkien's works, such as BBC radio adaptations and stage productions, including the infamous West End flop of The Lord of the Rings musical.
• Artwork and Illustrations: The book features a collection of artwork from various artists, highlighting the visual interpretations of Middle-earth.

Plot Summary

Middle-earth Envisioned provides a comprehensive look at the artistic legacy of Tolkien's world. The book begins with a prologue about Tolkien's life, followed by a recap of the stories of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. It then explores the various adaptations of these works, including radio serials, theatrical performances, and films. The book also includes essays from guest authors, discussing different aspects of the adaptations and their impact on popular culture.

Critical Reception

Positive Aspects:

• Illustrative Art: The book is praised for its inclusion of illustrative art, which further illuminates the brilliance of Tolkien's creation.
• Interesting Adaptations: The examination of BBC radio adaptations and the story of The Lord of the Rings musical are noted as interesting and intriguing.

Negative Aspects:

• Layout Issues: Some critics have noted that the layout of the book can be awkward, particularly with artwork split over multiple pages.
• Thin Examination: The book's examination of some adaptations is criticized for being a little thin, with some sections feeling like they are making up for word count.
• Price vs. Content: The lack of licensed images and the high price point are seen as a missed opportunity, suggesting that the book may not be worth the cost.

Conclusion

Middle-earth Envisioned is a book that will sustain a casual fan's interest for an evening or two, but its value is diminished by the lack of licensed images and some layout issues. While it provides a fascinating look at the artistic legacy of Tolkien's world, it falls short in its execution and pricing. It is recommended to wait until it goes on sale, when it might find its way to the bargain bin.