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The Art of The Lord of the Rings #2
The Art of The Two Towers
Peter Jackson's The Fellowship of the Ring has become one of ther most successful and visually stunning movies ever made. But that was only the beginning. For The Two Towers, the second part of the trilogy, the artists and designers knew that they would have to surpass even their own outstanding achievements. Within the pages of this authoritative and insightful book are the incredible results of their work.
The Art of The Two Towers illustrates the creative development of the film from sketches to special effects, and features more than 600 images, most appearing nowhere else. This official, fully authorized book includes pencil sketches by Alan Lee and John Howe, costume designs by Oscar-nominated Ngila Dickson and magnificent full-color paintings, sculptures and digital artwork from Oscar-winner Richard Taylor's Weta Workshop. All the spectacular landscapes, costumes, buildings, armor and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts for characters and scenes which did not make it into the film.
Accompanying this wealth of imagery are detailed and informative commentaries by all of the features artists, designers and other key personnel, together with a special afterword by Andy Serkis, the actor who breathed life into Gollum. Their thoughts and explanations give a unique and fascinating insight into how The Two Towers was brought to life, and how J.R.R. Tolkien's spellbinding literary descriptions were transformed into unforgettable movie magic.
The Art of The Two Towers illustrates the creative development of the film from sketches to special effects, and features more than 600 images, most appearing nowhere else. This official, fully authorized book includes pencil sketches by Alan Lee and John Howe, costume designs by Oscar-nominated Ngila Dickson and magnificent full-color paintings, sculptures and digital artwork from Oscar-winner Richard Taylor's Weta Workshop. All the spectacular landscapes, costumes, buildings, armor and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts for characters and scenes which did not make it into the film.
Accompanying this wealth of imagery are detailed and informative commentaries by all of the features artists, designers and other key personnel, together with a special afterword by Andy Serkis, the actor who breathed life into Gollum. Their thoughts and explanations give a unique and fascinating insight into how The Two Towers was brought to life, and how J.R.R. Tolkien's spellbinding literary descriptions were transformed into unforgettable movie magic.
192 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2003
59 people are currently reading
1888 people want to read
About the author
Gary Russell
198 books172 followersGary Russell is a British freelance writer, producer and former child actor. As a writer, he is best known for his work in connection with the television series Doctor Who and its spin-offs in other media. As an actor, he is best known for playing Dick Kirrin in the British 1978 television series The Famous Five.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
June 20, 2016
So after the Lord of the Rings: The fellowship of the Ring where do you go - well obviously on to the Two Towers. Now this book like its predecessor (and guess what its successor too) it is a wealth of images and insight in to the world of Middle Earth. However here it also shows something else. That rather than this film being one standalone instalment in the trilogy, it was in fact part of a huge project a labour of love where the entire world was being created, mapped and illustrated and these 3 books where part of a huge panoramic snap shot of that work.
Now normally if you read a book only to realise its actually the middle section cut out of a larger series you might feel cheated or at the very least demotivated to read on. No not in this case where you realise the even though you are reading more of the "the same" the material is so fascinating you cannot help but want to read more.
I think for me the most fascinating parts are those that never saw themselves in to film where you can see the creative processes of putting ideas and words in to actual visuals. I have never watched them but I remember when the collectors editions of the films were released. There was as much again of unused material as there was used and this book has that same feel, that you could make an entire extra film just by those scenes dropped - and of which this book stands testament to.
Now normally if you read a book only to realise its actually the middle section cut out of a larger series you might feel cheated or at the very least demotivated to read on. No not in this case where you realise the even though you are reading more of the "the same" the material is so fascinating you cannot help but want to read more.
I think for me the most fascinating parts are those that never saw themselves in to film where you can see the creative processes of putting ideas and words in to actual visuals. I have never watched them but I remember when the collectors editions of the films were released. There was as much again of unused material as there was used and this book has that same feel, that you could make an entire extra film just by those scenes dropped - and of which this book stands testament to.
July 22, 2020
I mostly looked at the amazing artwork, but the creative process that goes into these movies is amazing!!
July 12, 2023
Con ilustraciones y bosquejos de Lee y Howe, comentarios y anécdotas del diseño de la película, recomendado para fanáticos.
December 5, 2012
(More pictures at parkablogs.com)
The Art of The Two Towers is one of the three art books for The Lord of the Rings. The other two being The Art of The Fellowship of the Ring and The Art of the Return of the King. Also available in one condensed edition of these three art books is The Art of the Lord of the Rings.
The review you read here will be roughly the same as the ones for other books.
The three volume collects over 500 images each, consisting pencils sketches, paintings and sculptures. These are the art from conceptual to execution stage. The principal designers are Alan Lee, Paul Lasaine, John Howe, Grant Major, Richard Taylor (head of Weta Workshop) and Nigila Dickson among other talented artists. A full list of credits is provided.
The books focus on the set and environment designs of the various Middle-earth locations, including character and creature designs from the region. While there are also weapon designs, you should turn to The Lord of the Rings Weapons and Warfare for more comprehensive coverage.
The commentary and depth of the books are great. There are captions for every sketch and illustration provided, both from the artists and Gary Russell. These includes the various iterations from the discarded to the final designs used in the movies. The artists talk about the English and European influence on their sets and architecture, compositing photos and matte painting, techniques used to create the rich and seemingly authentic world, costume designs and other elements of the film.
The books provide a great insight into the amount of art and details required to produce a movie — three actually — of such massive scale. What you don't see in this book is talk on the production aspect, which is left to The Making of the Movie Trilogy and The Lord of the Rings Official Movie Guide.
The Art of the Lord of the Rings art book series is a great resource for fans as well as fantasy artists.
September 9, 2011
Fabulous fast read, though this is not a book to be read in the most literal sense. This book is filled with over 500 concept sketches for the Lord Of The Rings: The Two Towers. The only text are the short explanations by the artists, and the fore- and afterword.
But what a beautiful book this. I do so love concept designs and this book showed maquettes, colour studies, sketches, clothing designs.. pretty much everyhing. It was a good mix of digital and traditional art, and it was explained how the digital art was incorporated into the movie and you could also see the final product.
Everyone knows these Lord Of The Rings movies are exceptionally gorgeous, and so is the book. It suffices to say, if you love the special effects in the movie, you will love this book.
But what a beautiful book this. I do so love concept designs and this book showed maquettes, colour studies, sketches, clothing designs.. pretty much everyhing. It was a good mix of digital and traditional art, and it was explained how the digital art was incorporated into the movie and you could also see the final product.
Everyone knows these Lord Of The Rings movies are exceptionally gorgeous, and so is the book. It suffices to say, if you love the special effects in the movie, you will love this book.
August 2, 2021
Esta segunda parte de la saga me ha entretenido y me ha gustado más que la primera. Imagino que al conocer a sus personajes ya de antemano se me ha hecho más sencillo coger el ritmo de lectura. No quiere decir que haya sido una lectura sencilla, con la narrativa que tiene es complicado, al menos para mí, conseguir la fluidez deseada. Ya le he cogido cariño a muchos de los personajes y tengo la sensación de acompañarlos en el viaje en lugar de verlo desde fuera. Ha dejado un final muy adecuado para que las ganas de continuar sean muchas. Pronto me pondré con el tercero.
March 13, 2011
The art works contained in this book and the series of them are absolutely STUNNING! There's a range of the work and not just restricted to what was finally in the films. It shows different artist's works and different styles and stages of the process. A great resource for anyone interested in how much work goes into designing films.
The biggest let down is it doesn't give very much information around the processes they go through or anything like that.
The biggest let down is it doesn't give very much information around the processes they go through or anything like that.
December 31, 2013
This second installment of the art of the Lord of the Rings trilogy is stuffed full of amazing paintings, sketches, maquettes, and digital artwork. My favorite parts were Fangorn Forest, Edoras, Rohan, Rivendell, Ithilien, and Helm's Deep, but this detailed book also covers Zirak-zigil, the Emyn Muil, the Dead Marshes, the Black Gates, Isengard, and the many stages of the creature Gollum. Another highly recommended read for any Tolkien nerd!
January 6, 2016
Its Good
May 14, 2021
This book is actually great.
October 7, 2022
The conceptualization of the trilogy started from the imagination; the imagination of many gifted and talented people.
This book shows how the final product, namely the final designs that appear on screen, were first channelled and excavated from the collective unconscious, and how comparing and matching everyone's imagined certain characters and details, to then fine-tune on what 'felt' most 'right'. This is a very special process, one that required a lot of creative power, and the commitment to stay true to Tolkien's world and its essence.
As stated, nailing the general vibe while matching authentic practicality and atmosphere was the result of the contribution of many people making a lot of designs. However, book has 'only' 600 images, about which the author has noted that there existed many thousands of images, and has had to select them. Why? Why shorten the book so much? There are unfortunately only roughly a couple of designs per character or location, which just feels like way too little. I would have loved it if the book were 3 times as long and contained 1500 images instead (within The Two Towers art book alone - and again 1500 in Fellowship and ROTK).
So that's my major complaint: it's too short, and there's too little text to explain the birthing process as deeply as I feel it could be.
If ever a bigger set will be released, I will grab it instantly. For now, however, it's the best thing available that covers this process, and if you are interested in the creation process of the trilogy, these 3 books are a great delight.
Initially, I wanted a book that just showcased majestic pieces of art, not a bunch of "weird looking concept pieces", and, although I still want to look at beautiful art, seeing and reading about how people played with ideas from the books and their imagination, and how they got to the end result, blew me away more than I expected.
If anyone knows of LOTR art books, or has other suggestions, please let me know in the comments or send me a private message.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy your archetypal connection to the wonderful world of Middle-earth and it's denizens and history. I feel that desire, like the sea calling me home.
This book shows how the final product, namely the final designs that appear on screen, were first channelled and excavated from the collective unconscious, and how comparing and matching everyone's imagined certain characters and details, to then fine-tune on what 'felt' most 'right'. This is a very special process, one that required a lot of creative power, and the commitment to stay true to Tolkien's world and its essence.
As stated, nailing the general vibe while matching authentic practicality and atmosphere was the result of the contribution of many people making a lot of designs. However, book has 'only' 600 images, about which the author has noted that there existed many thousands of images, and has had to select them. Why? Why shorten the book so much? There are unfortunately only roughly a couple of designs per character or location, which just feels like way too little. I would have loved it if the book were 3 times as long and contained 1500 images instead (within The Two Towers art book alone - and again 1500 in Fellowship and ROTK).
So that's my major complaint: it's too short, and there's too little text to explain the birthing process as deeply as I feel it could be.
If ever a bigger set will be released, I will grab it instantly. For now, however, it's the best thing available that covers this process, and if you are interested in the creation process of the trilogy, these 3 books are a great delight.
Initially, I wanted a book that just showcased majestic pieces of art, not a bunch of "weird looking concept pieces", and, although I still want to look at beautiful art, seeing and reading about how people played with ideas from the books and their imagination, and how they got to the end result, blew me away more than I expected.
If anyone knows of LOTR art books, or has other suggestions, please let me know in the comments or send me a private message.
Thank you and I hope you enjoy your archetypal connection to the wonderful world of Middle-earth and it's denizens and history. I feel that desire, like the sea calling me home.
November 4, 2019
The Two Towers (The Lord of the Rings, Book 2)
Continuing the story of The Hobbit, this is the second part of Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, featuring an exclusive cover image from the film, the definitive text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth.
Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs.
https://www.fahasa.com/
Continuing the story of The Hobbit, this is the second part of Tolkien’s epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, featuring an exclusive cover image from the film, the definitive text, and a detailed map of Middle-earth.
Frodo and the Companions of the Ring have been beset by danger during their quest to prevent the Ruling Ring from falling into the hands of the Dark Lord by destroying it in the Cracks of Doom. They have lost the wizard, Gandalf, in the battle with an evil spirit in the Mines of Moria; and at the Falls of Rauros, Boromir, seduced by the power of the Ring, tried to seize it by force. While Frodo and Sam made their escape the rest of the company were attacked by Orcs.
https://www.fahasa.com/
June 5, 2020
I think this book was good, it was fun to pick back up when the crew from the past lord of the rings got split up. One thing I found interesting is that frodo tried to control golem. I think that is very hard to do because he seems very disobedient. I would say that the cliff hanger at the end sucks. I just says that Frodo is not dead but captured. Now I wonder if Frodo will be ok or will he die in the next book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 27, 2025
Simplemente se puede decir que esto es arte, este libro me llevo muchísimo menos tiempo tarde solo 6 meses y mejora muchas cosas desde la primera entrega aunque he de decir que, que se parta el libro en dos con dos historias diferentes no me convenció al inicio me acabo gustando bastante mi parte favorita es definitivamente la historia de Frodo y Sam aunque la del trio de razas también está muy bien.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 4, 2025
No voy a mentir, este libro se me hizo muy tedioso de leer. Entender como funciona un mundo de fantasía no es tarea sencilla, sobretodo cuando no haz visto ninguna de las películas basadas en la trilogía. Aun así, considero que es una obra disfrutable, pero no es una lectura sencilla.
February 14, 2018
its cool
July 18, 2019
This one is one of my favorites of Tolkien! Damn! Sam is just a mdfkr! I love this character evolution and arc!
November 18, 2019
The follow up on the frst, i don't know how but with each book the story just gets better. You are both excited to read on and sad you have read so much already.
July 28, 2020
511 - 2020
May 19, 2023
The best in the complete trilogy!!
July 15, 2023
dobra gul gul książka, prawda skarbie?
June 22, 2024
La misma sensación que el anterior, un gran libro que te hace viajar a el mundo de la tierra media como si realmente estuvieras ahí, lleno de criaturas y aventuras. Me gusta mucho banda.
![Profile Image for Saranya ⋆☕︎ ˖ [hiatus].](/_next/image?url=https%3A%2F%2Fi.gr-assets.com%2Fimages%2FS%2Fcompressed.photo.goodreads.com%2Fusers%2F1771166965i%2F187457635._UX200_CR0%2C0%2C200%2C200_.jpg&w=128&q=75)
June 26, 2025
The artwork is so amazing!!!
October 16, 2025
Erasmus 2022
Muy bueno, para mí gusto el mejor de la trilogía. Vivan los Ents.
Muy bueno, para mí gusto el mejor de la trilogía. Vivan los Ents.
January 16, 2026
Un gran clásico
August 13, 2007
El Arte de Las Dos Torres ilustra el proceso de creación de la película desde los primeros esbozos hasta los efectos especiales y muestra más de seiscientas imágenes inéditas.
Este libro oficial reúne esbozos a lápiz de Alan Lee y John Howe, diseños de vestuario de Ngila Dickson, y magníficos cuadros a todo color, esculturas y arte digital de Weta Workshop, el taller del ganador del Oscar. Se detallan todos los paisajes, vestuario, edificios, armaduras y criaturas, incluidas ideas para personajes y escenas que finalmente se descartaron.
Además, se incluyen comentarios de todos los artistas, diseñadores y artesanos, y un epílogo de Andy Serkis, el actor que ha dado vida a Gollum. Sus explicaciones dan una visión única y fascinante de cómo se creó Las Dos Torres y de cómo las descripciones literarias de J.R.R. Tolkien se fueron transformando en la inolvidable magia del cine.
Este libro oficial reúne esbozos a lápiz de Alan Lee y John Howe, diseños de vestuario de Ngila Dickson, y magníficos cuadros a todo color, esculturas y arte digital de Weta Workshop, el taller del ganador del Oscar. Se detallan todos los paisajes, vestuario, edificios, armaduras y criaturas, incluidas ideas para personajes y escenas que finalmente se descartaron.
Además, se incluyen comentarios de todos los artistas, diseñadores y artesanos, y un epílogo de Andy Serkis, el actor que ha dado vida a Gollum. Sus explicaciones dan una visión única y fascinante de cómo se creó Las Dos Torres y de cómo las descripciones literarias de J.R.R. Tolkien se fueron transformando en la inolvidable magia del cine.
June 15, 2025
When the Lord of the Rings movies came out in the early 2000s, I was absolutely obsessed. As I also was with the books (my review in https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...).
The movies were masterpieces, and I found a superior talent in their aesthetic options, atmosphere choices and looks. The video “making off” is eye-opening in all the ways they went out of their way to achieve a particular result, and these books are in the same line. From the conceptual design of the tiniest detail to the epic effects, all contributed to the result, and sometimes, the subtlest of aspects changed how we perceive the action.
I bought all the illustrated big-format books about the making of the trilogy and was immersed in them for quite some time. They will always be 5 stars.
The movies were masterpieces, and I found a superior talent in their aesthetic options, atmosphere choices and looks. The video “making off” is eye-opening in all the ways they went out of their way to achieve a particular result, and these books are in the same line. From the conceptual design of the tiniest detail to the epic effects, all contributed to the result, and sometimes, the subtlest of aspects changed how we perceive the action.
I bought all the illustrated big-format books about the making of the trilogy and was immersed in them for quite some time. They will always be 5 stars.
August 9, 2012
Excellent book. The concept arts, the sets, the compositions... Reading this book is like seeing the secret behind the magic trick. Yet, instead of the magic losing its value, readers only end up being more amazed by it. Especially now that I have more knowledge and background in pre/prod and post-production, I get to appreciate this even more.
January 12, 2015
I think that this book is one of the best books i have ever read because there are word i have never heard of and seen before and i love the adventure in it. This is also a book that some people will love and some will really not love and it has no inbetween liking you either love it or you dont but i thought it was great.
June 3, 2024
Just as good as the first, keeping to the same successful format.
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
(Note: I'm a writer, so I suffer when I offer fewer than five stars. But these aren't ratings of quality, they're a subjective account of how much I liked the book: 5* = an unalloyed pleasure from start to finish, 4* = really enjoyed it, 3* = readable but not thrilling, 2* = disappointing, and 1* = hated it.)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews