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The Hobbit Chronicles #1
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Chronicles I: Art & Design
This sumptuous book celebrates the creative vision of Academy Award®-winning filmmaker Peter Jackson’s The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey. It is packed with more than 1,000 images of concept artwork, photographs and development paintings by the artists working behind the scenes to bring Middle-earth to life, who each provide detailed and entertaining commentary that reveals the story behind the vision. Compiled by Weta Workshop senior concept designer Daniel Falconer, this is the first in a series of lavish hardback books written and designed by the award-winning team at Weta, who are working closely with the production team to guarantee that these books will be bursting with insider information and stunning visual imagery.
208 pages, Hardcover
First published November 1, 2012
42 people are currently reading
2393 people want to read
About the author
Daniel Falconer
20 books33 followersDaniel Falconer joined Weta Workshop in 1996, shortly before The Lord of the Rings. With a degree in graphic design, majoring in illustration, Daniel has an enthusiasm for world design and the development of imaginary cultures and creatures as a means to tell stories. He also has a deep knowledge of Tolkien's Middle-earth, thanks to an avid interest in the books and associated materials, which frequently proved useful on the project.
This led to Daniel also being involved in writing copy for Weta's licensed collectible products from The Lord of the Rings, a role that has continued alongside his design responsibilities in the years that have followed.
Taking a leading role in Weta's publishing endeavours, Daniel has written and collated a number of books including The World of Kong and The Crafting of Narnia, showcasing the illustrative work of the entire design department on King Kong and the two Chronicles of Narnia movies, and The Art of District 9: Weta Workshop. More recently has returned to Middle-earth to work on The Hobbit.
This led to Daniel also being involved in writing copy for Weta's licensed collectible products from The Lord of the Rings, a role that has continued alongside his design responsibilities in the years that have followed.
Taking a leading role in Weta's publishing endeavours, Daniel has written and collated a number of books including The World of Kong and The Crafting of Narnia, showcasing the illustrative work of the entire design department on King Kong and the two Chronicles of Narnia movies, and The Art of District 9: Weta Workshop. More recently has returned to Middle-earth to work on The Hobbit.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
March 18, 2021
Home Sweet Home! It's a place where you have food to eat, shelter to sleep, and warm water to wash stinky clothes and body. That's the basic stuff you should live with. However,13 Dwarfs, the survivors, take a journey to take their home, Lonely Mountain taken by Smaug. Wherever Smaug goes, desolation it makes. It's fire, it's death. Can they withstand dragon's flame?
December 18, 2012
(More pictures on my blog)
This is a wonderful companion art book for the movie. In some ways, I like it better than the ones from LOTR.
The cover is beautifully embossed with texture and shine. It's 272-pages and big. Behind the cover is Thorin's Map that you can tear out from the perforated edges, and at the back is a long gatefold of Bilbo's Burglar contract should you want to read the fine prints to see what Bilbo has gotten himself into.
There's a generous amount of concept art included that feature the characters, props and environment. Yes, it's all fantasy art, and they are all very beautiful and detailed. There are art from Alan Lee, John Howe, Dan Hennah (production designer), Richard Taylor and many others from Weta Workshop. The book is all art and there aren't a lot of photos, so you won't find behind the scenes shots and there are only small thumbnails of the actors in makeup.
The majority are mostly character designs and the related, such as costumes, weapons and other props. There are Bilbo and his entourage of dwarves, trolls, goblins, and creatures. Each character has many designs variations shown, but mostly from the hair and facial hair — probably more hairstyles that you can find in a hair saloon brochure.
The environment art are mainly of close ups of locations and interiors. There are a few of those wide shots as well but could have been printed bigger. Many of the nice textured pencil drawings are from John Howe and Alan Lee.
Those who like production design will enjoy the insightful commentary. There's lots to read and often, there will be a few designers talking about just one character, about the design, clothing and their weapons. The extra information gives more depth to the characters.
The back cover mention something about this book being the first in a series of hardcover books. So unless they are referring to the other film companions, it means there would be art books for the next two films as well.
It's a fantastic artbook. Highly recommended to fans of the film and fantasy art.
December 9, 2021
The hobbit is absolutely amazing and I was so excited when I found this book in my uni library. I rented it out and looked through and took so many photos for inspiration. The character and world building and all the art inside is amazing and I wish I had my own copy. Definitely worth looking through as an artist or Tolkien fan.
May 16, 2016
Nice look at the design that went into various central characters to the Hobbit movies. It includes quotes from the designers.
June 6, 2015
Este libro es genial para la gente que le guste el diseño y todas esas cosas.
A mí me ha gustado muchísimo porque el libro en sí es una obra de arte, y porque adoro todo lo que tiene que ver con la Tierra Media y Tolkien.
Las imágenes son geniales, y las explicaciones, y ver cómo hicieron todos los objetos importantes de la película y cómo tomaron las decisiones.
Sin duda está entre mis pequeños tesoros.
A mí me ha gustado muchísimo porque el libro en sí es una obra de arte, y porque adoro todo lo que tiene que ver con la Tierra Media y Tolkien.
Las imágenes son geniales, y las explicaciones, y ver cómo hicieron todos los objetos importantes de la película y cómo tomaron las decisiones.
Sin duda está entre mis pequeños tesoros.
April 11, 2017
Sui film ci possono essere opinioni contrastanti, come per esempio l'aggiunta di personaggi che nel libro non esistono, e su questo posso essere un poco d'accordo.
Ma leggere e vedere le foto, e i disegni in questo libro (e nei successivi), fa capire veramente quanto lavoro e quanta passione ci sia dietro la loro realizzazione.
Come cosplayer, trovo sempre affascinante la realizzazione di costumi ed accessori vari nei film, e vedere qui quante persone hanno lavorato e quanti materiali hanno usato, senza contare il tempo speso, mi fa un po' commuovere.
E mi fa anche capire che quelli che pretendono che un cosplayer possa fare qualsiasi cosa il suo costume richiede è veramente impossibile.
E tutti gli oggetti che hanno fatto ma non sono stati utilizzati sul set? oppure sono ripresi solo per una brevissima scena?
Le foto di Hobbiton sono spettacoli, piene di fiori, di colori e di meraviglia.
Ma leggere e vedere le foto, e i disegni in questo libro (e nei successivi), fa capire veramente quanto lavoro e quanta passione ci sia dietro la loro realizzazione.
Come cosplayer, trovo sempre affascinante la realizzazione di costumi ed accessori vari nei film, e vedere qui quante persone hanno lavorato e quanti materiali hanno usato, senza contare il tempo speso, mi fa un po' commuovere.
E mi fa anche capire che quelli che pretendono che un cosplayer possa fare qualsiasi cosa il suo costume richiede è veramente impossibile.
E tutti gli oggetti che hanno fatto ma non sono stati utilizzati sul set? oppure sono ripresi solo per una brevissima scena?
Le foto di Hobbiton sono spettacoli, piene di fiori, di colori e di meraviglia.
April 23, 2019
What a gorgeous book! Everything is exquisite - the art inside is incredible, the text so incredibly informative (I laughed out loud twice, some of the anecdotes are hilarious) and the crew interviewed is just amazing (I like that very few members of the cast feature here, it's all about the people who crafted the sets, costumes and makeup and the though process behind it all, terrific stuff). Excellent volume that really digs deep into An Unexpected Journey in a way that's both engaging and awe-inspiring. I'm completely in love.
September 22, 2018
Tengo una historia complicada tanto con este libro, como con la película basada en el libro de Tolkien. Haciendo de lado los recuerdos que trae, es un genial compendio de cómo el diseño de producción de la primera película de esta malograda saga, es lo único que la salva en repetidas visitas al film.
June 18, 2017
Okay, I purchased this book at supanova (kinda like comic con but in Australia) and Daniel Falconer was there! Not only is this book super amazing for us Hobbit/LOTR nerds but he signed it as well!! 🎉🎉
December 10, 2023
It’s a good coffee table book on set design, props, costumes etc from the first hobbit movie. Nothing crazy.
May 21, 2025
I love art books like this. The art is stunning and I love getting to read about the creative process behind everything.
July 22, 2022
Probably one of the pettiest ratings ever but I just… am apparently still angry about how the dwarven ladies were denied fancy beards because some people are fcking ridiculous. Sigh.
June 11, 2013
The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey - Chronicles: Art & Design gives a detailed and fun look at how all of the visuals for the movie were done. The artwork is brilliant and sketches seem to fill every available space on the set and character pages.
Looking at this book and reading the artist quotes, you really get a sense of just how involved everything was, how invested the artists were in bringing their vision to life. It's evident (and admirable) that shortcuts were rarely taken--even the smallest of props were made with real materials.
As an artist and a fan, this book is invaluable to me from a design perspective. Incredibly inspiring, it's really helping me to better understand how to draw objects and scenery. And armor! :)
Looking at this book and reading the artist quotes, you really get a sense of just how involved everything was, how invested the artists were in bringing their vision to life. It's evident (and admirable) that shortcuts were rarely taken--even the smallest of props were made with real materials.
As an artist and a fan, this book is invaluable to me from a design perspective. Incredibly inspiring, it's really helping me to better understand how to draw objects and scenery. And armor! :)
April 6, 2013
No voy a poder ser imparcial, me encantan los libros de arte fantástico, los de diseño conceptual y Tolkien, así que este libro me pareció grandioso. Ojo, no tan fascinante como los dedicados a cada peli de la Trilogía de ESDLA, porque en ellos se empezaba a plasmar el mundo cinematográfico de Tolkien y la experimentación y las etapas del diseño fueron mucho mayores, y aquí casi todo ya estaba establecido. Aun así es genial ver el arte de dos maestros como Howe y Lee y los diseños de todos los involucrados. Two Thumbs Up! (Here to you Mr. Ebert).
October 28, 2015
This is one brilliant book for anyone who loves Peter Jackson's adaptation of J.R.R Tolkien's novel 'The Hobbit'. It goes without saying that The Hobbit (movie) is beautifully filmed and the detail that has gone into making such a film is shown to us through this book.
From the concept art by John Howe and Alan Lee to how the Trolls were brought to life - this book has everything and anything you would want to know about the design and making of such a magnificent film.
Needless to say I gave it a full five out of five and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
From the concept art by John Howe and Alan Lee to how the Trolls were brought to life - this book has everything and anything you would want to know about the design and making of such a magnificent film.
Needless to say I gave it a full five out of five and I can't wait to read the next in the series!
August 30, 2014
Ich liebe Bücher zum Film und dieses hat mir sehr gefallen. Die ganzen Infos und Bilder zum Charakterdesign sind einfach toll gemacht..
November 1, 2015
2,6 en verdad :/ siento que es una buena historia, pero personalmente no me llegué a vincular con ningún personaje :'( terminarlo fue todo un reto D:
September 4, 2019
Originally published online at BORG.com.
The latest installment in Weta Workshop’s hardcover series focusing on the art and design of The Hobbit movies provides the most-in-depth look yet at the developmental stages of bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantastical world to the big screen. Through hundreds of pencil sketches, detailed accounts of the thoughts behind decisions, painted concept art and costume development, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles–Art & Design provides a comprehensive account of the mastery in bringing ideas to life.
The structure of the book follows our heroes’ journey through the film, in chapters like “Queer Lodgings” (Beorn the Skin-Changer’s house), “Flies & Spiders,” “The Woodland Realm” (the elves), “A Ruined form of Life” (the Orcs), and “Inside Information” (all about Smaug). Each chapter provides a focused look at the unique worldbuilding for each disparate part of the film, from set design to backstory to costumes. Many chapters offer better looks at details that were only glimpsed briefly in the film, like the city of Dale in its heyday, seen onscreen only in flashback. It’s an opportunity for those parts of the filmmaking–given just as much thought and work as anything in the movie–to be seen and admired in their full glory.
A chapter on the Elves of Mirkwood showcases the costumes for King Thranduil, Legolas, and Tauriel, as well as the woodland realm where the dwarves are imprisoned during the film. There’s a special focus on the wine cellars where the dwarves make their dramatic barrel escape. Much time is given to the development of Tauriel, a new character created for the movie. Comments from Evangeline Lily (Tauriel) provide insight into her character: “Tauriel had to embody the grace of Galadriel and Arwen, while representing the fighting stealth and power of Legolas and Elrond.”
The most stunning pages of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles–Art & Design reveal the development of the Lake-town sets, the intricate detail that went into each room, each viewpoint from wide-angle to inside Bard’s place.
The design of the book itself is up the high standards of the past volumes in the Chronicles series by Weta, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Chronicles–Art and Design and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles–Creatures & Characters. Like those volumes, this new book features an embossed leather-like cover and beautiful end pages. An insert features a pull-out, quad-folded print of the portrait of Stephen Fry’s Master of Lake-town, as seen in the film.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles–Art & Design is available directly from Weta at their website here. An autographed edition signed by four of the Weta creators including writer and Weta artist and designer Dan Falconer is already sold out, but may be available in the aftermarket. We hope that after the next three volumes (Cloaks and Daggers for The Desolation of Smaug, and two volumes from next year’s finale in the trilogy, There and Back Again) are released, Weta returns to The Lord of the Rings series to release a similar series of books, since those films did not get a similar set of stunning volumes.
The latest installment in Weta Workshop’s hardcover series focusing on the art and design of The Hobbit movies provides the most-in-depth look yet at the developmental stages of bringing J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantastical world to the big screen. Through hundreds of pencil sketches, detailed accounts of the thoughts behind decisions, painted concept art and costume development, The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles–Art & Design provides a comprehensive account of the mastery in bringing ideas to life.
The structure of the book follows our heroes’ journey through the film, in chapters like “Queer Lodgings” (Beorn the Skin-Changer’s house), “Flies & Spiders,” “The Woodland Realm” (the elves), “A Ruined form of Life” (the Orcs), and “Inside Information” (all about Smaug). Each chapter provides a focused look at the unique worldbuilding for each disparate part of the film, from set design to backstory to costumes. Many chapters offer better looks at details that were only glimpsed briefly in the film, like the city of Dale in its heyday, seen onscreen only in flashback. It’s an opportunity for those parts of the filmmaking–given just as much thought and work as anything in the movie–to be seen and admired in their full glory.
A chapter on the Elves of Mirkwood showcases the costumes for King Thranduil, Legolas, and Tauriel, as well as the woodland realm where the dwarves are imprisoned during the film. There’s a special focus on the wine cellars where the dwarves make their dramatic barrel escape. Much time is given to the development of Tauriel, a new character created for the movie. Comments from Evangeline Lily (Tauriel) provide insight into her character: “Tauriel had to embody the grace of Galadriel and Arwen, while representing the fighting stealth and power of Legolas and Elrond.”
The most stunning pages of The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles–Art & Design reveal the development of the Lake-town sets, the intricate detail that went into each room, each viewpoint from wide-angle to inside Bard’s place.
The design of the book itself is up the high standards of the past volumes in the Chronicles series by Weta, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey, Chronicles–Art and Design and The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles–Creatures & Characters. Like those volumes, this new book features an embossed leather-like cover and beautiful end pages. An insert features a pull-out, quad-folded print of the portrait of Stephen Fry’s Master of Lake-town, as seen in the film.
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles–Art & Design is available directly from Weta at their website here. An autographed edition signed by four of the Weta creators including writer and Weta artist and designer Dan Falconer is already sold out, but may be available in the aftermarket. We hope that after the next three volumes (Cloaks and Daggers for The Desolation of Smaug, and two volumes from next year’s finale in the trilogy, There and Back Again) are released, Weta returns to The Lord of the Rings series to release a similar series of books, since those films did not get a similar set of stunning volumes.
January 14, 2020
I thought that the way the book was bonded and the material that they used was extremely good, it’s amazing to see what happens behind the scenes of a film as epic as The Hobbit (imagine the original Lord of the Rings Trilogy that obviously would be crazy massive). I learned a lot about how early they prepare the place (they had to plant I think grass and some plants a year early just to get the right length for the filming) as well as how they had to use the original trilogy as reference for certain items, places and characters just to keep the consistency right.
This is the first “Movie book” that I have read (movie book meaning first book about the behind the scenes of a film) and I found this to be very simple yet informative and I enjoyed very much how they included several designs (obviously the rejected ones) and stories about how they decided on the current designs. If there is one part of the book that I did not enjoy was the part wherein they showed the collectibles the fans could buy and where to buy it, I know it may sound silly or too simple of a negative (big part why I didn’t give this book 5 stars) I just feel that you didn’t need to add that part in such a great book, I mean at the end of the day people will find out where to buy these items and there are other ways to market these items. But overall this was really a great book and I would recommend it to anyone.
This is the first “Movie book” that I have read (movie book meaning first book about the behind the scenes of a film) and I found this to be very simple yet informative and I enjoyed very much how they included several designs (obviously the rejected ones) and stories about how they decided on the current designs. If there is one part of the book that I did not enjoy was the part wherein they showed the collectibles the fans could buy and where to buy it, I know it may sound silly or too simple of a negative (big part why I didn’t give this book 5 stars) I just feel that you didn’t need to add that part in such a great book, I mean at the end of the day people will find out where to buy these items and there are other ways to market these items. But overall this was really a great book and I would recommend it to anyone.
March 12, 2022
Although Peter Jackson’s trilogy of films for The Hobbit are not of the standard of the earlier, less compromised The Lord of The Rings, this book is certainly worthy of your time if movie making in the world of Middle-earth is a key interest.
As with other Tolkien books produced by Weta/HarperCollins, this art & design book is another well-presented publication. Featuring a wide selection of interesting art incorporated into nice page layouts, most of the included text comprises of short passages written by various members of the film’s creative departments. These detailed notes provide direct insight into how ideas were formed to be further evolved and enhanced, problems discussed and solved, and then final designs approved for physical or digital production.
Alan Lee and John Howe, the film’s Concept Art Directors, contribute a great number of fantastic sketches in their always-fascinating individual styles, and there are many more cool pieces from other team members, exhibiting different approaches for the same or similar tasks. Character and creature designs, environments, clothing, armour and weapons, sets, props and dressings – all aspects are covered in this first volume from a series of six books.
As with other Tolkien books produced by Weta/HarperCollins, this art & design book is another well-presented publication. Featuring a wide selection of interesting art incorporated into nice page layouts, most of the included text comprises of short passages written by various members of the film’s creative departments. These detailed notes provide direct insight into how ideas were formed to be further evolved and enhanced, problems discussed and solved, and then final designs approved for physical or digital production.
Alan Lee and John Howe, the film’s Concept Art Directors, contribute a great number of fantastic sketches in their always-fascinating individual styles, and there are many more cool pieces from other team members, exhibiting different approaches for the same or similar tasks. Character and creature designs, environments, clothing, armour and weapons, sets, props and dressings – all aspects are covered in this first volume from a series of six books.
March 2, 2022
A bunch of talented artists and Tolkien enthusiasts made a baby. This book is the baby.
It's amazing to see the rough sketches and read how the creatives behind the concepts ended up designing the characters' looks, props, and costumes. The time and effort they put into creating this film is inspiring and mind blowing. This book is a glimpse of heaven for someone who's into arts and the LoTR/The Hobbit franchise (me, I'm that someone.)
Not a "must-have" for people who enjoyed the movie(s), but I'm proud of my-teenager-self for purchasing this book.
It's amazing to see the rough sketches and read how the creatives behind the concepts ended up designing the characters' looks, props, and costumes. The time and effort they put into creating this film is inspiring and mind blowing. This book is a glimpse of heaven for someone who's into arts and the LoTR/The Hobbit franchise (me, I'm that someone.)
Not a "must-have" for people who enjoyed the movie(s), but I'm proud of my-teenager-self for purchasing this book.
June 23, 2019
Beautiful sketches and stunning artworks, accompanied by fun and insightful commentary from the artists involved.
I've been following the updates on youtube, seen all the "behind the movies" material - and yet there was plenty of new stuff to discover. It also gave me the chance to have a closer looks at details of the costumes and setting designs, I had fallen in love with in the movies.
The sketches are truly inspiring =)
I've been following the updates on youtube, seen all the "behind the movies" material - and yet there was plenty of new stuff to discover. It also gave me the chance to have a closer looks at details of the costumes and setting designs, I had fallen in love with in the movies.
The sketches are truly inspiring =)
March 13, 2018
So this book is amazing and I can't seem to set it down and it always takes me like less than a week to read this in between customers at work. It is such a good book. It has the quality of being an easy read. You want to know what happens next and the suspense is thrilling. I would definitely read it again and I have multiple times.
February 13, 2021
Fantastic.
The creation process for these movies by Jackson and Weta Workshop are just insane.
They really focus on creating the cultures of all creatures in this world. From the goblins and orcs and elves, dwarves, men, and hobbits. Costumes, props, world design... so intense.
Hearing from John Howe and Alan Lee again was great, too. They are pretty much the design crew right there.
The creation process for these movies by Jackson and Weta Workshop are just insane.
They really focus on creating the cultures of all creatures in this world. From the goblins and orcs and elves, dwarves, men, and hobbits. Costumes, props, world design... so intense.
Hearing from John Howe and Alan Lee again was great, too. They are pretty much the design crew right there.
June 21, 2018
Guida interessantissima al primo film della trilogia, mette in risalto l'iter di progettazione di presonaggi, costumi, oggetti e ambienti che una semplice visione del film (senza aver letto il libro) difficilmente fa notare.
November 5, 2020
This book is definitely a page turner The book can be slow in places but will never get boring it is grate for ages 12 and up I recommend it because it is cozy and warm as well as dark, cold and damp if you love a good roller coaster this book is for you!
August 18, 2017
Beautiful pictures
November 11, 2018
Un'amica lettrice sa sempre come coprire il prezzo senza coprire l'ISBN. Un'amica lettrice è sempre fuori come un balcone. Grazie, Eleonora!
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April 9, 2020it so good to see the book i not reading this
Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews