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The Hobbit Chronicles #4
The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug - Chronicles IV: Cloaks & Daggers
The ultimate insider look at the filmmaking process of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey and The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, a continuation of the two of the world’s biggest motion-picture franchises, The Hobbit, and The Lord of the Rings, by one of the world’s most notable directors, Peter Jackson.
Richly illustrated with behind-the-scenes photographs, digital renders, and film stills, this comprehensive book explores the costumes and props, including armour, weapons and jewelry, made for the first two films. Chapters will be broken down by type and character: Dwarves, Wizards, Hobbits, Rivendell Elves, Mirkwood Elves and more.
The book will lean heavily on beautiful studio and on-set photography of the finished pieces as well as film stills that provide context. Concept art, detail shots and imagery of materials samples and mock-ups will also be used to weave stories around the finished items. Behind the scenes processes will be showcased with supporting photographs of elements being created.
First-hand accounts from the actors, artists, digital effects specialists, and many other crew members describe the process and how the production unfolded, while also sharing insights into the characters. The book will have a bonus feature, unique to this book.
Compiled by Weta Workshop designer Daniel Falconer and featuring a wealth of stunning imagery, this book puts the reader face-to-face with all of the creatures and characters that populate the first two films in the Peter Jackson trilogy.
Richly illustrated with behind-the-scenes photographs, digital renders, and film stills, this comprehensive book explores the costumes and props, including armour, weapons and jewelry, made for the first two films. Chapters will be broken down by type and character: Dwarves, Wizards, Hobbits, Rivendell Elves, Mirkwood Elves and more.
The book will lean heavily on beautiful studio and on-set photography of the finished pieces as well as film stills that provide context. Concept art, detail shots and imagery of materials samples and mock-ups will also be used to weave stories around the finished items. Behind the scenes processes will be showcased with supporting photographs of elements being created.
First-hand accounts from the actors, artists, digital effects specialists, and many other crew members describe the process and how the production unfolded, while also sharing insights into the characters. The book will have a bonus feature, unique to this book.
Compiled by Weta Workshop designer Daniel Falconer and featuring a wealth of stunning imagery, this book puts the reader face-to-face with all of the creatures and characters that populate the first two films in the Peter Jackson trilogy.
256 pages, Hardcover
First published June 5, 2014
10 people are currently reading
361 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 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 1, 2026
Questo volume porta alla luce il lavoro minuzioso e spesso invisibile che si cela dietro ogni armatura, lama e tessuto visti sullo schermo. Il libro accompagna il lettore nei laboratori e nelle officine della produzione, mostrando come armi e costumi non siano semplici elementi scenografici, ma strumenti narrativi fondamentali. Ogni spada racconta una stirpe, ogni armatura riflette un popolo, ogni costume rivela carattere, storia e destino del personaggio che lo indossa. La cura dei dettagli è impressionante e dimostra quanto il rispetto per la mitologia e la cultura della Terra di Mezzo sia stato al centro del progetto. È particolarmente prezioso per chi ama l’aspetto materiale e simbolico del fantasy, ma anche per chi è affascinato dal processo creativo che unisce tradizione, ricerca storica e immaginazione.
February 28, 2019
Se letti uno dopo l'altro, ci si accorge che spesso ci sono ripetizioni in questi titoli. Più o meno le stesse interviste, gli stessi concetti vengono ripetuti, alcune volte approfonditi come in questo caso dove l'attenzione è puntata su armi e costumi. Ho adorato l'introduzione scritta da Evangeline Lilly (Tauriel) perchè si vede che lei ci teneva davvero tanto al film, anche se poi il suo personaggio è stato parecchio criticato.
Nonostante non sia uno dei miei personaggi preferiti, ammetto che Thranduil fa la sua bella figura.
Nonostante non sia uno dei miei personaggi preferiti, ammetto che Thranduil fa la sua bella figura.
April 25, 2019
How incredibly gorgeous this was! My favourite in the series, this volume focuses on props. The sheer amount of things - and everything made from scratch - is staggering and the close-up pictures are breathtaking. Wonderful stuff, I'll never watch the movies the same way again.
August 3, 2014
This is the fifth book I have read from Weta and I have enjoyed them all, though some more than others. Of the four "Chronicles" books I have read about their work on The Hobbit movies, I preferred volumes I & III as those books focused more on the early sketches and sculptures.
This book, volume IV, focuses primarily on the costumes from the first two movies, with a little information here and there about the weaponry. The pictures in the volume are spectacular--maybe the best of the books so far--but I have to admit I am less interested in the prose of sewing and costuming than I was in the explorations of architecture and landscapes in my favored volumes.
Maybe what I need is more options than just 5 stars, or the option to give this book 3 1/2 stars. Not because it is inferior, really (the writing is good, the interviewees incredibly knowledgeable), it's just not about my personal interests. One could argue I shouldn't fault the book for that, but hey! I shelled out the money for it and I wrote the review. :-)
If you are looking at an overall chronicle of how a movie is made by people who love movies and are extremely dedicated to their various crafts, I highly recommend all four books in this series (and that you read them as a whole and not just as individual volumes). Taken together, I would give the entire series 4 or 4 1/2 stars!
This book, volume IV, focuses primarily on the costumes from the first two movies, with a little information here and there about the weaponry. The pictures in the volume are spectacular--maybe the best of the books so far--but I have to admit I am less interested in the prose of sewing and costuming than I was in the explorations of architecture and landscapes in my favored volumes.
Maybe what I need is more options than just 5 stars, or the option to give this book 3 1/2 stars. Not because it is inferior, really (the writing is good, the interviewees incredibly knowledgeable), it's just not about my personal interests. One could argue I shouldn't fault the book for that, but hey! I shelled out the money for it and I wrote the review. :-)
If you are looking at an overall chronicle of how a movie is made by people who love movies and are extremely dedicated to their various crafts, I highly recommend all four books in this series (and that you read them as a whole and not just as individual volumes). Taken together, I would give the entire series 4 or 4 1/2 stars!
July 15, 2015
This was probably my least favorite Hobbit book thus far, but overall, this is another strong entry in the behind the scenes series about The Hobbit movies. This book focuses on costumes and sets and how they are made. The sets are all interesting to look at and read about. I loved that part of this book. The costumes are generally pretty interesting too. The only slow parts are when they highlight a particular career or area of creation in the movies like pottery, sword making, etc. I like the idea behind these and giving props to the crew is understandable (even if it feels gratuitous like watching any awards show occasionally), but sometimes there is a little too much detail or the text in these parts is just a little boring/unengaging. Other than that, this book is top-notch and I look forward to reading the last two books int he series.
December 15, 2015
I adore this book!* It makes the crafter in me ever so happy to see all of the costuming, prop, and set design details!
*Full disclosure: I'm still slowly but surely working my way through this book. If you're like me, it's not something you can just sit down and read like other books. You have to take time to drool over the pretty details. I wouldn't normally mark something as "read" when I haven't finished it, but I'm just taking my time with this one, so finishing it could take a while. Figured I'd just go ahead and rate it since I know I like it, finished or not.
*Full disclosure: I'm still slowly but surely working my way through this book. If you're like me, it's not something you can just sit down and read like other books. You have to take time to drool over the pretty details. I wouldn't normally mark something as "read" when I haven't finished it, but I'm just taking my time with this one, so finishing it could take a while. Figured I'd just go ahead and rate it since I know I like it, finished or not.
May 10, 2019
~ 3.5 stars.
June 14, 2024
Another great book in this impressive series; the commentary provided here is both very interesting and informative – probably the best so far – as it explains tools, techniques and solutions for a wide variety of needs. The scale of the production for designing and crafting costumes, armour/weapons, set dressing and props is immense, and the level of detail given to just minor background elements is incredible, highlighting the commitment by all of the creative teams. Lots of nice photos are featured, although the pages showing dark weapons and armour would be better viewed if placed on a light-coloured background, as their form can easily be hidden without suitable contrast.
January 13, 2020
Finally, I have the complete set. As much of an issue that I have with Peter Jackson's so-called artistic license with the story inside "The Hobbit," I forever will remain enamored with these books and the incredible art detailed inside. These books showcase the immense creative skill that went into creating these movies. The entire art fascinates me and makes me wonder what happens to all these unique and priceless pieces of art.
I highly recommend this entire series to all those who love Tolkien as well as those who appreciate art in all its forms.
I highly recommend this entire series to all those who love Tolkien as well as those who appreciate art in all its forms.
October 29, 2018
Molto interessante: mostra come sono stati progettati e realizzati scenografie, costumi e armi da utilizzare nelle varie location in funzione delle diverse razze che popolano la Terra di mezzo e che compaiono nella trilogia dello Hobbit.
Molti particolari a stento si notano nei film, a causa del veloce evolversi degli eventi.
Molti particolari a stento si notano nei film, a causa del veloce evolversi degli eventi.
November 9, 2018
Beautiful, a must have for every Hobbit fan. The pictures are beautiful and all the detail that went into these movies is amazing :D
July 24, 2022
This book is AMAZING and should not be missing from anyone's library. The photography is superior, the information is great and the overall layout is incredible. God bless and have a great day!
September 16, 2024
Loved reading this beautiful book with amazing details about the costumes and props.
July 15, 2016
This fourth book in the series focuses primarily on the props, costumes, and sets that were built for the Hobbit movies. Reading through this, its pretty mind blowing to see just how much detail and work goes into making a movie like this. Most people never think about the difference between elven and dwarvish eathing utensils for instance. The artists and designers of the movie certainly do however. A large amount of time goes into designing and building the props, some of which may only be on screen for seconds at most.
Costumes is another area where there is just an insane amount of work and detail involved. Take footwear for instance. There are 13 dwarves in the films, each needing there own individual set of boots that had to be designed and then crafted from scratch. The way the movie is shot there are also large and small scale doubles for the actors, that is how they can make 6 foot tall actors appear as 4 foot tall dwarves. So there you have to add in extra pairs of boots for the scale doubles. They then also made lightweight versions that the actors could wear in scenes where they were fighting or running. On top of that you can add shoes for the stunt doubles and each of the 13 dwarves needed something like 7 - 8 pairs of hand crafted boots, and that's just the dwarves! It really makes you appreciate how much work is involved.
Costumes is another area where there is just an insane amount of work and detail involved. Take footwear for instance. There are 13 dwarves in the films, each needing there own individual set of boots that had to be designed and then crafted from scratch. The way the movie is shot there are also large and small scale doubles for the actors, that is how they can make 6 foot tall actors appear as 4 foot tall dwarves. So there you have to add in extra pairs of boots for the scale doubles. They then also made lightweight versions that the actors could wear in scenes where they were fighting or running. On top of that you can add shoes for the stunt doubles and each of the 13 dwarves needed something like 7 - 8 pairs of hand crafted boots, and that's just the dwarves! It really makes you appreciate how much work is involved.
June 16, 2014
Yet another utterly fantastic book focusing on the work that went on for The Hobbit film trilogy. This volume focuses on costumes, props and weapons. I was a bit disappointed that (once again) there was no discussion about Tauriel's first costume, the rest of the book made up for it.
March 7, 2015
I liked the detail in The Hobbit: Desolation of Smaug - Chronicles IV: Cloaks & Daggers even though I think the title is a bit unwieldy...yet descriptive. Anyway, I was especially fond of the costuming and set design.
August 7, 2014
i can't believe the amount of work that went into such a beautiful movie. the detail and care is evident in everything about this movie. i love it.... what can i day more
August 8, 2014
A stunning, intricate look at the beautiful costumes and other props made for the hobbit.... a fitting tribute to the amazing hard work that goes into this saga of films :-)
July 12, 2015
I had no idea the amount of crafts work that went into these movies - fascinating to learn about all the things they did to make things feel real to the audience.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews