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The Art of The Lord of the Rings #3
The Art of The Return of the King
With Peter Jackson's Acadamy Award-winning epic motion picture trilogy drawing to a spectacular and triumphant close, Gary Russell's detailed research takes us back into the world of Middle-earth, to relive all the visual drama and excitement of The Return of the King.
The Art of The Return of the King illustrates the creative development of the film from sketch to special effect and features 600 images, most appearing nowhere else. This fully authorized book includes pencil sketches by Alan Lee and John Howe, costume designes by Ngila Dickson, magnificent full-color paintings by Jeremy Bennett, and prop designs, concepts, sculptures and digital artwork from Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. From Minas Tirith to Mount Doom, from the Army of the Dead to Shelob the monstrous spider, all the spectacular landscapes, characters and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts that did not make it into the final film.
To accompany this wealth of imagery, detailed and informative commentaries appear by all the featured artists and designers, together with a special afterword by Peter Jackson. Their personal thoughts and explanations offer unique and fascinating insight into how The Return of the King was brought to life. An artistic journey begun in 1997 reaches its glorious conclusion within these pages, giving the reader a unique chance to witness the creative process that led to one of the most spectacular movies of all time.
The Art of The Return of the King illustrates the creative development of the film from sketch to special effect and features 600 images, most appearing nowhere else. This fully authorized book includes pencil sketches by Alan Lee and John Howe, costume designes by Ngila Dickson, magnificent full-color paintings by Jeremy Bennett, and prop designs, concepts, sculptures and digital artwork from Weta Workshop and Weta Digital. From Minas Tirith to Mount Doom, from the Army of the Dead to Shelob the monstrous spider, all the spectacular landscapes, characters and creatures are covered in stunning detail, including concepts that did not make it into the final film.
To accompany this wealth of imagery, detailed and informative commentaries appear by all the featured artists and designers, together with a special afterword by Peter Jackson. Their personal thoughts and explanations offer unique and fascinating insight into how The Return of the King was brought to life. An artistic journey begun in 1997 reaches its glorious conclusion within these pages, giving the reader a unique chance to witness the creative process that led to one of the most spectacular movies of all time.
224 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 2004
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1948 people want to read
About the author
Gary Russell
197 books171 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 57 reviews
June 20, 2016
And so the series draws to a close and I guess it has a similar feeling to that when I sat in the theatre watching the final credits roll at the end of The Return of the King. Reading through this trilogy you get a sense of enormity of the film series and the sheer amount of work that went in to it - both in front and behind the camera.
I guess there are many unsung heroes of any film but one as impressive as this deserve recognition and this book is an incredible monument to their abilities.
To me looking through the rough sketches and concept work you could almost ignore the film and read the book all over again referring to the pictures in these pages and what a vivid story they would paint.
Now this is one impressive series of books, which I am so pleased to have found but I do feel that at first publication the price would have been too high. Especially since at the time where were so many books where printed about Lord of the Rings you do wonder if material was repeated many times over just to fill the pages of the next book. Possibly but not the case here, or in the two previous volumes either. No this series of a feast of visuals and for anyone who loves the story (and the films) its a great way to lose yourself in the world of Middle Earth.
I guess there are many unsung heroes of any film but one as impressive as this deserve recognition and this book is an incredible monument to their abilities.
To me looking through the rough sketches and concept work you could almost ignore the film and read the book all over again referring to the pictures in these pages and what a vivid story they would paint.
Now this is one impressive series of books, which I am so pleased to have found but I do feel that at first publication the price would have been too high. Especially since at the time where were so many books where printed about Lord of the Rings you do wonder if material was repeated many times over just to fill the pages of the next book. Possibly but not the case here, or in the two previous volumes either. No this series of a feast of visuals and for anyone who loves the story (and the films) its a great way to lose yourself in the world of Middle Earth.
May 18, 2023
3.5⭐️ La opinión que tengo sobre este libro es muy parecida a la que di sobre el segundo. El primero se me hizo muy lento (sobre todo la primera mitad, el libro primero), pero los dos siguientes se me han hecho mucho menos pesados al estar más metida en la historia y también debido a que me he acostumbrado a lo largo de la lectura a la forma de escribir de Tolkien o a que quizás divaga menos (aunque siga haciéndolo) en sus descripciones. Sé que a mucha gente le gusta y a otra mucha no, y yo pertenezco al segundo grupo. Tantas descripciones de paisajes, direcciones y rumbos se me hacen pesadas.
En cuanto a la saga en general me ha gustado bastante pero sin llegar al me encanta. Como ya también dije, la historia sí me encanta pero no puedo darle más puntuación a un libro que a ratos se me ha hecho tan lento.
En cuanto a la saga en general me ha gustado bastante pero sin llegar al me encanta. Como ya también dije, la historia sí me encanta pero no puedo darle más puntuación a un libro que a ratos se me ha hecho tan lento.
February 21, 2022
Just unbelievable how much time, thought, and care went into these films. Literally every piece had intention and a design process. From Barad-Dur to the chairs in Minas Tirith, each element is special and adds to this incredible world.
April 15, 2023
The first thing that comes to mind is how jealous I am of Tolkien’s fantasy, intelligence, and professionalism.
From the places described in each book to characters and events, he has really created so many worlds. It’s fascinating what one man’s mind is capable of.
The books have so many lessons to learn but the one thing that stands out is Tolkien’s approach to heroism. Usually in books and movies we have one or just a few heros. However, according to Tolkien’s philosophy, there’s more than just one hero. In fact, EVERYONE plays their part when something heroic happens. Regardless of whether it’s a small role or being in the spotlight of events since the beginning of the books, everyone is a hero at the end. I’ve reflected this philosophy into the real life and yes, there have been many things I could’ve never done alone. Not saying I’m a hero, but all the biggest events in my life have had more than just one participant as a “hero”.
Another thing I loved is how Tolkien kind of created a mythology for his homeland England. We don’t really know any mythological creatures from there right?
Lastly, my kids are definitely reading these!
From the places described in each book to characters and events, he has really created so many worlds. It’s fascinating what one man’s mind is capable of.
The books have so many lessons to learn but the one thing that stands out is Tolkien’s approach to heroism. Usually in books and movies we have one or just a few heros. However, according to Tolkien’s philosophy, there’s more than just one hero. In fact, EVERYONE plays their part when something heroic happens. Regardless of whether it’s a small role or being in the spotlight of events since the beginning of the books, everyone is a hero at the end. I’ve reflected this philosophy into the real life and yes, there have been many things I could’ve never done alone. Not saying I’m a hero, but all the biggest events in my life have had more than just one participant as a “hero”.
Another thing I loved is how Tolkien kind of created a mythology for his homeland England. We don’t really know any mythological creatures from there right?
Lastly, my kids are definitely reading these!
February 20, 2024
No me hubiese imaginado todo lo que faltaba después de que Frodo y Sam destruyen el anillo.
Volvería a leer la trilogía sin problema para cacharle más detalles. Graaaan historia.
Amamos a Sam con todo el cocoro.
Volvería a leer la trilogía sin problema para cacharle más detalles. Graaaan historia.
Amamos a Sam con todo el cocoro.
July 28, 2020
512 - 2020
December 1, 2022
These art books have each been great in their own way, and its especially been a treat to read along as I watch through the trilogy.
January 27, 2023
Me gustó mucho la historia que se presenta en este libro y me dejó muy motivada para ver la película. En “La comunidad del anillo”, nos introducen con la historia y se presentan los personajes principales, en “Las dos torres”, se explica (detalladamente) cómo van con la misión que se encomendaron y en “El retorno del Rey” nos muestra el desenlace de todo este viaje, por lo que fue agradable saber cómo terminaba todo y en qué quedaba la historia de cada personaje. A mi gusto, un final feliz, con ninguna duda o situación pendiente que me quite el sueño. Quedé muy conforme con el desenlace y lo disfruté bastante; sobre todo, sabiendo que al fin terminaba esta saga logrando cumplir una de mis metas de vida en lectura.
Debo aclarar que tuve algunos momentos tediosos con la lectura, sobre todo en el inicio con lo descriptivo de la narración, además de la cantidad de personajes o distintos nombres con los que se refería a sólo una persona. muchas veces tenía que devolverme y releer para entender y casi anotar los nombres de personaje para no perderme en la narración, sin embargo, entiendo que es un libro escrito hace mucho tiempo por lo que no tiene la misma forma que los libros más modernos. De todas formas, lo recomiendo para aquellos que les gustan las historias de fantasía y/o aventura.
Debo aclarar que tuve algunos momentos tediosos con la lectura, sobre todo en el inicio con lo descriptivo de la narración, además de la cantidad de personajes o distintos nombres con los que se refería a sólo una persona. muchas veces tenía que devolverme y releer para entender y casi anotar los nombres de personaje para no perderme en la narración, sin embargo, entiendo que es un libro escrito hace mucho tiempo por lo que no tiene la misma forma que los libros más modernos. De todas formas, lo recomiendo para aquellos que les gustan las historias de fantasía y/o aventura.
February 19, 2021
Hasta ahora mi favorito de los 3, y aún así el más pesado para mi, me dio bastante dificultad por que tenía narraciones muy tediosas
November 9, 2014
Well, well, well. This is the last and final book in the Lord of the Rings series. The climax of the whole series is finally here. Throughout the book, the book is full of suspense. Before Frodo reached Mount Doom, he was confronted with extreme obstacles and other characters, whether evil or good. Before the final climax of the book, the author's tone is always suspenseful, doubtfull. J.R.R Tolkien written the book this way so that readers can understand how treacherous the task is for Frodo and Sam. "End? No, the journey doesn't end here. Death is just another path... One that we all must take. The grey rain-curtain of this world rolls back, and all turns to silver glass... And then you see it." This part of the book shows that death is inevitable in the journey of the Ring.
December 8, 2016
This book is beautiful I love it
October 8, 2024
Delightful, extensive but a drag.
This volume, the third and last of the Art series of the movie trilogy, disappointed me. The most interesting aspect of this book for me was the columns of text speculating on different designs. Philosophy mixed with trail and error. This was particularly good with the chapters containing monsters like Shelob. Unfortunately, this volume contains many images of items, clothes and locations that are poorly addended. Instead of following an inquiry into the nature of something, we receive statements of what it is.
This series is not a gallery of art work, but a display of some of the concept art. It is cherry-picked, with reflections by the artists. However, there are many sketches and lighting plates, and many have uninteresting texts. Also, this book covered some of the artworks and text of the previous installment, making it tedious. I wish that each book of this series contained three times as much of the concept art, and more aesthetic artworks, and more additional thoughts by Allan Lee, John Howe, Peter Jackson and maybe even the actors or WETA crew. I feel it is underwhelming in it's delivery.
The first volume lacked in substance, and the last volume lacks in depth. The Two Towers Art book excelled.
This is, of course, a mandatory book for fans of the Jackson trilogy, as is this series, but it unfortunately disappointed me greatly. On the whole, it became a drag to read every bit of text, dreading the pitfalls of lacklustre writing, and hoping beyond hope on quality contemplation.
I could not get through this book. I had to shelf it for a year before powering through, and allowing myself the skipping some text.
This volume, the third and last of the Art series of the movie trilogy, disappointed me. The most interesting aspect of this book for me was the columns of text speculating on different designs. Philosophy mixed with trail and error. This was particularly good with the chapters containing monsters like Shelob. Unfortunately, this volume contains many images of items, clothes and locations that are poorly addended. Instead of following an inquiry into the nature of something, we receive statements of what it is.
This series is not a gallery of art work, but a display of some of the concept art. It is cherry-picked, with reflections by the artists. However, there are many sketches and lighting plates, and many have uninteresting texts. Also, this book covered some of the artworks and text of the previous installment, making it tedious. I wish that each book of this series contained three times as much of the concept art, and more aesthetic artworks, and more additional thoughts by Allan Lee, John Howe, Peter Jackson and maybe even the actors or WETA crew. I feel it is underwhelming in it's delivery.
The first volume lacked in substance, and the last volume lacks in depth. The Two Towers Art book excelled.
This is, of course, a mandatory book for fans of the Jackson trilogy, as is this series, but it unfortunately disappointed me greatly. On the whole, it became a drag to read every bit of text, dreading the pitfalls of lacklustre writing, and hoping beyond hope on quality contemplation.
I could not get through this book. I had to shelf it for a year before powering through, and allowing myself the skipping some text.
November 24, 2024
He completado la lectura de El Señor de los Anillos, dedicándole cuatro meses a esta emblemática saga. Mi impresión general es positiva, y me enorgullece haber culminado la gran obra clásica de fantasía. Además, incluyo en esta experiencia la lectura previa de El Hobbit, un libro que, aunque más breve, resulta esencial para comprender el conjunto de la historia.
El volumen que acabo de finalizar incluye unas doscientas páginas de apéndices, que hojearé de forma superficial, ya que no considero tener el nivel de afición necesario para profundizar en ellas. En términos generales, la obra se ajustó a mis expectativas: aunque no logró emocionarme profundamente, reconozco su calidad literaria y su enorme mérito. Sospecho que esta historia podría resonar más emocionalmente si se lee durante la adolescencia, cuando la imaginación tiende a estar más abierta a este tipo de narrativas.
A pesar de que no me identifico particularmente con el género de la fantasía, no puedo dejar de valorar la maestría narrativa de Tolkien, así como el colosal esfuerzo invertido en la creación de un universo tan vasto y detallado. Sin duda, El Señor de los Anillos es un referente literario de altísima calidad, digno del reconocimiento que ha cosechado a lo largo de las décadas.
El volumen que acabo de finalizar incluye unas doscientas páginas de apéndices, que hojearé de forma superficial, ya que no considero tener el nivel de afición necesario para profundizar en ellas. En términos generales, la obra se ajustó a mis expectativas: aunque no logró emocionarme profundamente, reconozco su calidad literaria y su enorme mérito. Sospecho que esta historia podría resonar más emocionalmente si se lee durante la adolescencia, cuando la imaginación tiende a estar más abierta a este tipo de narrativas.
A pesar de que no me identifico particularmente con el género de la fantasía, no puedo dejar de valorar la maestría narrativa de Tolkien, así como el colosal esfuerzo invertido en la creación de un universo tan vasto y detallado. Sin duda, El Señor de los Anillos es un referente literario de altísima calidad, digno del reconocimiento que ha cosechado a lo largo de las décadas.
August 2, 2025
El mejor cierre para una de las trilogías más importantes para la fantasía como es el señor de los anillos.
Yo, que me he criado con las películas y ahora es cuando leo los libros, me percato de las grandes diferencias que hay con la adaptación en cines. De todos los detalles que podemos perder por no leernos las obras.
He disfrutado cada página de la obra. Sin duda un libro que todos deberían de leer.
Gracias Tolkien por tanto.
Yo, que me he criado con las películas y ahora es cuando leo los libros, me percato de las grandes diferencias que hay con la adaptación en cines. De todos los detalles que podemos perder por no leernos las obras.
He disfrutado cada página de la obra. Sin duda un libro que todos deberían de leer.
Gracias Tolkien por tanto.
Read
March 15, 2020One of my favorite tidbits was how during the design process for Shelob they wanted to make her as monstrous as possible by adding spikes, horns, and other fearsome accouterments until she resembled something akin to a mutated crab. Eventually, they decided nothing is scarier than a normal spider, so that’s what they ultimately went with.
July 17, 2024
Such a fire book, love the movies too! this book is an emotional investment for me, I can never finish it without crying, this book is very close to my heart. I feel like in order to really enjoy this book you have to read it multiple times, because you will catch and understand a lot more things in the book, and in the two previous books as well.
April 27, 2025
Increíble historia una conclusión de la saga increíble el desenlace de los personajes es espectacular y increíble lo único que choca un poco del final es la resolución con Saruman , eso me descolocó un poco pero sigue siendo un gran final y te muestra lo mucho que han cambiado los hobbit al final de la historia.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
De Gary Russell el libro "El arte de El retorno del Rey", recomendado para fanáticos de Tolkien y de las películas, hay anécdotas, ilustraciones, bosquejos de set, ropa, decoraciones, orcos, elfos, hasta de caballos, etc... es bastante completo en el análisis de diseño de esta película. 🖤
April 4, 2025
No termine de leer este libro. Se me hizo muy difícil de terminar. Sé que hay gente que adora la saga de Tolkien, pero a mi, se me hizo difícil de entender (solo con los libros) y tediosa de terminar.
February 9, 2018
Well I really liked it. Just to see what the used and what they drew to make it into a movie.
November 18, 2019
The ending of the most legendary trilogy of all times, it leaves you breathless and amazed and sad that there is no more.
June 24, 2022
My father and my brother watched this serie and thanks of them I like read books about the nordic series. :3
September 8, 2022
Mi must read, cada año, la razón por la que amo leer JRR Tolkien, la fantasía definitivamente es uno de mis géneros favoritos
March 15, 2024
Sin duda la película ha hecho su mejor esfuerzo pero queda cortita con la personalidad de algunos personajes. Excelente obra
June 22, 2024
El final de la trilogia que llevaré para siempre en mi corazón.
October 16, 2025
Erasmus 2023, me lo robaron del car y Rafa me lo repuso de otra edición.
se me hizo largo pero el final engancha. Gran final de la trilogía.
Gracias Rafeta.
se me hizo largo pero el final engancha. Gran final de la trilogía.
Gracias Rafeta.
May 15, 2021
This story is definitely amazing.
March 1, 2017
It was very emotional and descriptive filled with new environments. The story has many interesting facts and settings but as the story continues, i happen to lose control what happened before. The setting changes quickly but overall the book was interesting to read. If you like magical environments and shared emotions upon a amazing journey, take time to read this book.
December 4, 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 Two Towers. 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.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews