Tolkien Estate has built a new website dedicated to JRR Tolkien, and it contains dozens of hard-drawn maps, illustrations, paintings and calligraphic works made by the author during the writing of his books. Tolkien was a talented artist, and his maps and visual arts were an integral part of his work. From Artnet:
Tolkien’s art and writings went hand in hand, and illustrations served as an integral part of his creative process. Sometimes the words would inspire the work of art, and sometimes drawing a scene would move the narrative in new directions.
The author carefully mapped the world of Middle Earth to ensure the exact movements of his large cast.
I was so lucky to see some of these maps and drawings in person at this 2019 exhibit at the Morgan Library – amazing stuff. (via @tedgioia)
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