Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium

Miriam Ellis

Book cover for Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium
Book cover for Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium
Book cover for Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium
Book cover for Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium

Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium

Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium

Miriam Ellis

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Description

J.R.R. Tolkien's legendarium provides twenty-first century readers with a much-needed haven from the busy world around them. In his mercy, Tolkien generously balances scenes of high drama with unforgettable pauses for the refreshment of both characters and readers. His work remains true to the themes of "recovery, escape, and consolation" described in his seminal lecture and essay, "On Fairy-Stories."

This book offers a visual portal to these three merciful themes, which form the central subject of Miriam Ellis's body of Tolkien paintings. Ellis's artwork strives for faithful accuracy to the texts which she has been reading since childhood. The quieter moments in Tolkien are sometimes neglected in portrayals, but in them resides the beauty of Middle-earth. Focusing on those moments, this book is a treasury with which readers can relax and enjoying both the paintings and the brief but evocative essays drawn from the artist's contemplation of memorable scenes in the legendarium and the many details of the paintings. Like The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, this book should be a source of recovery, escape, and consolation for the reader.

Critical Reviews

"We all wish, sometimes, that we could have lived in Middle-earth, and Miriam Ellis's paintings suggest that she has. They celebrate moments of joy and relief -- including the understated ones, like Lobelia's release from the Lockholes -- and it does the heart good to be reminded of them in such an inspirational way."

- Tom Shippey, author of J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century

"The most appealing and authentic conceptions from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings that I've seen in years."

- Ted Nasmith, artist and illustrator of J.R.R. Tolkien's The Silmarillion

"Miriam Ellis's evocative artwork draws out the themes of mercy, hope, consolation, friendship, hospitality, and joy that run deep in Tolkien's writing...Ellis's clear and thoughtful introductions and notes on each painting make it a particularly valuable book to help younger readers appreciate the contribution of the arts to enjoying a wonderful story."

- Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien's Faith: A Spiritual Biography

"The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth offers us real insight into the genius of Tolkien. My inner boy yearns to step into these illustrations and bathe myself in the comfort of these magical scenes. They are, literally, wonder-full."

- John Creedon, RTÉ television and radio host and author of That Place We Call Home

"Miriam Ellis's exquisite paintings are beautifully vibrant and original - a true gift to the world of Tolkien-inspired art."

- Hannah McDonald, Secretary and Trustee of The Tolkien Society

"Miriam Ellis's delightful illustrations are as whimsical and magical as the world they depict. They are wonderful companions to Tolkien's world."

- Matt Graf, creator of The Nerd of the Rings

"Miriam Ellis's art captures the love, joy, and beauty of Tolkien's world like no other. A true marvel. I can feel Tolkien smile through her paintings."

- Robert Saunders, creator of In Deep Geek

Publishing Information

Publisher: Uppsala Books
Pub date: 2025-04-30
Length: 106 pages

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