From the visionary sketches of Alan Lee and John Howe to breathtaking digital matte paintings, Gary Russell presents the very finest works of art, including over 100 new sketches, paintings and sculptures, that inspired Peter Jackson. From Bag End to Mount Doom, from the Balrog to Shelob the monstrous spider, every major location and creature is revealed, with fascinating new commentary from all the artists.

Foreword 7

Visual Effects Design 8

Paul Lasaine & Jeremy Bennett

Conceptual Art 62

Alan Lee & John Howe

Weta Workshop 140

Christian Rivers, Daniel Falconer,

Ben Wootten, Warren Mahy & Shaun Bolton

Maquettes 192

Ben Wootten, Jamie Beswarick, Shaun Bolton,

Sacha Lees, Daniel Falconer, Warren Mahy, Ben Hawker,

Johnny Brough, Greg Tozer & Gino Acevedo

Digital paintings 204

Gus Hunter, Steve Lynch, Max Dennison,

Roger Kupelian, Yanick Dusseault, Karen deJong,

Dylan Cole & Ronn Brown

Closing Credits 224

Alan Lee & J.P. Leonard