BilboChristmasListHave you finished all of your Christmas shopping yet? Or are you yet to start? If you’re like us, you’ll definitely have a few more things on your list and what better way to complete the task than buying some Hobbity presents. TORn’s staffers deej, Elessar and Kelvarhin scoured the internet to find the perfect presents to celebrate the holidays and the release of “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies” and we were astounded by how many wonderful choices there are. So, without further ado, here are some lovely gift suggestions for your favourite Hobbit fan (even if that happens to be you). Prices are in U.S. dollars, except the Golden Smaug Pop Figurine and the presentation pack of stamps.

Continue reading “TORn’s Hobbity Christmas Gift Guide for 2014”

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To the Death – Eowyn and Nazgul

Rare and Unique Items from Greg and Tim Hildebrandt Available Now!

Back in the 1970’s Greg and Tim Hildebrandt created 3 Tolkien themed calendars for Ballantine Books, beginning around the time of the 25th anniversary of the publishing of ‘The Lord of the Rings’. During this resurgence of popularity for Tolkien’s collective works, those calendars provided an entire generation’s vision of Middle-earth and all the characters within. Since the release of those calendars, very few alternative versions of those images have been available outside of the calendars and a few art books. Greg and Tim were always very particular about the quality of how their art was showcased. That is all changing, much of this work is now being released in multiple formats that meet with Greg’s exacting standards. Continue reading “Classic Hildebrandt Artwork Exclusively Available in New Formats”

Yesterday saw not only the launch of the new The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug trailer, but also another exciting release for Tolkien fans – the publication of the latest edition of the book which started it all!  You may remember TORn’s post about Jemima Catlin, the young illustrator behind the first new illustrated edition of The Hobbit since Alan Lee’s iconic version in 1997.  (Catlin is also the featured illustrator for the 2014 Tolkien Calendar.)

This book is now available for purchase in the US!  (It was released by HarperCollins in the UK in September.)  It’s a beautiful edition.  The hardcover, with cloth binding, is charmingly old fashioned, and the cover illustrations have gold accents, which shimmer with the promise of the magic contained within.  Catlin’s images are a combination of pencil, ink and watercolour; there are many little pictures decorating the text, as well as more than ten full page, full colour pieces.  The story is interpretated in lively, delightful drawings which show a new interpretation of old friends.

This is an edition to treasure, and would particularly be a wonderful introduction to The Hobbit for children.  It’s a great reminder that, as spectacular as the movies are, the enchantment began in the pages of a fabulous book.  If you’re thinking about holiday shopping already, add this to the list!  I for one feel I can never have too many editions of The Hobbit; this beautiful new edition is certainly worth adding to your collection.

[Click here to order the new illustrated edition of The Hobbit.] [Click here to order the 2014 Tolkien Calendar]