Middle-Earth From Script to Screen by Daniel Falconer and K. M. Rice

What a gorgeous, detailed book this is! I get a lot of books sent to me in advance of release. Most of the time, my family ignores them, but when this massive tome hit our front porch, the fantasy geeks in our home all argued over who got to read it first.

Visually, this one is a stunner, but it’s much more than a behind-the-scene take on Peter Jackson’s extensive film journey bringing JRR Tolkien’s universe to life. There are set details, details on the craftmanship and crafters  that brought the sets to life as well as concept work and even sets and places that didn’t make it to the screen.

This one is the perfect gift for anyone who loves film, set design, art or the beautiful world Tolkien created.

From the publisher:

For the first time ever, the epic, in-depth story of the creation of one of the most famous fantasy worlds ever imagined–an illustrious compendium that reveals the breathtaking craftsmanship, artistry, and technology behind the magical Middle-earth of the blockbuster film franchises, The Lord of the Rings Motion Picture Trilogy and The Hobbit Trilogy, directed by Peter Jackson.

They said it couldn’t be done, but in an effort spanning a decade and undertaken in a distant corner of the world, a team of artists and creative visionaries laboured to bring the unfilmable to the silver screen. Under the direction of Sir Peter Jackson, their extraordinary efforts to adapt J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit generated almost 24 hours of cinematic wonder, and transported audiences to a world of astonishing beauty and power.

Richly illustrated with thousands of film frames, concept art and behind-the-scenes imagery, many previously unseen, Middle-earth: From Script to Screen follows in the footsteps of the Fellowship of the Ring and the Company of Thorin Oakenshield, visiting the realms and landscapes of Middle-earth and uncovering their secrets. Accompanying this stunning gallery, cast and crew reflect upon their experiences, share brand-new stories and insights into how the wildernesses and soundstages of New Zealand were transformed into a magical world of hobbits, Dwarves and Elves, resulting in one of the most spectacular achievements in cinematic history.

With foreword by Sir Peter Jackson and additional writing by K.M. Rice; illustrated with final film imagery, behind-the-scenes pictures and conceptual artwork, including places not seen in the final films, this monumental compilation offers unique and far-reaching insights into the creation of the world we know and love as Middle-earth.