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Myth and Magic: The Art of John Howe by John Howe
Artists the world over have attempted to capture the essence of Tolkien’s the passion and heroism of the characters, the heart-stopping drama of the action, the mythic grandeur of Middle-earth itself, but few have succeeded. Pre-eminent among those who have is John Howe. Now, for the first time ever, a portfolio of more than 250 of his paintings and sketches has been collected together which celebrates the breathtaking vision of one of the foremost fantasy artists working today. Myth & Magic takes the reader on a journey through John Howe’s work, from his early days as a student to his most recent paintings, and features a number of previously unseen pictures.All of his Tolkien work inspired by The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth is included, and this is complemented by a dazzling array of the many works of art that he has produced, ranging from books on dragons and myth and legend, children’s books that he has written as well as illustrated, to a wealth of cover paintings for some of the biggest names in fantasy. John Howe has additionally provided an entertaining and informative commentary which gives the story behind his work. Myth & Magic also boasts contributions from Tolkien expert and author of The Lord of the Rings Movie Guide, Brian Sibley, and top fantasy authors such as Robin Hobb and Robert Holdstock, features a revealing insight from Oscar-winning actor Sir Ian McKellen into the challenge of becoming John Howe’s ‘Gandalf’, and includes an exclusive Foreword by Peter Jackson, the directorof The Lord of the Rings Movie Trilogy. From the beloved painting of ‘Smaug’ that decorates The Hobbit, and the world famous ‘Gandalf’ picture which is synonymous with the one-volume edition of The Lord of the Rings, to the spectacular images which adorn best-selling novels around the world, this sumptuous gallery will delight all fans of Tolkien and fantasy, as it takes us on an unforgettable tour through the imagination of one of the finest artists in the world. A tour through the realms of Myth & Magic.
Hardcover
First published January 1, 2001
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794 people want to read
About the author
John Howe
72 books112 followersJohn Howe is a Canadian book illustrator, living in Neuchâtel, Switzerland. One year after graduating from high school, he studied in a college in Strasbourg, France, then at the École des arts décoratifs in the same town.
He is best known for his work based on J. R. R. Tolkien's worlds. Howe and Tolkien artist Alan Lee served as chief conceptual designers for Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, and Howe also did the illustration for the Lord of the Rings board game created by Reiner Knizia. Howe also re-illustrated the maps of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion in 1996–2003. His work is not limited to this, and includes images of myths such as the Anglo Saxon legend of Beowulf (he also illustrated Knizia's board game Beowulf: The Legend). Howe illustrated many other books, amongst which many belong to the fantasy genre (Robin Hobb's books for instance.) He also contributed to the film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. In 2005 a limited edition of George R. R. Martin's novel A Clash of Kings was released by Meisha Merlin, complete with numerous illustrations by Howe.
Howe has illustrated cards for the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game.
For The Hobbit films, original director Guillermo del Toro and replacement director Peter Jackson both consulted with Howe and fellow conceptual artist Alan Lee to ensure continuity of design.
Howe is a member of the living history group the Company of Saynt George, and has considerable expertise in ancient and medieval armour and armaments.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John^^Howe
He is best known for his work based on J. R. R. Tolkien's worlds. Howe and Tolkien artist Alan Lee served as chief conceptual designers for Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy, and Howe also did the illustration for the Lord of the Rings board game created by Reiner Knizia. Howe also re-illustrated the maps of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion in 1996–2003. His work is not limited to this, and includes images of myths such as the Anglo Saxon legend of Beowulf (he also illustrated Knizia's board game Beowulf: The Legend). Howe illustrated many other books, amongst which many belong to the fantasy genre (Robin Hobb's books for instance.) He also contributed to the film adaptation of The Lion, the Witch, and the Wardrobe by C. S. Lewis. In 2005 a limited edition of George R. R. Martin's novel A Clash of Kings was released by Meisha Merlin, complete with numerous illustrations by Howe.
Howe has illustrated cards for the Magic: The Gathering collectible card game.
For The Hobbit films, original director Guillermo del Toro and replacement director Peter Jackson both consulted with Howe and fellow conceptual artist Alan Lee to ensure continuity of design.
Howe is a member of the living history group the Company of Saynt George, and has considerable expertise in ancient and medieval armour and armaments.
Librarian note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
John^^Howe
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews
October 18, 2014
It's only fair to remind everyone that John Howe did the original UK covers for many of the Robin Hobb books. So I do come to this work with a very personal admiration for the man and his work. I will freely admit extreme prejudice in his favor.
And as I contributed text to this volume, in a sense I am cheating and giving myself a five star review. But anyone who reads only the text I wrote and does not linger far longer on John Howe's art has missed the whole point of this book. Skip the part I wrote, and go to Robert Holdstock's musings on page 90.
This book is like a lovely extended conversation with and about John, with each illustration worth far more than 10,000 words. As you might expect, there are plenty of Tolkien pages. Viewers of the Peter Jackson movies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit will see where many of those screen images began.
This is a book for looking, for discovering on each page some new and minute detail that makes art I could walk into. This is a book to own, to open again and again.
I look down and see I'm supposed to put down the date I finished this book. I won't. I'm never done with this one.
And as I contributed text to this volume, in a sense I am cheating and giving myself a five star review. But anyone who reads only the text I wrote and does not linger far longer on John Howe's art has missed the whole point of this book. Skip the part I wrote, and go to Robert Holdstock's musings on page 90.
This book is like a lovely extended conversation with and about John, with each illustration worth far more than 10,000 words. As you might expect, there are plenty of Tolkien pages. Viewers of the Peter Jackson movies of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit will see where many of those screen images began.
This is a book for looking, for discovering on each page some new and minute detail that makes art I could walk into. This is a book to own, to open again and again.
I look down and see I'm supposed to put down the date I finished this book. I won't. I'm never done with this one.
August 3, 2023
So yes I got pulled in to reading this one again - I have to say that reading it again I realised how many other fantasy titles I have his work adorning their covers and as much as I thought I was impressed by his work I am even more so now. I great artist who I think has certainly cemented his place in the genre - as I mention below his image of Gandelf struggling through the weather is probably one of the most famous I can think of. An amazing read and one I no doubt will come round to reading again
Another great find on my travels and at a fraction of the cover price.
This is an amazing book which I am glad has carried on the tradition that Paper Tiger started all those years ago. The book is generously illustrated with many of John Howe's works although they are predominantly based on the worlds and works of Tolkien many of which are now famously linked to his work have become in many cases (Gandalf) synonymously the de facto image everyone knows.
However to say that Mr Howe is a Tolkien illustrator is to over look many many famous pieces of work - a lot of which I didnt realise were his although they are some of most easily identifiable works - for example his rendition of the Once and Future King is one I have know and loved for years. If anything I wish there was more of his "other works" so I could appreciate his true talent.
One this I would say that slightly detracts from the book and hence the loss of a star- is that the book is published by Harper Collins here in the UK and as as result they have not missed a chance to promote "their" editions of some of the books that are mentioned in the pages. Now this could be coincidental but even so it feels a little too convenient. That said the books are still amazing and I do love to see the original works before they are converted to the covers. In the case of John Howe its impressive seeing the original before the publisher changes it.
Another great find on my travels and at a fraction of the cover price.
This is an amazing book which I am glad has carried on the tradition that Paper Tiger started all those years ago. The book is generously illustrated with many of John Howe's works although they are predominantly based on the worlds and works of Tolkien many of which are now famously linked to his work have become in many cases (Gandalf) synonymously the de facto image everyone knows.
However to say that Mr Howe is a Tolkien illustrator is to over look many many famous pieces of work - a lot of which I didnt realise were his although they are some of most easily identifiable works - for example his rendition of the Once and Future King is one I have know and loved for years. If anything I wish there was more of his "other works" so I could appreciate his true talent.
One this I would say that slightly detracts from the book and hence the loss of a star- is that the book is published by Harper Collins here in the UK and as as result they have not missed a chance to promote "their" editions of some of the books that are mentioned in the pages. Now this could be coincidental but even so it feels a little too convenient. That said the books are still amazing and I do love to see the original works before they are converted to the covers. In the case of John Howe its impressive seeing the original before the publisher changes it.
February 1, 2018
Although Howe's vision of Middle-Earth occasionally offers an unwelcome filter for my inner eye (in fairness, I have yet to encounter an artist for whom that is not at least sometimes true), his art in the main is stunning, moving, wonderful to behold. Faerie he has certainly seen, Logres, Newford, and many other worlds besides. Howe's insistence on research, on basing fantastical imagery on the real, serves all fantasy lovers well.
January 30, 2016
John Howe... RESPECT!!!
That's the only thing I want to say about this collection of his artwork.
It's absolutely STUNNING!!!
That's the only thing I want to say about this collection of his artwork.
It's absolutely STUNNING!!!
December 13, 2015
A great artist - from a devoted Howe-fan, what else could I say?
May 1, 2016
Breathtaking. A true collector's item. Highly recommended.
May 9, 2016
John Howe, beyond the shadow of a doubt, has a knack for art. He seamlessly knows how to connect reality with fantastic elements, almost as if his works could be real someplace, sometime. 2/3 of this book dealt with all kinds of LOTR-related lore, which I adored. 1/3 was a variety of cover and illustration artwork for other titles, which I appreciated deeply as well, but which did not have the same effect on me as the illustrations for Tolkien's works. This is definitely a worthy addition to my artwork collection.
February 1, 2016
An excellent book with excellent artwork from an excellent artist. It's truly marvellous for every fantasy fan or for those who generally indulge themselves in brilliant art.
April 14, 2016
A beautifully illustrated book! John Howe is definitely the master of Middle Earth's art. I loved every single page, every single painting!
Highly recommended to Toklien fans!!!
Highly recommended to Toklien fans!!!
August 10, 2017
Fantastic portfolio of artwork by John Howe. I've had this since around the time that The Return of the King film came out, however only perused the Tolkien section. Recently, I went cover to cover.
I heard of John Howe, as well as Alan Lee, thanks to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. There is also a Myth & Magic poster collection too; which features I believe 8 poster-sized images from the book.
There is a vast array of varrying material included here. Tolkien, however, receives three sections. This makes sense, as it's organized by time frame within the Middle-earth timeline. So all The Hobbit is one section, all The Lord of the Rings in another, and likewise for other tales such as The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth.
It is an art book, so you get mostly art. There are some annotations or descriptions here and there along the way.
I admit to getting this as well as the poster set mainly due to the Tolkien related artwork. However, as I impressed as I was by it, I was glad to see other offering's by Howe presented.
I heard of John Howe, as well as Alan Lee, thanks to The Lord of the Rings movie trilogy. There is also a Myth & Magic poster collection too; which features I believe 8 poster-sized images from the book.
There is a vast array of varrying material included here. Tolkien, however, receives three sections. This makes sense, as it's organized by time frame within the Middle-earth timeline. So all The Hobbit is one section, all The Lord of the Rings in another, and likewise for other tales such as The Silmarillion and The History of Middle-earth.
It is an art book, so you get mostly art. There are some annotations or descriptions here and there along the way.
I admit to getting this as well as the poster set mainly due to the Tolkien related artwork. However, as I impressed as I was by it, I was glad to see other offering's by Howe presented.
November 22, 2016
“Myth and Magic: The Art of John Howe” by John Howe, Peter Jackson (Foreword)
Fantastic artwork and descriptions by John Howe.
I wasn't aware of The History of Middle-earth series.
“ I love dragons for the incredible pictorial possibilities they offer. It's hard to imagine another family of mythical creatures so multifarious.” (p48)
“I've always loved Arthurian legend; no other myth cycle covers a millennium of history, from the Mabinogion to Mallory, from the Celtic precursor of Arthur to the ultimate quest of Galahad.” (p52)
I'd like to read Charles De Lint's novels “Memory and Dream” and “Into the Green”, and also “The Wanderer" by Cherry Wilder (p101-103)
- - -
Fantastic artwork and descriptions by John Howe.
I wasn't aware of The History of Middle-earth series.
“ I love dragons for the incredible pictorial possibilities they offer. It's hard to imagine another family of mythical creatures so multifarious.” (p48)
“I've always loved Arthurian legend; no other myth cycle covers a millennium of history, from the Mabinogion to Mallory, from the Celtic precursor of Arthur to the ultimate quest of Galahad.” (p52)
I'd like to read Charles De Lint's novels “Memory and Dream” and “Into the Green”, and also “The Wanderer" by Cherry Wilder (p101-103)
- - -
March 31, 2021
Really fantastic. One gets the sense that John Howe really has visited Middle Earth and has simply painted the dragons, orcs, and towers he saw on his journey. His paintings have a realism and liveliness to them that makes you feel like you're there.
No wonder he was chosen as a concept artist for the LOTR movies. However, I had no idea his paintings were so influential before he even started working on the movies. There's a good chance that when you're watching the movies, the way the balrog or the wizard you're watching looks the way it does is because Howe painted it that way back in the 90s and early 2000s.
No wonder he was chosen as a concept artist for the LOTR movies. However, I had no idea his paintings were so influential before he even started working on the movies. There's a good chance that when you're watching the movies, the way the balrog or the wizard you're watching looks the way it does is because Howe painted it that way back in the 90s and early 2000s.
June 19, 2021
Fantastic!! I could not put it down, this was an exceptional visual experience that I loved so much.
Howe's art is so amazing and mesmerizing, you might believe that it's really alive when you're looking at anything of his creations for the first time.
I loved what Peter Jackson said about him, Robin Hobb, David Gemmell and Alan Lee. His wonderful work on Tolkien's books was stunning, I loved it so much and I wish to own an Howe mainly Gandalf or a Dragon to put it on my wall.
Howe's art is so amazing and mesmerizing, you might believe that it's really alive when you're looking at anything of his creations for the first time.
I loved what Peter Jackson said about him, Robin Hobb, David Gemmell and Alan Lee. His wonderful work on Tolkien's books was stunning, I loved it so much and I wish to own an Howe mainly Gandalf or a Dragon to put it on my wall.
March 11, 2022
This is a definite favorite out of the Tolkien related art books that I've perused. I love the contrasting colors and dramatic composition of John Howe's works and that many of the prints in this book are large enough to truly enjoy them. This also contains artwork outside of the Tolkien realm. I was especially excited to that he did paintings for some of Robin Hobb's books, which I am currently reading and loving.
April 24, 2019
Interesting survey of Mr. Howe's varied artistic career with numerous images from many sources, from Tolkien-related works to art created for a number of fantasy and science-fiction book covers. Accompanied by sketches and previous-unpublished paintings.
January 31, 2021
If you're inspired by artwork in your writing, this book is a must have. As a fantasy author, I find it recharges me to soak into other mediums and this one is a go-to for me. The work bounces between fantastical and classical with short snip-it's of tales in words to go along. Great read.
April 4, 2022
Wow, this is a gem. Lots of amazing artwork from concept work to 2-page spreads of finished pieces. Loved reading the artist's perspective as well as submissions from authors and actors they have worked with. Loved it.
Noted as book-to-film, but it's more like book-to-art-to-film.
Noted as book-to-film, but it's more like book-to-art-to-film.
October 6, 2019
myth and magic the art of john howe
March 15, 2021
A very well illustrated chronicle of the work of fantasy artist John Howe, who was the chief artist for the Lord Of The Rings films.
May 19, 2021
Beautiful artwork. Interesting to see his development and career.
April 6, 2022
John Howe's artwork is fantastic! Literally.
July 28, 2024
Although dated, this book shares many beauitful examples of Howe's art to the turn of the last century.
April 16, 2025
The moonlight paints you in such a way... I can't resist the urge to explore every captivating inch... with my imagination, for now.
August 25, 2020
I love beautiful art, and I love fantasy. So, no surprise, I love this book. Howe’s art is quite beautiful and finely detailed (which is not always the case with other fantasy art).
This collection showcases more than his Tolkien art (a formidable portfolio, to be sure)--included are book covers, commissioned pieces, etc. I had no idea how prolific Howe is, and after reading this book I was motivated to track down some of his other collections.
5 stars.
This collection showcases more than his Tolkien art (a formidable portfolio, to be sure)--included are book covers, commissioned pieces, etc. I had no idea how prolific Howe is, and after reading this book I was motivated to track down some of his other collections.
5 stars.
July 24, 2023
Considering this book is so light on written content, and - at least the edition I have is so misleadingly packaged - this is a real delight.
Without knowing the artist, my first exposure to John Howe was the 1991 J.R.R. Tolkien calendar, which I loved. At the time, as a 13/14 year old, I was valiantly trying (and failing) to read the Lord of the Rings and, in all honesty, I much preferred just looking at Howe's artwork than slogging through Tolkien's torturous prose.
Frustratingly, there isn't much from Howe on his work, aside from how awful he thinks he used to be, how much he loves dragons and how his fantasy art is grounded in solid Medieval knowledge and research.
There are contributions from Peter Jackson, Ian McKellen and Robin Hobb (amongst others) but none are especially detailed, and Howe's own written contributions are brief and, at times, confusingly reliant on the reader having prior knowledge of the books he's writing about.
Sneakily, HarperCollins took this 2001 book, whacked on a dustjacket that trumpets Howe's work on the Hobbit films, sticks an illustration he did of Smaug (from 1990) and included nothing Howe actually did from the Hobbit films. Naughty, HarperCollins, very, very naughty.
So why the **** rating? Because Howe's work is so beautifully realised. I'm not sure any other artist has so perfectly captured the spirit of Middle Earth. Those 1991 Tolkien calendar illustrations aren't even the best ones in the book.
Taking the best of his work from 1979 to 2001 - both published and unpublished, both Tolkien-esque and not (there's a wonderful double page spread of St George fighting the dragon from 1996) this is a joyous retrospective of a singularly talented fantasy artist.
Without knowing the artist, my first exposure to John Howe was the 1991 J.R.R. Tolkien calendar, which I loved. At the time, as a 13/14 year old, I was valiantly trying (and failing) to read the Lord of the Rings and, in all honesty, I much preferred just looking at Howe's artwork than slogging through Tolkien's torturous prose.
Frustratingly, there isn't much from Howe on his work, aside from how awful he thinks he used to be, how much he loves dragons and how his fantasy art is grounded in solid Medieval knowledge and research.
There are contributions from Peter Jackson, Ian McKellen and Robin Hobb (amongst others) but none are especially detailed, and Howe's own written contributions are brief and, at times, confusingly reliant on the reader having prior knowledge of the books he's writing about.
Sneakily, HarperCollins took this 2001 book, whacked on a dustjacket that trumpets Howe's work on the Hobbit films, sticks an illustration he did of Smaug (from 1990) and included nothing Howe actually did from the Hobbit films. Naughty, HarperCollins, very, very naughty.
So why the **** rating? Because Howe's work is so beautifully realised. I'm not sure any other artist has so perfectly captured the spirit of Middle Earth. Those 1991 Tolkien calendar illustrations aren't even the best ones in the book.
Taking the best of his work from 1979 to 2001 - both published and unpublished, both Tolkien-esque and not (there's a wonderful double page spread of St George fighting the dragon from 1996) this is a joyous retrospective of a singularly talented fantasy artist.
January 29, 2013
This book is a must for Tolkien fans. It was absolutely beautiful and I enjoyed seeing illustrations that I never knew existed. John Howe has his own style and after a while you can recognize the feats. A great book to completely get absorbed in fantasy worlds. Also words and praise from writers, filmmakers etc, which completes this book nicely together with Howe's own words and even some scenes of Howe roleplaying authentic costumes to get a feel for the characters he is drawing. Absolutely amazing, this man. :) I would have given 5 stars, but had to strike one out, since there are so many illustrations that are printed way too small. This book is 150 pages. Why not make it 50, 100 pages longer and include those pictures too, in big! I read this book in greek, so I don't know if the english version looks exactly the same. Anyway, kind of a waste of beautiful art.
May 18, 2010
Anyone familiar with the Lord of the Rings movies probably knows of John Howe and Alan Lee. Howe was instrumental in many of the creature designs, scene concepts and armor designs. This book also includes cover art for other works, sketches (several previously unpublished)and pictures from his own stories. He also includes anecdotes throughout, and Howe has an engaging writing style and a very dry wit. His work is simply amazing. I love it how he says he does color sketches poorly. Yeah. I wish mine were half as "bad" as his are.
June 2, 2012
Amazing artwork and wonderful words to go along with it. I only wish there were more words and stories and if possible even more pictures. They were so stunning. I recommend this to any aspiring artist or fan of John Howe or Lord of the Rings.
February 18, 2013
This book is absolutely beautiful. From LOTR to other fairy tales, general fantasy, and even some science fiction. Howe's representation of Rivendell in particular is stunning. It's like seeing the movie long before it was made. I want to read all the other books he illustrated now.
June 27, 2013
Very cool art book! Howe has such a neat style. And OMG, I had no idea he did some of the illustrations for the Enchanted World series! That was so cool to find out! This is a nice collection to have, and I'm so glad we spotted it over at B&N.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 36 reviews