John Howe is best known for his work based on JRR Tolkien's worlds. He was one of two lead artists working on The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. He also re-illustrated the maps of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit and The Silmarillion from 1996 to 2003. For the past 20 years, John has enjoyed success with personal exhibitions throughout the world.
Comprehensive context complements effulgent illustrations in this survey of 24 legendary worlds. Some, like Thebes and Pompeii, existed, while others, such as Shambhala or Asgard, are speculative. Historical details ("In 539 B.C., the Persian king Cyrus the Great conquered Babylon") and occasional photographs of ruins and ancient art objects help place the locales in history or in the imagination. Howe, who was a conceptual artist for Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings movies, often strikes a pensive tone: "Atlantis is beyond our reach, beyond our most wishful thinking... under the restless waves of myth and legend." Reflective readers and those with an interest in ancient civilizations will appreciate this exciting and carefully crafted book. Ages 9-12. (Nov.) Copyright 2009 Reed Business Information.
Gr 4-7-Twenty-four "lost worlds," both legendary and real, are profiled in this dense, pretty book. "World" is interpreted broadly: the author includes civilizations like Atlantis and Babylon; cities such as Pompeii and Teotihuacan; mythical places like Asgard and Mount Olympus; and the island of Rapa Nui, which is not lost, though certainly diminished. Each chapter opens with an atmospheric, tantalizing description of the city or civilization and follows up with a wealth of detail. Howe presents documented fact, accepted theory, and traditional story, distinguishing among them. The text is supported by well-chosen photos of artifacts and reproductions of art, and of course, Howe's sumptuous, panoramic paintings. While this original art is wonderfully dramatic, it has a static, scenic quality that may appeal more to adult fantasy devotees than to children. More pronunciation help would be welcome, and there are no maps. Geographic representation is gratifyingly evenhanded-Mohenjo-Daro, Cahokia, and Uluru are given as much space as well-known sites like Camelot and Troy. Realistically, however, the type is small and the text somewhat dry-kids will enjoy leafing through for the pictures but may not sit down to read it.-Paula Willey, Baltimore County Public Library, Towson, MD Copyright 2010 Reed Business Information.
 |
Ask a Question About this Product More... |
|
