A review by mariebrunelm
Middle-Earth: Journeys in Myth and Legend by Donato Giancola

informative inspiring medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? N/A
• Strong character development? N/A
• Loveable characters? N/A
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A

5.0

Donato Giancola may not be one of the Big Three (the three illustrators published by HarperCollins since the 1990s and delighting us for just as long - Alan Lee, John Howe, Ted Nasmith), but his art is just as enchanting. His classical training gives his painting a historical feel: some of them might have been painted centuries ago, which is a compliment. But they always stand out because of an original point of view, or a character's poignant expression. His art book offers a range of paintings and drawings, all of the latter being pencil sketches on brown paper with white highlights, aka my favourite type of drawings because of the life and the dynamism it gives to the scene. Giancola really is a master and although the book is short on text, his pictures really do speak for themselves.