Steampunk is coming to Oamaru. Weta Workshop, the visual effects company that has won many Academy Awards, has confirmed its involvement in a steampunk exhibition opening at the Forrester Gallery on November 7. Yesterday, Weta Ltd general manager Tim Launder said he was looking forward to being involved. “We hope it’s something that’s going to grow. This year is about planting a seed.” It was part 1920s, part 1930s Victoriana, with some Jules Verne, Flash Gordon and “a bit of Monty Python” thrown in, Mr Launder said. More..
Category: Merchandise
Malcolm from ADC Publications writes: Thank you for adding our earlier book to your website, so that your viewers are aware of its existence. This is our second and the newest publication this year: The Epic Realm of Tolkien Part One – Beren and Luthien (Authors: Alex Lewis & Elizabeth Currie)
Lewis and Currie continue their ground-breaking studies with an examination of Tolkien’s most personal story, the Tale of Beren and Lúthien in its various forms. It is analysed from the early version in the Book of Lost Tales, through the incomparable poetry of the Lay of Leithian, through to beyond the Silmarillion version and the ideas that Tolkien was working towards the end of his life. The astonishing and powerful connections between Beren and Lúthien’s tale and the Arthurian legends in their various forms are examined and give a fascinating glimpse into the world of medieval literature which Professor Tolkien knew and loved so well. Find out how Tevildo Demon-Prince of Cats came into the tale and then was dropped in favour of other concepts, how Tolkien pondered over whether Beren should be a mortal man or an immortal elf. And throughout these tales run the foundations of Arthurian Story in a fascinating way. The connections that Lewis and Currie pursue lead to an elegant and original explanation of the creative purpose behind the Book of Lost Tales as a concept, and also give compelling insight as to how this related to the concept inherent within the Silmarillion and Tolkien’s Legendarium itself. In Epic Realms of Tolkien, learn also of the true significance of the Eriol / Aelfwine character and his adventures and deeds. Continue reading “New Book: The Epic Realm of Tolkien Part One – Beren and Luthien”
From the folks at Weta: 10 years since filming began on The Lord Of The Rings! How do we celebrate that? Listen to the Anniversary Podcast! – Daniel Falconer has recorded a very special podcast episode, walking around the workshop, asking the crew who were here back then to share some of their stories and memories. It’s a truly fantastic walk through the workshop, where you meet Richard Taylor, Gino Acevedo, Gareth McGhie, Matt Appleton, Emily-Jane Sturrock and MANY others! Continue reading “Latest WETA Newsletter”
Mr. Smeagirl sends along an original Hildebrandt painting up for auction on fineart.ha.com, the description: GREG HILDEBRANDT (American b. 1939) and TIM HILDEBRANDT (American 1939 – 2006). J .R. R. Tolkien: Architect of Middle Earth, book cover, 1977. Acrylic on board (22.75 x 14.25 in.), Signed lower right. This illustration appeared on the cover of J .R. R. Tolkien: Architect of Middle Earth by Daniel Grotta-Kurska, Warner Books, 1977. From an Important California Collection. Estimate: $5,000 – $7,500. More..
From screencrave.com: A poster has been released for Peter Jackson’s upcoming drama, The Lovely Bones. The film stars Mark Wahlberg and Rachel Weisz as parents grieving over the death of their young teenage daughter. The cast also includes several Oscar winners and nominees such as Susan Sarandon and Saoirse Ronan. More..
The folks at Kingfisher Books Ltd have sent along a copy of ‘Lost Worlds by John Howe’ to review. Check this space soon!
Book Description
“Lost Worlds” draws together John Howe’s incredible artwork with a wealth of historical facts and mythological texts to create a visually stunning, classic title. This unique children’s book is a first for John Howe. It is a project which fascinates him entirely, so much so that this is the first subject he has committed himself to write about.
A visually stunning look at ancient historical cities, hidden kingdoms and legendary realms, this book draws together facts and mythologies about some of the most captivating places on earth and in the imagination. Babylon, Atlantis, Pompeii, Hollow Earth–real-world places are shown alongside fantastical settings. With an eye-catching, clear plastic window on the cover and a foreword by Sir Ian McKellen, this gift book would be any fantasy reader’s dream.