The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien Illustrated by Jemima Catlin (09.08.13 by Pieter Collier) - Comments

The first new illustrated edition of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit since Alan Lee’s iconic illustrations brought the much-loved children’s tale to life in 1997.

The Hobbit, illustrated by Jemima Catlin, will be published in both hardback and a deluxe foiled slipcase edition, and contains 150 brand new colour illustrations.

Jemima’s work is quirky and whimsical, taking inspiration from classic children’s book illustrators like E.H. Shephard’s Winnie the Pooh and Tove Jansson’s Moomins, along with Japanese anime from Studio Ghibli such as Howl’s Moving Castle and Spirited Away.

Jemima, a graduate of The Arts University, Bournemouth, was discovered by publisher David Brawn when she sent him a tolkien-inspired project created for her illustration degree course.

Her artworks are a combination of pencil, ink and watercolour, and she begins each illustration by drawing in a sketchbook balanced on her knees. For THE HOBBIT Jemima drew inspiration from local mythology, classic fairy tales and Tolkien’s own illustrations, but her charming and lively new interpretation of THE HOBBIT brings Tolkien’s beloved characters to life in a way that will entice and entertain a new generation of readers.

David Brawn, Publisher of Estates at HarperCollins, said:

"I wanted to publish an edition of THE HOBBIT that pulled it back from the cinematic fantasy of the films and reintroduced that sense of adventure and magic that Tolkien’s own children must have felt when he first read them the story. Over the years, THE HOBBIT’S distinctiveness as a classic of children’s literature has been diminished by the potency of THE LORD OF THE RINGS, but Jemima’s approach restores some of the innocence to the tale that I hope children and families will really enjoy. I love how Jemima has taken all her cues from the text – simple things like the different coloured beards of the Dwarves that it is so easy not to notice when reading the book. And Bilbo, though clearly middle-aged as he should be, has a twinkle about him that young readers will adore."

Jemima Catlin, illustrator, said:

“I have always loved J.R.R tolkien's work and THE HOBBIT is by far one of my favourite books. tolkien's detailed descriptions of light and atmosphere really inspired me and encouraged me to experiment with new techniques. He imbues characters with such life and personality that drawing them was an absolute pleasure.”

Jemima Catlin (born in 1986) grew up in Dorset and developed a passion for drawing at an early age. She graduated from the Arts University at Bournemouth with a Foundation Degree in Visual Communication and then went on to complete a BA Honours Degree in Illustration in 2010. After leaving university she became a freelance illustrator, working on some personal projects and undertaking several commissions before embarking on the exciting journey of illustrating The Hobbit. Jemima lives and works in Dorchester.

THE HOBBIT, by J.R.R. Tolkien, illustrated by Jemima Catlin will be published in clothbound hardback (£20) and deluxe slipcase edition (£49.99) on 12th September 2013. THE HOBBIT, THE OFFICIAL CALENDAR 2014, illustrated by Jemima Catlin (£9.99) will also be published on 12th September 2013.

The Hobbit Hardcover Illustrated Edition

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable and quiet life. His contentment is disturbed one day when the wizard, Gandalf, and the dwarves arrive to take him away on an adventure.

Smaug certainly looked fast asleep, when Bilbo peeped once more from the entrance. He was just about to step out on to the floor when he caught a sudden thin ray of red from under the drooping lid of Smaug’s left eye. He was only pretending to sleep! He was watching the tunnel entrance!

Whisked from his comfortable hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a band of dwarves. Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

Jemima Catlin, made 150 illustrations to bring the tale to live. The cover reminds me of the work by Pauline Baynes, especially the right side shows decoration that reminds me of the cover of Farmer Giles of Ham. However, the drawing style is completely different and I believe this is the edition we have been waiting for for such a long time. I'm certain this will be the book that I will be using to read the story to my kids. I hope it will be translated in all possible languages real soon!

The Hobbit Illustrated Deluxe Edition

The deluxe edition looks splendid. Amazing nice slipcase and cover design. Smaug the golden... imagine holding this lovely book in your hands!

I can guess this edition to go in reprint rather quickly, since I predict it to become the perfect gift for any person who loves Tolkien. I'm going to pre-order myself some copies and give some away for sure... and spread the hobbit love!

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