The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien’s Legendarium Paperback – April 28, 2025

“We all wish, sometimes, that we could have lived in Middle-earth, and Miriam Ellis’s paintings suggest that she has. They celebrate moments of joy and relief...and it does the heart good to be reminded of them in such an inspirational way.”- Tom Shippey, author of J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century“The most appealing and authentic conceptions from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings that I’ve seen in years.”- Ted Nasmith, artist and illustrator of J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Silmarillion“Miriam Ellis’s evocative artwork draws out the themes of mercy, hope, consolation, friendship, hospitality, and joy that run deep in Tolkien’s writing.”- Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography“My inner boy yearns to step into these illustrations and bathe myself in the comfort of these magical scenes. They are, literally, wonder-full.”- John Creedon, author of That Place We Call Home“Miriam Ellis’s exquisite paintings are beautifully vibrant and original - a true gift to the world of Tolkien-inspired art.”- Dr. Hannah McDonald, Secretary and Trustee of The Tolkien Society“In artwork as alive to wonder and beauty as the tales they depict, Ellis brings new eyes to Tolkien’s Middle-earth.”- Nancy Marie Brown, author of Looking for the Hidden Folk“With stunning illustrations and insightful commentary, Ellis masterfully captures the essence of Tolkien's world.”- Dr. Sara Brown, Signum University“This book is fantastic for the art as well as the essays, and has earned a coveted spot on my shelves, and will be revisited often.”- Jeremy Edmunds, creator of Tolkien Collector’s Guide“Miriam Ellis’s delightful illustrations are as whimsical and magical as the world they depict. They are wonderful companions to Tolkien’s world.”- Matt Graf, creator of The Nerd of the Rings“...an insightful journey through Tolkien’s world, as Ellis gently nudges readers to discover eye-opening truths in Middle-earth and re-examine familiar texts.”- Alan Sisto, creator of The Prancing Pony Podcast“Miriam Ellis’s art captures the love, joy, and beauty of Tolkien’s world like no other...I can feel Tolkien smile through her paintings.”- Robert Saunders, creator of In Deep GeekJ.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium provides twenty-first century readers with a much-needed haven from the busy world around them. In his mercy, Tolkien generously balances scenes of high drama with unforgettable pauses for the refreshment of both characters and readers. His work remains true to the themes of “recovery, escape, and consolation” described in his seminal lecture and essay, “On Fairy-Stories.”This book offers a visual portal to these three merciful themes, which form the central subject of Miriam Ellis’s body of Tolkien paintings. Ellis’s artwork strives for faithful accuracy to the texts which she has been reading since childhood. The quieter moments in Tolkien are sometimes neglected in portrayals, but in them resides the beauty of Middle-earth. Focusing on those moments, this book is a treasury with which readers can relax and enjoying both the paintings and the brief but evocative essays drawn from the artist’s contemplation of memorable scenes in the legendarium and the many details of the paintings. Like The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, this book should be a source of recovery, escape, and consolation for the reader.Miriam Ellis is a lifelong Tolkien reader, award-winning fine artist, and published illustrator whose art has appeared in magazines, major fandom YouTube channels, calendars, and the Tolkien Society’s publications. Read more