Illustrating The Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc - (Perspectives on Fantasy) by Joel Merriner (Hardcover)

About the Book

"A comprehensive history and analysis of the Soviet illustrated editions of The Lord of the Rings published 1981 - 1993, this book explores these works against a backdrop of state censorship, restrictive publishing practices and logistical struggles of translation. Employing comparative analysis to reconcile neglected Soviet illustrations with their Western equivalents, it situates both within the wider cultural and political contexts of the period. Reflecting upon their relevance to current debates regarding visual heterogeneity in fantasy, the book examines artistic reception, iconography and the permeability of cultural boundaries during the final years of Communist rule, shedding new light on the role of visual art in shaping cultural content"-- Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

A comprehensive history and analysis of the Soviet illustrated editions of The Lord of the Rings published between 1981 and 1993, this book explores the production and reception of these works against a backdrop of oppressive state censorship, restrictive publishing practices and logistical struggles of translating such long texts. Highlighting the intense creativity, innovation and resourcefulness of illustrators from the USSR, IllustratingThe Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc demonstrates how new forms of Tolkienian imagery reforged Western fantasy artwork and brought fresh iconographical diversity to late 20th-century fantasy visuals. In employing comparative analysis to reconcile the neglected Soviet illustrations with their popular Western equivalents, the book situates both pictorial traditions within the wider cultural and political contexts of the period and reflects upon their relevance to current debates regarding visual heterogeneity in fantasy.

Carefully reconstructing the diverse Middle-earth visions of illustrators such as Gyozo Vida, Jerzy Czerniawski, Yassen Panov, Alexander Korotich, Èduard Zarjanskij, Denis Gordeev and Sergei Iukhimov, Illustrating The Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc broadens notions of how Tolkien's work was received beyond Anglo-centric, Western audiences. A vivid record of artistic reception and the permeability of cultural boundaries during the final years of Communist rule, author Joel Merriner offers an art historian's analysis of these illustrations of Tolkien's beloved work and sheds new light on the role of visual art in shaping cultural content.

About the Author

Joel Merriner is Associate Lecturer in Art History at the University of Plymouth, and Tutor in Illustration at Falmouth University, UK. His latest research focuses on the global imaginary and the interconnected nature of Tolkien book illustration, fanart and film. He has presented at the Tolkien Society Seminar several times.