Re:Tove Jansson's criticized illustrations of The Hobbit
by ThisNameIsTaken on Monday March 02, 2026 @03:01AM
(#47215074)
It seems those were drawn by Barbara Remington [1] who didn't have time to read the books before making her illustrations. Apparently, the Lord of the Rings was in public domain in the US for a short while, so the publisher (and Tolkien) had to rush for a new 'authorized' version.
[1]: https://arrgle.com/emus-and-piracy-the-story-behind-the-lord...
Re:Tove Jansson's criticized illustrations of The Hobbit
by FarmerPotato on Monday March 02, 2026 @03:34AM
(#47215303)
Oh. Well that puts the emus out to pasture. So, two illustrators Tolkien wasn’t pleased with. I see how I conflated them.
The 1973 Ballantine editions carried only Tolkien’s own paintings on the covers and slipcase.
I only learned of her involvement after becoming a huge Jansson fan. I had to take another look at the Emu.