Illustrating The Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc

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, Illustrating The 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, Eduard 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.>

Préface
Applying an art history lens and attentive to notions of politics, genre, fantasy visuals and iconography, this book offers comprehensive analysis of Soviet-illustrated responses to Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings

Auteur
Joel Merriner is Associate Lecturer in Art History at the University of Plymouth, 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.

Résumé
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, Illustrating The 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.

Contenu

Acknowledgements
List of abbreviations
Maps
List of Illustrations
Introduction: Tolkien: Iconography, Translation and Motif
Part I: What of the dawn?

1. The Craft and Power of Old
2. Hidden Visions
3. Letters of Power
   Part II: Stronger than Wraiths
4. Displaced Worlds
5. A Place of Shadow
6. The Gates Open
   Part III: A King at the Cross-roads
7. The Yellow Books
8. The House of Light
   Conclusion: A Far Green Country
   Notes
   Bibliography
   Index