The official Tolkien calendar this year containing 13 paintings inspired by The Lord of the Rings & featuring many previously unseen works of art. The Official Tolkien Calendar has become an established publishing event eagerly looked forward to by Tolkien fans the world over; there is much demand for the annual calendar with Tolkien calendars from the past 30 years becoming collectors items. This years continues in that tradition & is the perfect Christmas gift for lovers of fine fantasy art. The Tolkien Calendar 2012 features 13 paintings by the Dutch artist Cor Blok. Cor Blok is the only artist still living ever to have met JRR Tolkien & the only artist whose paintings Tolkien admired enough to purchase some of his work. The paintings are inspired by Tolkiens classic masterpiece The Lord of the Rings & were completed during the early 1960s when the young artist was attempting to create a Bayeux tapestry approach to illustrating this monumental book. Many of this paintings included here have never been seen before. This delightful collection of scenes takes the reader on a unique journey through the beauty & drama of Middle-earth. It represents a truly charming addition to the series of official calendars by a gifted artist & promises to be a memorable calendar for fans.