Now Available: The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth!
- Miriam Ellis
- Apr 30
- 5 min read
It is with joy and gratitude that I share the news today that my art book, The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth: Paintings Inspired by Tolkien's Legendarium, is now available for purchase at Amazon and other fine booksellers!
Do you need to escape into Middle-earth? Are you looking for the recovery and consolation that J.R.R. Tolkien prized as the great gifts of Fäerie? Published by Uppsala Books, this treasury of 48 full-color paintings and essays invites you to sit quietly with celebrated moments of mercy, humble fellowship, and high beauty inspired by Professor Tolkien's beloved legendarium.
What Tolkien luminaries and fine authors are saying about The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth
If Professor Shippey thinks an artist has been living in Middle-earth, this might be a book you'd like to see! I'm humbled and honored to share these endorsements:
“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 -- including the understated ones, like Lobelia’s release from the Lockholes -- 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. The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth provides a fresh and engaging look at the world, characters, and stories of Middle-earth, and Ellis’s clear and thoughtful introductions and notes on each painting make it a particularly valuable book to help younger readers appreciate the contribution of the arts to enjoying a wonderful story.” - Holly Ordway, author of Tolkien’s Faith: A Spiritual Biography
“The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth offers us real insight into the genius of Tolkien. 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, RTÉ television and radio host and 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
“The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth invites readers on a visual journey through J.R.R. Tolkien’s legendarium, exploring the profound themes of recovery, escape, and consolation. With stunning illustrations and insightful commentary, Ellis masterfully captures the essence of Tolkien's world, from the humble comforts of the Shire to the ethereal beauty of Lothlórien. This captivating work not only celebrates the artistic vision of Middle-earth but also delves into the spiritual and moral depths of Tolkien's creation, offering readers a fresh perspective on beloved characters and landscapes. Whether you're a longtime fan or new to Tolkien's world, Ellis's book promises to enrich your understanding and appreciation of the timeless tales that have captured hearts for generations.” - Dr. Sara Brown, Signum University
“Miriam Ellis uses color, layout and lighting to breathtaking effect, making the deep emotions of Tolkien’s world jump off the canvas. Every element of her paintings is well researched and considered, and it brings me such joy to study every new painting she makes. 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. I cannot wait to see what Miriam will paint next!” - 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
“Not just a collection of deeply beautiful Middle-earth artwork, The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth is 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 and co-author of Why We Love Middle-earth
“Paintings of remarkable beauty and skill, filled with moments of comfort and stillness – Ellis is a worldbuilder in the truest sense of the word.” - Dr. Joel Merriner, author of Illustrating the Lord of the Rings in the Soviet Bloc
“Miriam Ellis’s art captures the love, joy, and beauty of Tolkien’s world like no other. A true marvel. I can feel Tolkien smile through her paintings.” - Robert Saunders, creator of In Deep Geek
What is in this book?
In both the hardcover and paperback editions, you'll find 48 full-color prints in the book, including a few that aren't yet available anywhere as prints because I've specially held them back for publication in this volume.
Each painting is accompanied by a short essay based on what sections of Tolkien's masterpieces made me think about while I was working at my canvas. The essays are an invitation to contemplation and cover a wide range of themes, from the gracious plenty of hobbit gardening and eating, to the friendship of elves, the protection of Middle-earth's beauty, and other topics that I hope you'll find inspiring.
Each painting is also accompanied by a special sidebar drawing your attention to details you might enjoy noticing.
I've had so many kind patrons say they wish they could own all of my prints, if only they had more room to hang art in their homes. With The Art of Mercy in Middle-earth, you'll have a considerable collection right at your fingertips!
About my art, my writing, and my lifelong Tolkien devotion
My father read me The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings before I was old enough to read them to myself and Tolkien's imagination has shaped my own since my early childhood. Through lifelong reading of Tolkien's legendarium, I have come to deeply cherish his merciful authorship. He not only gives readers the gifts of recovery, escape, and consolation cited in his famous On Fairy-stories lecture and essay, but he lavishes these essential blessings on the characters within his stories. Nearly always, moments of high tension are mercifully paired with rescue or relief.
I'm a professional columnist, and have been working as a fine artist for some 30 years. As my 50th birthday approached, I decided to follow Bilbo and challenge myself to a great adventure: painting the beautiful scenes Tolkien's masterpieces had always painted in my mind. The response has been humbling and encouraging, and I will be so grateful if my book finds a home on your own Tolkien shelf.
About Uppsala Books
I want to express my gratitude to my publisher, Uppsala Books. Under the creative directorship of Tom Shippey and the outstanding talents of Leonard Neidorf, this book has been brought out with thoughtfulness and care by people who truly honor the genius of J.R.R. Tolkien. I couldn't have found myself in better or more august company and it's my sincere hope that readers will feel the kindly respect for our shared love of Tolkien out of which this book was born.
Where can you get the book?
You can purchase it here today!
