The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles: Cloaks & Daggers Hardcover – July 8, 2014

The media could not be loaded. This is the fourth Chronicles book in the Hobbits film series. Fans and readers who like the previous three books will find that this is produced with as much care and effort as the previous three. In other words, this book is extremely detailed and insightful.This companion book focuses on the props and costumes to the first and second Hobbit films. It's a beautiful hardcover that's 256 pages thick.Everything in the film has to be made. It's only going through this book that one can even begin to imagine how much work there is. This book really gives you a good idea of that scope. The company responsible is 3Foot7, and production designer is Dan Hennah.It goes through each and every costumes, weapons and accessories used by the characters, whether they are dwarfs, orcs, elves or others. All pictures used are of high resolution.The writer and art director for this book is Daniel Falconer, who's also a designer at Weta Workshop for more than 15 years. He has included extensive writeup and commentary from the staff, the sculptors, costume makers, dyers, prop-makers, armourers, jewellers, weavers, and other craftsmen. An immense and diverse set of skills is certainly on display. The prop designs are really detailed.The staff talks not just about the design, but also how they actually make the props, such as the fabric, shoes, belts, jewellery, rings, etc. In many cases, they actually case the metal themselves. You'll read about the many hats of Gandalf, the coins in the Dragon's treasure hoard, furniture and ornaments that decorate the sets.After reading the book, you'll probably watch the film again with new appreciation.Highly recommended to fans of the film.(See more pictures of the book on my blog. Just visit my Amazon profile for the link.)

After getting two of these Hobbit books compiled by Weta designer Daniel Falconer I knew I had to get them all because they are such beautiful books that celebrate all the hard work, dedication, ingenuity, skill and imagination of all the master craftsmen that worked on the films. This book was no exception.If you like to see the planning stages of costumes, armor, weaponry, props and scenery this book is for you. I love seeing everything in the planning stages of what they originally planned and then how it ended up looking. It’s also nice to see up close the weaponry and costumes as well as read the actors’ comments.My favorites are the elves, particular Thranduil. I love all the beautiful photos of his rings, broaches, staff, sword and costumes as well as the commentary from the amazing staff creating the looks as well as from actor Lee Pace. There’s input from many of the actors who played elves, dwarves and others. They also go into great detail about Biblo Baggins’ Hobbit village with lots of photos.This is a beautiful coffee table book that will be fun to look at and share with friends and others who love the Hobbit series.

Great reference book that takes one behind the scenes of the Hobbit trilogy. One thing that I have enjoyed the most about the Middle Earth movies is Weta Workshop’s attention to detail, even in little things that may never actually be seen on screen. This book has page after page of gorgeous pictures that focus on the physical armor, costuming, and weapons of the Hobbit trilogy. The author also takes time to focus on the different disciplines, ranging from dyeing to metal craft, required to create such wonderful art. This is probably my favorite book of the seven-part Hobbit art book series.

Another super Weta volume of wonderful art that lets you in on the creative process - basically how they arrived at perfection from A to Z. As this stable of inventive and gifted artists mull over what Smaug should look like - indeed, what every weapon, character and stitch of costume will finally look like, you have the honor of "sitting on their shoulder" and rummage through the myriad choices that (ultimately) Peter Jackson had to make to pull everything into one breathtaking, coordinated world. God bless these hardworking people! I own every title in the series. Take your time with these. This kind of work should be savored,studied, and admired. (In this case, the ANGELS are in the details!)

This book is my favorite one so far as i love costumes and weapons!!! It focuses on how the specialist artisans bring the films to life with their skills. This book presents the fine works of sculptors, costume makers, dyers, armorers, jewellers, leather-workers, prop-makers, and etc. All the props needed, even the food props, for the movies are in it. So, it’s totally awesome! In addition, a full photo of market in Hobbiton is attached to the back cover and this market is only seen in the extended version of The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey.Highly recommended for fans and those who interested in prop-making or even cosplay!

My collection is up to date again after Christmas! These books are the cream of the crop when it comes to well produced, lovely art, informative novels! Love the series, can hardly stop reading. Can't say I was a big fan of the movies ("the first trilogy was better") but the astounding work that hundreds of people went through to bring it to the screen is as fascinating as ever! Great purchase!

Cuarto de los 6 libros sobre arte y diseño de la trilogía de el Hobbit. Si el anterior nos enseñaban los dibujos y diseños para la película la desolación de Smaug, en este nos muestran los resultados finales, con fotografías explendidas, sobre vestuario, armas, diseño de producción de escenarios, etc. El mejor de los 6 libros sobre este tema. Muy recomendable.

Le livre est sublime.Beaucoup d'écrits et d'illustrations/photographies du tournages, des designs des personnages, des décors. Les images sont splendide. On apprends beaucoup de choses sur la réalisation du film.Venant de Weta, on n'est jamais déçu.Attention, le livre existe uniquement en anglais, pas de traduction française.

Lindo livro. Também como referência é maravilhoso.

venia sellado, y es completamente hermoso

Gorgeous book! Has lots of great behind the scenes info and photos. Perfect for any Hobbit/LOTR fan!