Author: Weta Workshop designer Daniel Falconer
Hardcover: 256 pages
Publisher: Harper Design
Release Date: July 8, 2014
Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars
It has been seven months since I saw “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” in theaters and I am seriously starting to get mega withdrawal. Along to saw the day is another book in the “Chronicles” series. This is actually the fourth book in this series since each “The Hobbit” film has been getting two each. The latest “Cloaks & Daggers” is another gem if you are a fan of these films. Harper Design doesn’t just release a book, they release a piece of art itself. These books are amazing coffee table books and I am proud to have them on display. I cannot wait to see what they are going to do for the last film “The Battle of the Five Armies”.
“The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug Chronicles: Cloaks & Daggers” is jam-packed with some amazing behind-the-scenes photographs, digital renders, and film stills. The focus here is obviously on the film’s accessories including the costumes and props, including armour, weapons and jewelry. We get an inside look into the various character types including Dwarves, Wizards, Hobbits, Rivendell Elves, Mirkwood Elves and more. Besides just beautiful pretty things to look at this book also includes commentary from the actors, artists, digital effects specialists, and many other crew members talking about the items displayed.
You would think by the fourth book that you have seen everything there is to be about “The Hobbit” but I can honestly say that I have read them all and yet I am still blown away but how much actually content is included in this book. It was compiled by Weta Workshop designer Daniel Falconer and he did such an amazing job of showcasing the littlest details in this series that will make the hardcore “The Hobbit” fans so happy! PErfectly blended amazing look behind-the-scenes mixed with a narrative content. Next up we have “The Hobbit: The Battle of the Five Armies Chronicles: Art & Design” set to street on December 17th.
