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Since child hasn't posted a review of JRRT Artist & Illustrator yet, I'll be presumptuous [img]smilies/wink.gif[/img] and offer my own:

• Title: J.R.R. Tolkien: Artist & Illustrator
• Author: Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull
• Date of Copyright: 1995
• Edition: first edition, 1995; my copy, 1998; most recent, 2000.
• Summary description of the book's main themes: This is a collection of Tolkien's artwork from early drafts to final products. It includes illustrations of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion the "Father Christmas Letters", "Roverandom", and "Mr Bliss", as well as early drawings and paintings (of real life), patterns, and an appendix on caligraphy. Hammond and Scull provide a commentary on each of the pictures, including information about how they relate to the text of Tolkien's work and a critique of the illustrations.
• Strengths and weaknesses of the book: The section on "Visions, Myths and Legends" (ie: Silmarillion drawings) I found particularly interesting. The appendix on caligraphy is another strength. The defining feature of this book is, however, the inclusion of earlier drafts and sketches which show how Tolkien's growing vision of ME changed not only the text of his work, but the details of his mental picture.
• Whether you generally recommend this book and why: I certainly do! It's a beautiful book and well worth the wads of cash it sells for. (see my other comments above)
• Whether you specifically recommend it for novices and why: I would. Friends of mine who have little interest in Tolkien have found this book interesting and useful from a purely artistic point of view, and it makes a good lead into serious textual study of Tolkien.

btw: is it acceptable to review a book which has already been reviewed? I'd like to make some further comments about Tolkien's Ring, is all.