A Tolkien Bestiary – David Day (1979)
This lavishly illustrated encyclopedia, written by David Day, delves into the rich menagerie of J.R.R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth, cataloging its creatures, races, and mythical beings with scholarly detail and artistic flair. From the noble Elves and stalwart Dwarves to the terrifying Balrogs and enigmatic Ents, A Tolkien Bestiary organizes Tolkien’s creations into thematic sections, exploring their origins in folklore, linguistics, and the author’s own legendarium.
Day’s text is accompanied by striking illustrations from artists like Ian Miller, John Blanche, and Virgil Finlay, whose interpretations range from grotesque (the Watcher in the Water) to sublime (Lúthien Tinúviel). The book also traces Tolkien’s inspirations, linking Dragons to Beowulf and Orcs to Old English myths.
Though not endorsed by the Tolkien estate, this volume remains a beloved (if occasionally debated) guide for fans seeking to navigate Middle-earth’s ecology of wonder and terror.
“A bridge between Tolkien’s pen and the reader’s imagination—where every monster has a history, and every name a shadow.”
