J.R.R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillon, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 68 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide. ALAN LEE was born in Middlesex in 1947. His illustrated books include Faeries (with Brian Froud), Castles and Merlin Dreams, and the three 'Great Tales' of Middle-earth: The Children of H�rin, Beren and L�thien, and The Fall of Gondolin. He has worked on such prestigious films as Erik the Viking (Terry Gilliam), Legend (Ridley Scott), and the acclaimed NBC miniseries Merlin. He is best known, however, for his work on the books The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and now the film versions. JOHN HOWE is an illustrator best known for his work based on J.R.R. Tolkien's worlds. Howe and noted Tolkien artist Alan Lee served as chief conceptual designers for both Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit movie trilogies, and he also re-illustrated the maps of The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion. In addition to his Tolkien-related work, he has illustrated numerous other fantastic worlds, including Anne McAffrey's Pern, a limited edition of George R.R. Martin's A Clash of Kings, and numerous cards for the game "Magic: The Gathering." He lives in Switzerland. TED NASMITH is an illustrator best known for work on The Silmarillion. Nasmith was brought on to work as a conceptual artist for the Lord of the Rings films along with Alan Lee and John Howe, and though he ultimately declined the offer, his knowledge and presence in the Tolkien Society is renowned. Tolkien had a profound impact on his work, In later years, he illustrated a deluxe 2-volume limited edition of George R.R. Martin's famous A Game of Thrones.