BOOKS MAKE GREAT GIFTS!

It's that time of year again so here are suggestions of some books that would make great presents for the artists on your holiday gift list.

Middle-Earth: Visions of a Modern Myth by Donato Giancola

If you already have a copy of this stunning exploration of Tolkien's world you know how good it is. But we wanted to mention that there are only 8 copies left for sale in the 26 copy leather bound edition. Not only is it signed, not only does it come in a hand-crafted wooden box, but it also comes with an original drawing featuring a Middle-Earth scene or character of your choosing – created on a special sheet of art paper bound into the book. Yes, you got it: each book is one of a kind, making this the rarest volume in any collection. If you need any more convincing, we'll include Donato's drawing in #T, "Escape from Orthanc" (already sold). Don't miss out!

The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey Chronicles: Art & Design by Weta

And speaking of Middle-Earth, you know you're going to see The Hobbit in the theater: give in and get this sumptuous book chronicling the film with over 1000 images. 

The Art of Bob Peak by Tom Peak

This long-awaited over-sized collection finally does justice to the work one of the true greats of contemporary illustration. Not widely available in stores, our friend Bud Plant can happily fill your order. 

Blind Spot by Carlos Huante 

Carlos is one of the most electrifying artists working in film today (check out Ridley Scott's Prometheus if you want to see what we mean) and his new art book only reinforces his stature. Like the Peak book, you won't find this volume on the discount table at Costco so run—quick—to Carlos' website to grab a copy before they're all gone.

White Cloud Worlds edited by Paul Tobin

This glorious collection of fantasy art by a host of New Zealand's finest is definitely a book that will reward with every reading. A sequel is forthcoming so don't miss this first volume.

Extinct Boids by Ralph Steadman

Inspired by his participation in a gallery show, "Ghosts of Gone Birds," Steadman went on to create 100 whimsically manic paintings for this book as only he could. Sure, the Dodo is here, but so are Ralph's additions like the Gob Swallow and the Needless Smut.

BLAST: spaceship sketches and renderings by Annis Naeem, Danny Gardner & Scott Robertson

The works of 9 fabulous futurists explores all manner of craft in this collection from the always-cool Design Studio Press.

The Art of John Carter: A Visual Journey by Josh Kushins 

Okay, so the movie flopped. It shouldn"t have: it deserved a better fate and this book featuring the art and design work is a prime reason why. It can be surprisingly hard to find and the price has started to go up so when you see a copy, snag it. You'll be glad you did.

Charles R. Knight: The Artist Who Saw Through Time by Richard Milner 

Charles R. Knight and Zdeněk Burian were the fathers of contemporary paleoart. This really is a must have for anyone interested in dinosaurs, prehistoric life, early mammal…and art by a master.

Krampus: The Yule Lord by Brom

A Christmas story with bite as only Brom can deliver with a beautiful selection of paintings to add sharp tinsel to the tree. (Little wonder that one of the paintings from Krampus was so outstanding that it was selected for the cover of Spectrum 19!)

Spectrum 19 edited by Cathy & Arnie Fenner 

Speaking of which, naturally we'd love for you to add the current volume to your bookshelf. At 304 pages and over 500 images, it is a doozy and the perfect warm up to our 20th anniversary in 2013!

Spectrum Fantastic Art Live! Edited by John Fleskes

If you missed the event that Donato described as "…one of the greatest gatherings of talent in our field," you can at least get a small taste with this excellent art book commemorating the first show. Packed full of the art of special guests Brom, Phil Hale, Android Jones, Iain, McCaig and Mike Mignola, this is a virtual treasure trove of wonder.

And, ahem, you will not want to miss being at SFAL2 in May which boasts another stellar list of guests and exhibitors. Tickets are on sale now!

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