Originally published on JRR Tolkien Examiner on 10/27/09.

HarperCollins has announced its Tolkien Calendar and Tolkien Diary for 2010. Both will feature the theme “landscapes of The Lord of the Rings,” with art by long-time Tolkien artist Ted Nasmith.

Usually, in a year in which a Tolkien book is released, the Tolkien Calendars will feature artwork from that book. For the first time that tradition has changed, as this year’s release, The Legend of Sigurd and Gudrún, was not related to Middle-earth.

These works are accompanied by a number of brand new paintings, including some inspired by The Hobbit and Unfinished Tales. From the moonlight poignancy of “Last Sight of Hobbiton”, and the elegant grandeur of “Rivendell”, to the lightning-ravaged desolation of “Across Gorgoroth”, this superlative collection takes the reader of a breathtaking journey through the beauty and drama of Middle-earth. It represents the very finest works by the artist, and promises to be a truly memorable calendar.

Nasmith’s Tolkien art was first published in the 1987 Tolkien Calendar, which included four of his paintings. He was the sole featured artist for six of the calendars; 1990, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2009, and this year.

The calendar can be ordered here; the diary here; the movie tie-in Lord of the Rings 2010 Special Edition Calendar here.