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The Art of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire #1
The Art of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire
Some of the greatest talents in fantastic art invite you to explore the lands of Westeros and beyond as never before. From the frozen wilderness beyond the Wall to sun-kissed Dorne, and from the rugged and brutal Iron Islands to the exotic East, the breathtaking sights and memorable characters of George R. R. Martin's best-selling fantasy series are brought to life in this unique compilation.
March to the Wall with Jon Snow and the Sworn Brothers of the Night's Watch, and confront the terrible might of the wildling hordes and the bone-chilling horror of the Others. Follow Robb Stark's desperate campaign in the North, from the snow-shrouded Whispering Wood to the green banks of the Trident. Stand with Eddard Stark in the Small Council, and be drawn into the webs of intrigue and deceit spun by Varys the Spider and Cersei Lannister in King's Landing. Ride with Daenerys Targaryen in her great khalasar, as she begins her crusade against the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea.
The Art of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire features lavish and lovingly crafted illustrations by renowned fantasy artists such as Jim Burns, John Howe, Steve Stone, Charles Vess, Stephen Youll, and many more. The unforgettable images in this volume are drawn from book covers and special editions, comic books, board and card games, concept art, and fan art personally selected by George Martin from the thousands of illustrations that have been inspired by his work.
March to the Wall with Jon Snow and the Sworn Brothers of the Night's Watch, and confront the terrible might of the wildling hordes and the bone-chilling horror of the Others. Follow Robb Stark's desperate campaign in the North, from the snow-shrouded Whispering Wood to the green banks of the Trident. Stand with Eddard Stark in the Small Council, and be drawn into the webs of intrigue and deceit spun by Varys the Spider and Cersei Lannister in King's Landing. Ride with Daenerys Targaryen in her great khalasar, as she begins her crusade against the Free Cities across the Narrow Sea.
The Art of George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire features lavish and lovingly crafted illustrations by renowned fantasy artists such as Jim Burns, John Howe, Steve Stone, Charles Vess, Stephen Youll, and many more. The unforgettable images in this volume are drawn from book covers and special editions, comic books, board and card games, concept art, and fan art personally selected by George Martin from the thousands of illustrations that have been inspired by his work.
189 pages, Hardcover
First published October 25, 2005
30 people are currently reading
5905 people want to read
About the author
Patricia Meredith
13 books94 followerslinktr.ee/pmeredithauthor
Patricia Meredith is an author of historical and cozy mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s playing board games with her husband, creating imaginary worlds with her two children, or out in the garden reading a good book with a cup of tea. Patricia's first series, the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries, is the product of uncovering fascinating local history circa 1901, making it the first historical mystery series set in Spokane, Washington. Her second series about Anna Katharine Green is the first and only historical fiction featuring the Mother of Detective Fiction. Her mysteries are clean, cozy reads known for their quirky yet believable characters.
Before taking the dive into mystery, Patricia Meredith was the fiction editor of over 20 novels and miscellaneous publications, working with magazines, businesses, and publishers on a variety of projects from art books (such as The Art of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) to fantasy novels (such as Rising Sun, Falling Shadows, winner of the 2013 Scribe Award for Best Original Novel). Her specialty is science-fiction and fantasy novels. She has worked with such names as George R.R. Martin, Tracy Hickman, and Graham McNeill. She launched the novel department for Fantasy Flight Games, so she also has experience in the behind-the-scenes of publication.
Patricia Meredith is an author of historical and cozy mysteries. When she’s not writing, she’s playing board games with her husband, creating imaginary worlds with her two children, or out in the garden reading a good book with a cup of tea. Patricia's first series, the Spokane Clock Tower Mysteries, is the product of uncovering fascinating local history circa 1901, making it the first historical mystery series set in Spokane, Washington. Her second series about Anna Katharine Green is the first and only historical fiction featuring the Mother of Detective Fiction. Her mysteries are clean, cozy reads known for their quirky yet believable characters.
Before taking the dive into mystery, Patricia Meredith was the fiction editor of over 20 novels and miscellaneous publications, working with magazines, businesses, and publishers on a variety of projects from art books (such as The Art of George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire) to fantasy novels (such as Rising Sun, Falling Shadows, winner of the 2013 Scribe Award for Best Original Novel). Her specialty is science-fiction and fantasy novels. She has worked with such names as George R.R. Martin, Tracy Hickman, and Graham McNeill. She launched the novel department for Fantasy Flight Games, so she also has experience in the behind-the-scenes of publication.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
November 25, 2018
I have had this book for a while. I've often flipped through it, but today I sat down and read it/looked at it page by page. In the forward Martin mentions being nervous about Fantasy Flight giving a face to all of his characters. This book was published before the TV show, of course, and while that is true I now have so many of these characters firmly in my head that some of the art was unsatisfactory for that reason. Unfair perhaps, but that is how it goes.
The thing I liked least about this book was that in some ways it felt like a great big ad for the Fantasy Flight game. On the other, it included art from all over (yay! John Howe and Charles Vess!). With all that art, it is nice to have it collected together.
Some characterizations were better than other. I liked Littlefinger, the Hound, Walder Frey, and Chris Dien's Brienne. I didn't like Salvador Saan, or Tyrion. Jaime was hit and miss. Of course Drogo can only and forever be Jason Mamoa
It was fun to see Lannisport and Winterfell (it always seems to feel small in the TV show).
The thing I liked least about this book was that in some ways it felt like a great big ad for the Fantasy Flight game. On the other, it included art from all over (yay! John Howe and Charles Vess!). With all that art, it is nice to have it collected together.
Some characterizations were better than other. I liked Littlefinger, the Hound, Walder Frey, and Chris Dien's Brienne. I didn't like Salvador Saan, or Tyrion. Jaime was hit and miss. Of course Drogo can only and forever be Jason Mamoa
It was fun to see Lannisport and Winterfell (it always seems to feel small in the TV show).
February 28, 2019
Excellent art work throughout this book! My favourite part is that this was published before Game of Thrones came out on TV. Some of the artist’s portrayals were spot on with how I see the characters. Others were quite different. All in all, this is quite the book of art!
May 5, 2022
As someone who, every year, buys a calendar based on A Song of Ice and Fire art, having this book in my collection is a good appeasement to tapping into my George R. R. Martin addiction and sating it.
This was one of the first glimpses at a large collection of artwork based on the series that had been written up until that point (Martin was working on A Feast for Crows). With the advent of a very large card-playing collectible game, a wave of artists were brought in to render the scenes, people, and creatures of Westeros and beyond. The daunting task has created some simply stunning images that help to bring Martin's creation to life well before HBO got its hands on the TV show.
A great compilation, but slightly limited by the fact that not all the books were out, but hey... all the books STILL aren't out. We must be patient with Martin's creative flow, but you know we're all waiting, not just for the inevitably wonderful story, but the art as well!
This was one of the first glimpses at a large collection of artwork based on the series that had been written up until that point (Martin was working on A Feast for Crows). With the advent of a very large card-playing collectible game, a wave of artists were brought in to render the scenes, people, and creatures of Westeros and beyond. The daunting task has created some simply stunning images that help to bring Martin's creation to life well before HBO got its hands on the TV show.
A great compilation, but slightly limited by the fact that not all the books were out, but hey... all the books STILL aren't out. We must be patient with Martin's creative flow, but you know we're all waiting, not just for the inevitably wonderful story, but the art as well!
March 4, 2019
Overall, another great book depicting the art of A Song of Ice and Fire. I didn’t find some of the organization to be laid out the best. But still some fantastic pieces. I think that the work done by Michael Komarck were my favourite from this volume.
November 17, 2019
Nice artworks. I like that each of the artists imagine the same characters or scenes sometimes very differently. It's valuable to see this diversity.
September 27, 2024
Fantasy Flight Publishing put out this magnificent collection of art from the hugely popular George RR Martin series A Song of Ice and Fire in November 2005. Fortunately, that was just in time for me to have it signed by George himself and by editor Brian Wood at the Author’s Visit I attended in Madison, Wisconsin. I’m not sure why I haven’t mentioned this earlier, but I was just looking at it again and realized it needed to be listed here.
It’s a beautiful collection that excellently portrays the characters and locales of Martin’s world. Broken into sections covering the regions of this world, visitors get to see renditions of such well-known places as Winterfell, Riverrun, the Iron Islands, the Titan of Braavos, and The Wall; visit with Daenerys, The Knight of Flowers, Varys, the Kingsguard, The Dog, Jaime, Asha Greyjoy, Jon and Arya; and view an imposing collection of the portraits of Targaryen Kings.
The book begins with an introduction by Martin and ends with four pages of comprehensive artist’s biographies. With 183 pages of mostly stunning artwork, this is a must-have addition to the serious collector’s library. Would I recommend The Art of George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire edited by Brian Wood to my friends? Most emphatically, YES!
It’s a beautiful collection that excellently portrays the characters and locales of Martin’s world. Broken into sections covering the regions of this world, visitors get to see renditions of such well-known places as Winterfell, Riverrun, the Iron Islands, the Titan of Braavos, and The Wall; visit with Daenerys, The Knight of Flowers, Varys, the Kingsguard, The Dog, Jaime, Asha Greyjoy, Jon and Arya; and view an imposing collection of the portraits of Targaryen Kings.
The book begins with an introduction by Martin and ends with four pages of comprehensive artist’s biographies. With 183 pages of mostly stunning artwork, this is a must-have addition to the serious collector’s library. Would I recommend The Art of George RR Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire edited by Brian Wood to my friends? Most emphatically, YES!
October 11, 2022
Probably one of the worst illustration books I have. I have thousands of them, and this one I bought it with a huge discout: why not? Well. The illustrators are really bad, illustrations are not professional at all, most of them have serious rendering/lighting/anatomy errors... I tried to saved a couple of them, but the digital drawing is pretty bad for the quality of the book.
The text is fine, but I was interested in professional illustrations. Now I see why they had discounts for this book. Seriously, get "The art of" books for specific authors. This one is absolute garbage...
The text is fine, but I was interested in professional illustrations. Now I see why they had discounts for this book. Seriously, get "The art of" books for specific authors. This one is absolute garbage...
September 13, 2023
I have had this book for a while. I've often flipped through it, but today I sat down and read it/looked at it page by page. In the forward Martin mentions being nervous about Fantasy Flight giving a face to all of his characters. This book was published before the TV show, of course, and while that is true I now have so many of these characters firmly in my head that some of the art was unsatisfactory for that reason. Unfair perhaps, but that is how it goes.
February 18, 2023
A beautiful extra book to be immersed in the world of A song of ice and fire, although most illustrations are dreamy and spot on a few are off feeling as if the artist barely read a quick description of the character. It isn't perfect nor big, could have a few more illustrations to make the edition richer but it's superb for what it's a nice extra of a wonderful world.
October 9, 2017
Adequate
October 12, 2017
Beautiful art and I love it but I read it like a coffee table book: skims and delight.
January 6, 2019
A great collection of asoif art
September 2, 2024
Next time I finish another reread cycle, can we please have WoW... gods be good...
January 3, 2026
it was so good , i want blood and fire asap
July 31, 2017
There's not much I can say about this book (and it's second volume) other than the art work is amazing. George RR Martin has woven an incredible tapestry of storytelling with his fully realized secondary world in the A Song of Ice and Fire series. The World of Ice and Fire (Planetos?) comes alive with colored artwork from all around his world, of the people and places and castles and beyond in an astounding way that matches the gargantuan size of his world. A variety of artists give it a sense of realism, even when we are looking at giants, white walkers and dragons. I hope to see more compilation books of artwork in the future from his series.
August 30, 2011
So, I am a fan of the book series. And I am a fan of art. In consequence: I've been wanting this book for ages! When there was a sale at one of my favourite online book stores, I decided just to go for it and order the book. I am ever so happy I did!
The book has a foreword by George R. R. Martin that is full of heart and funny. He talks about what a weird experience it is to have other people turn your world into art. I thought it was a lovely read and laughed heartily as I read it.
The art is divided into sections of land, which means: all Winterfell art is one chapter, all Highgarden art is one chapter, etc. The art was accompanied by quotes from the first three books (and occasionally from the fourth book as well). Basically, this is a very quick overview of all the characters in George R. R. Martin's epic tale, and sometimes you'll see a relevant scene from the books. But only sometimes, because this art was not so much meant as an illustration as that it was meant for a card game.
And at the end of the book, there is information on all the artists, which is just lovely.
The only thing that disappointed me a little was that the book is.. well, rather thin. There were many paintings and pictures in the book, but just not enough. Most characters, even huge characters like Arya and Sansa Stark, only got 1 or 2 pictures tops. And I would like to see more.
But I guess that just means I will have to buy volume 2, doesn't it?
The book has a foreword by George R. R. Martin that is full of heart and funny. He talks about what a weird experience it is to have other people turn your world into art. I thought it was a lovely read and laughed heartily as I read it.
The art is divided into sections of land, which means: all Winterfell art is one chapter, all Highgarden art is one chapter, etc. The art was accompanied by quotes from the first three books (and occasionally from the fourth book as well). Basically, this is a very quick overview of all the characters in George R. R. Martin's epic tale, and sometimes you'll see a relevant scene from the books. But only sometimes, because this art was not so much meant as an illustration as that it was meant for a card game.
And at the end of the book, there is information on all the artists, which is just lovely.
The only thing that disappointed me a little was that the book is.. well, rather thin. There were many paintings and pictures in the book, but just not enough. Most characters, even huge characters like Arya and Sansa Stark, only got 1 or 2 pictures tops. And I would like to see more.
But I guess that just means I will have to buy volume 2, doesn't it?
December 29, 2013
I was a little bit disappointed when I got the book, because I expected more beautiful art, but then I let it rest for a while and when I decided to have a close look at it my mind was more open and I was able to enjoy it a lot more. I have definitely seen more beautiful art in the internet. But the art here is also up to the expectations, and even more realistic than what I have in my mind.
The book divides the characters geographically, not where they come from, but to which part of the continents they are often associated to throughout the story (e.g. Lysa is a Tully but she's in the Vale section). The pictures come with a quote from the original novels. Sometimes this quote has to do with the picture, but sometimes it doesn't. That was weird. This is supposed to be an art book, not a quotation book, so I think all the chosen quotations should be related to the depicted scene/character.
I had to import this book. I do want to get volume 2, but only if I can find it more easily. I'm not wish to pay the importation taxes again for volume 2.
The book divides the characters geographically, not where they come from, but to which part of the continents they are often associated to throughout the story (e.g. Lysa is a Tully but she's in the Vale section). The pictures come with a quote from the original novels. Sometimes this quote has to do with the picture, but sometimes it doesn't. That was weird. This is supposed to be an art book, not a quotation book, so I think all the chosen quotations should be related to the depicted scene/character.
I had to import this book. I do want to get volume 2, but only if I can find it more easily. I'm not wish to pay the importation taxes again for volume 2.
August 16, 2017
For the first time, the artwork inspired by George R. R. Martin's: A Song of Ice and Fire has been assembled in one book. Being published in 2005, it predates the wildly popular HBO series Game Of Thrones, it features the best of the book's inspiration directly from the artists' eye. It features characters and situations from all lands: the North, and it's looming Wall, the Iron Islands, Mountain and Vale, Riverlands, Westerlands and Stormlands, King's Landing, The Reach, Dorne, the Free Cities and the East.
There are illustrations and fantastic epic full color artworks done from many sources, a lot of them being from the Fantasy Flight Games. There is a forward written by George R. R. Martin himself, and that is icing on this gem of a book. I was given this as a gift because of my love of warrior women and all things medieval, and it is a valued book on my bookcase.
Of course, if I were to choose one favorite it would be the full page full color of Danerys, on page 11, because, she's, mother of dragons, and, she kicks epic ass, of course. Naturally.
There are illustrations and fantastic epic full color artworks done from many sources, a lot of them being from the Fantasy Flight Games. There is a forward written by George R. R. Martin himself, and that is icing on this gem of a book. I was given this as a gift because of my love of warrior women and all things medieval, and it is a valued book on my bookcase.
Of course, if I were to choose one favorite it would be the full page full color of Danerys, on page 11, because, she's, mother of dragons, and, she kicks epic ass, of course. Naturally.
July 12, 2020
BaBasically it's a book with amazing illustrations from Westeros' main houses, and some quotes from the book referring to the illustrations. It should also be clarified that the aesthetics of the characters in these illustrations is closer to the description of the books, not the series, a detail that I quite liked.
Básicamente es un libro con ilustraciones increíbles de las principales casas de Westeros, y algunas citas del libro referentes a las ilustraciones. También hay que aclarar que la estética de los personajes en dichas ilustraciones es mas cercana a la descripción de los libros, no de la serie, un detalle que me agradó bastante.
Básicamente es un libro con ilustraciones increíbles de las principales casas de Westeros, y algunas citas del libro referentes a las ilustraciones. También hay que aclarar que la estética de los personajes en dichas ilustraciones es mas cercana a la descripción de los libros, no de la serie, un detalle que me agradó bastante.
June 3, 2024
"The Art of George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice & Fire" is a book that showcases the visual art inspired by George R.R. Martin's epic fantasy series "A Song of Ice and Fire." This series includes the renowned "Game of Thrones" television adaptation.
The book features a collection of artwork from various artists who have contributed to the official "A Song of Ice and Fire" calendars and other licensed products. The illustrations capture the rich and vivid world created by George R.R. Martin, featuring characters, locations, and scenes from the series.
The book features a collection of artwork from various artists who have contributed to the official "A Song of Ice and Fire" calendars and other licensed products. The illustrations capture the rich and vivid world created by George R.R. Martin, featuring characters, locations, and scenes from the series.
February 4, 2009
Actually, I wouldn't have read the series if not for this book. Well, I'm sure I would have stumbled across the series eventually, but I picked up this book at the library and was enthralled by the artwork. I wanted to know who the characters were, what their stories were. I wanted to know why this series had so many fans. And most of all, I wanted to know why Jon Snow knew nothing. I had to read the series.
So I did.
So I did.
February 8, 2021
Resulta cuanto menos interesante ver cómo diversos artistas imaginaron a los personajes de George R. R. Martin previo a la adaptación televisiva de HBO.
Algunas ilustraciones son impresionantes en su detalle y colores, otras tienen un aire más bien genérico y feucho. Si acaso el tomo cojea de una maquetación/distribución que no hace grandes favores, amontonando tres o cuatro ilustraciones en una sola página y todo en diversos tamaños y resoluciones.
Algunas ilustraciones son impresionantes en su detalle y colores, otras tienen un aire más bien genérico y feucho. Si acaso el tomo cojea de una maquetación/distribución que no hace grandes favores, amontonando tres o cuatro ilustraciones en una sola página y todo en diversos tamaños y resoluciones.
March 29, 2023
A good illustration book to let the mind wander within the world of a Song of Ice & Fire but as most illustrations books there are some point on, striking representations, lots of "did the artist even read the descriptions'' and most in between I can see the inspiration and the likeness but feels off. The vague open worlds are more spot on. Nice for what it's.
Also some book covers are full generic fantasy.
Also some book covers are full generic fantasy.
November 13, 2014
Interesante si te gusta el mundo de la ilustración y además, la saga de Canción de Hielo y Fuego.
Como es normal en estas recopilaciones, hay dibujos que te gustan más que otros, pero sirve para ver más ilustraciones de otros ya conocidos como Giancola, o conocer otros como Michael Komarck o Tomasz Jedruszek que he conocido gracias a sus trabajos para esta saga.
Como es normal en estas recopilaciones, hay dibujos que te gustan más que otros, pero sirve para ver más ilustraciones de otros ya conocidos como Giancola, o conocer otros como Michael Komarck o Tomasz Jedruszek que he conocido gracias a sus trabajos para esta saga.
May 2, 2015
A beautiful collection of art work from George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series.
There is a collection of art for each Great House and the Night's Watch, Wildlings and Clansmen, combined with selected quotes from the series.
I would have preferred it if the book also contained interpretations of characters from the past.
There is a collection of art for each Great House and the Night's Watch, Wildlings and Clansmen, combined with selected quotes from the series.
I would have preferred it if the book also contained interpretations of characters from the past.
November 5, 2008
This is my absolute favorite art book based on a novel series. Fabulous color, and depictions of characters. It should be worth 3x as much as I paid for it. If you love George R.R. Martin's series, you've gotta own this art book.
December 1, 2012
Most of the artwork in this volume I could take or leave, but there were illustrations by Michael Komarck that were truly iconic images from George Martin's series. Though I wouldn't be tempted to buy either volume, if you've read the series, they are worth checking out at the library.
September 26, 2007
GREAT art from ASOIAF...not like that WOT crap that came out a decade ago.
May 19, 2008
Gorgeous artwork
May 30, 2008
I'm so visual that this was the icing to my own person George R. R. Martin cake.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews