Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien is a book that collects the author's own illustrations, including sketches, paintings, and designs for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. The book, often narrated by his son Christopher Tolkien, provides a visual insight into his creative process and the world of Middle-earth. It features a variety of art, from detailed watercolors of locations like Rivendell to heraldic devices and patterns.