Brothers Hildebrandt 1978 Signed Numbered Art Book

🎨 The Brothers Hildebrandt: A Book About the Artists (1978) — A definitive bibliographic rarity. This is a dual-signed, numbered limited edition exhibition program featuring a curated selection of fantasy and science fiction illustrations by Tim and Greg Hildebrandt. This specific volume is #61 of only 100 copies personally signed and numbered by both brothers.

QUICK FACTS

• Artists: Tim Hildebrandt (1939–2006) & Greg Hildebrandt
• Publisher: John Taylor, Silver Spring, MD
• Year: 1978 (Limited to 7,500 copies; first 100 signed & numbered)
• Format: Softcover, stapled, 48 pages plus covers
• Provenance: Copy #61 of 100, dual-signed by Tim and Greg Hildebrandt
• Collector’s Grade: Very Good Plus — full report below

THE STORY

Published to commemorate the Brothers Hildebrandt’s exhibition at the Maryland Funnybook Festival on July 9, 1978, this volume is part retrospective, part portfolio. Tim and Greg Hildebrandt were the preeminent fantasy illustrators of the 1970s, defining the visual language of the era through their legendary Tolkien calendars and the original 1977 Star Wars “one-sheet” poster. The cover painting, “Tavern in the Woods,” was the pivotal 1974 piece used to pitch fantasy publishers, which directly secured their landmark Lord of the Rings commissions.

THIS EDITION: PERMANENTLY FINITE PROVENANCE

While the total print run spanned 7,500 copies, only the first 100 were dual-signed and numbered. This copy is #61. Because Tim Hildebrandt passed away in June 2006, these dual-signed examples have transitioned from “rare” to “permanently finite,” making them a critical acquisition for any serious archive of 20th-century speculative art. The volume includes an intimate interview-style dialogue where the brothers dissect their equipment, working methods, and creative philosophy.

CURATED HIGHLIGHTS

The front cover features the iconic “Tavern in the Woods” painting. Interior highlights include:

• Smaug — The definitive full-color centerfold from the 1977 Tolkien calendar, acrylic on masonite, representing one of the most reproduced Tolkien images in history.
• Star Wars Cantina Band — A high-fidelity scene of the legendary alien musicians.
• Darth Vader & Ben Kenobi — The quintessential lightsaber duel.
• Barbarella — Detailed sci-fi panels and pencil drawings for a proposed poster.
• Sword of Shannara — Preliminary drawings for the Terry Brooks cover.
• Unpublished Works รวมถึง a 1969 fairytale painting and a 1976 pencil preliminary for a commercial advertisement.

WHY IT MATTERS

• Definitive State: One of only 100 dual-signed copies; a permanent rarity following Tim Hildebrandt’s passing in 2006.
• Visual Legacy: Contains the original Smaug painting that defined the visual identity of the 1977 Tolkien calendar.
• Cultural Impact: Documents the art that helped launch the visual identity of the original Star Wars franchise.
• Archival Value: Combines published masterpieces with rare, previously unpublished preliminary sketches.

FREQUENTLY ASKED

What is the scarcity of this edition? Extremely high. Only 100 copies were dual-signed and numbered. With the passing of Tim Hildebrandt, no more such copies can ever be created.

What is the condition grade? Very Good Plus. The volume maintains its structural integrity; glossy covers retain their original sheen with only minimal surface impressions. Interior is pristine, free of marks except for the dual signatures on the title page.

Is the signature verified? Yes — signed by both Tim and Greg Hildebrandt in blue ink on the title page, numbered 61/100.

FOR COLLECTORS

This is a museum-grade document of 1970s fantasy art. It is not merely a book, but a self-produced exhibition catalog from the zenith of the Brothers’ career. For the collector of speculative art or Tolkien/Star Wars history, this dual-signed volume is the gold standard of the Hildebrandt legacy.

This large soft cover book is in very good plus or better condition, with the staples and center page solid.

The glossy covers retain most of their original sheen, with just perhaps the slightest bit of creasing in a few places. There are a few impressions in the surface here and there, where something got pressed against the cover, but not significant, really only visible when held up to the light in the right angle. No tears, chips or losses to the covers.

The interior is free of writing or marks – aside and the Brothers’ signatures on the title page – and none of the pages are torn or creased or folded.

Will ship securely packed and fully insured – US ONLY please.

HFB-SEO-v1: 2026-10-15

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