The Art of Magic: The Gathering - Zendikar Hardcover – January 5, 2016

I've been dreaming for a beautiful collection like this, featuring Magic's award winning art at a much larger size than the tiny versions featured on the cards. Wizards went a step further than just featuring art, in this case featuring in depth details on Zendikar regions, denizens, and of course the Eldrazi terrors that threaten the plane. This book details the story of both the original Zendikar block and the recent Battle for Zendikar sets, providing full context for the major events seen on key cards in those sets.The only complaint I could see someone having is that it's not strictly an art book, instead having a rather large amount of text similar to the "Planeswalker's guide to the multiverse" features on the MTG website. I don't mind this, as I love both the art and flavor of Magic's worldbuilding and feel they greatly compliment each other in this package.This book is easily worth MSRP, and is a steal at the Amazon price.

This book is so much more than I was expecting. The art books I'm used to are filled to the brim with the complete artworks, rough sketches and preliminary designs. This book has all of that, but has also packed in loads of written backstories and detailed descriptions of the characters and lore without taking away too much room for the art. Aside from just flipping through the pictures, it's definitely a book I'd like to sit back and read bits and pieces of. My only complaint is the dustcover feels a bit waxy. I'm not a fan of glossy print in general, and there's no design on the cover underneath (except on the spine).Whether you're a concept artist like me or you just love the stories and want to learn more about the Magic universe, this book is absolutely perfect. Can't wait for the next one!

These books are more than just static art images with artist notes. These books are filled with lore that fleshes out the planes they cover and helps complete any of the stories that magic: the gathering players may not have gleaned from the actual sets. they do however have much larger card art that lets you see allot more clearly the awesome artwork of the game without having to buy old cards (which often have inflated prices due to having good game effects). every setting art book I've bought has not disappointed.

Exactly what I was hoping for. I've always admired the artwork of the TCGs, but I just couldn't pull the trigger to buy them because I am not really interested in playing. So when I found out about this book, I just had to order it.Some of reviewers gave this book a lower rating because they expect more "The Art of ..." book, and they are correct about that. This book does not contain the art concepts, sketches, or the thinking behind the design. It does however contains a lot of beautiful arts and explanation on/story behind the world, including the races, beasts, creatures, etc.

First, to be clear, the art is beautiful, and the lore is more than enough for a coffee table MtG art book.However, since Wizards has published two innovative D&D setting guides and an adventure for worlds in its MtG franchise, there has been some demand for books for other MtG worlds to be published. One popular response to this demand is that all you need to run these worlds is this art book and a corresponding PDF containing some basic information for converting the world to the 5e D&D system.I don't find this book adequate for that. It contains enough information about the world to hype the interest of a prospective player unfamiliar with the setting, but not even as much lore about the world as was contained in the old online lore articles from the first Zendikar block fifteen years ago. Most of this book is about the MtG planeswalkers and story events from the card game mostly irrelevant to a prospective D&D player. The Theros, Ravnica, and Strixhaven D&D books go out of their way to avoid these issues.I don't think I'm very interested in buying more of these coffee table books to help me run their corresponding settings.tl;dr Rating:MtG Art Book: 4.5 stars (its intended purpose)Player Guide: 3 starsSetting Guide: 2 stars (my intended purpose)

This is a beautiful book. It is a must have for any fan of the art of MTG or even anyone who just loves fantasy art. Not only does this book have great quality pages filled with the art from the land of Zendikar...it has the detailed stories behind it, the races, the Eldrazi, etc. I cannot say enough about this book. I am hoping that this trend continues and future books will be made for future blocks.

Always rely on MTG for great artwork. Lots of great content and commentary.Highly Recommend.

This book is fantastic for any MTG fan and makes for an amazing world guide if you wanted to play an RPG in the Magic universe. The next book in the series for innistrad has already been announced and I'm preordering it. Definitely pick these up if you love this type of books. Sales will dictate future releases and I'm hoping for One with each new block of cards!