The World of Kong: A Natural History of Skull Island is an art book compiling various creature designs from the development of Peter Jackson's 2005 film King Kong. It is unique in that it treats itself as an "in-universe" look at the ecosystems and creatures living on Skull Island, as detailed during the expeditions that followed the island's discovery. Most, if not all, of the original creatures seen in the book are represented by artwork developed by Weta employees that were rejected and replaced by other designs that were seen in the film itself. It was written by Daniel Falconer, and features artwork by Greg Broadmore, Stephen Crowe, Daniel Falconer, Chris Guise, Gus Hunter, Christian Pearce, Paul Tobin, Ben Wootten, and others.

Out of print.

From the publisher:

This lavishly illustrated book reproduces the amazing artwork, design sketches, and digital models that helped bring to life Academy Award-winning director Peter Jackson's sweeping cinematic vision of the iconic story of the gigantic ape-monster.

Responsible for designing Skull Island and its fantastical inhabitants for Peter Jackson's epic King Kong, the artists at Weta Workshop have created a rich and diverse world of wonders and terrors to thrill audiences everywhere. Hundreds of drawings and sculptures were created to populate the mystery island, building a comprehensive menagerie with complex ecosystems and forbidding habitats. Though only a handful will appear on screen, presented within these pages is a vast collection of creatures and lore, each lovingly depicted with production art and new illustrations created especially for this book.