The Soviet Hobbit

Bilbo and Gollum behind the Iron Curtain

Alex Q. Arbuckle

1976

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First published in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s classic Lord of the Rings prequel The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, has been translated into more than 40 languages. In addition to different translations, dozens of uniquely illustrated versions of the children’s story have been released over the years. This 1976 Soviet edition features illustrations by M. Belomlinskij, depicting Bilbo, Gandalf, Gollum and Smaug in a style that is precise and stark while still charming and cartoonish.

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