Soviet Illustrations of the Hobbit Are Scary

The Hobbit by  J. R. R. Tolkien is one of the most important and influential fantasy books ever written. The books have gone on to influence a number of major properties such as Forgotten Realms and Dragonlance. We are likely familiar with the illustrations of the American and UK editions, but during the cold war in Soviet-era Russia, things were kind of dark.

The 1976 edition of the Hobbit featured the typical Russian style: much more traditionally stylized than Tolkien’s own drawings, they were more angular, friendlier, almost cartoonish.  Lets look at some of the more notable drawings from the the book.

Below, the wizard Gandalf, an ostensibly harmless soul, pays Bilbo a visit.

Next, we have the three trolls, arguing about their various eating arrangements, with Bilbo hiding to the side.

Here, Gollum, paddles his raft in the depths of the mountains.

Finally, here’s Bilbo, fulfilling his role as a burglar in Smaug’s lair.

via Reditt via Retronaut

Michael Kozlowski (7736 Posts)

Michael Kozlowski is the Editor in Chief of Good e-Reader. He has been writing about electronic readers and technology for the last four years. His articles have been picked up by major and local news sources and websites such as the Huffington Post, CNET and more. Michael frequently travels to international events such as IFA, Computex, CES, Book Expo and a myriad of others. If you have any questions about any of his articles, please send Michael Kozlowski an email to michael@goodereader.com