Tolkien in Russian

Rico's friend Kelley, also a Tolkien junkie, forwards this: by Alex Q. Arbuckle about Bilbo and Gollum behind the Iron Curtain:

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 forty languages.
In addition to different translations, dozens of uniquely illustrated versions of the children’s story have been released over the years.
A 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.

Rico says it's high time for him to start the New Year with a rereading of The Lord of the Rings...