The 2000 Lee Illustr. Hobbit vs The 2009 printing
29 May
2025-5-29 8:56:07 PM UTC
2025-5-29 8:56:07 PM UTC
Hello,
Over Easter, I searched for an Alan Lee illustrated Hobbit. The 2009 version, printed in India, is readily available on Amazon for $25. Then I found a 2000 version, printed in Singapore.
From the photos, hopefully you can see; the 2000 paintings look like water colors with a soft wash on the skies and soft line work as well. The 2009 illustrations show lots of grain in the clouds and skies and the line work as well, with a much darker tone and appearance.
I guess the case could be made for the value of the 2009 copy, with the dark detailed line work on the figures, the crisper condition of the pages, simply because it is newer and also has a painting of the Green Dragon on the back of the fly leaf that the 2000 printing doesn't have. But apart from it being older, I think I prefer the softer details and wash and the look of the 2000 printing.
I have attached photos to get opinions of which printing's images are preferable. In all photos, the 2000 is on the left and the 2009 is on the right. Thanks.
Over Easter, I searched for an Alan Lee illustrated Hobbit. The 2009 version, printed in India, is readily available on Amazon for $25. Then I found a 2000 version, printed in Singapore.
From the photos, hopefully you can see; the 2000 paintings look like water colors with a soft wash on the skies and soft line work as well. The 2009 illustrations show lots of grain in the clouds and skies and the line work as well, with a much darker tone and appearance.
I guess the case could be made for the value of the 2009 copy, with the dark detailed line work on the figures, the crisper condition of the pages, simply because it is newer and also has a painting of the Green Dragon on the back of the fly leaf that the 2000 printing doesn't have. But apart from it being older, I think I prefer the softer details and wash and the look of the 2000 printing.
I have attached photos to get opinions of which printing's images are preferable. In all photos, the 2000 is on the left and the 2009 is on the right. Thanks.
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