Here are the most significant differences:
* Added Content: The revised edition includes additional material, including:
* A new prologue: This provides background information on Bilbo's family and the history of the Shire.
* Several new chapters: These expand on the adventures of the dwarves and Bilbo, including a more detailed description of the Battle of Five Armies.
* New illustrations: The revised edition features new illustrations by Tolkien himself.
* Changed Text: Tolkien revised and edited the original text in the revised edition, making changes to the story and characters. Some of these changes include:
* Clarifying the story: Tolkien made some changes to make the story more consistent and understandable.
* Expanding the character of Bilbo: Tolkien made Bilbo more of a central character and gave him a more developed personality.
* Adding more detail: Tolkien added more detail to the world of Middle-earth, including the history of the dwarves and the elves.
* Changed Style: Tolkien adopted a more formal writing style in the revised edition, which some readers find more difficult to read.
Which edition is better?
This is a matter of personal preference. Some people prefer the original edition for its more concise and playful tone, while others prefer the revised edition for its expanded story and world-building.
Which edition should you read?
If you're a new reader, you should probably start with the revised edition. It provides the most complete and developed version of the story. However, if you're interested in seeing how the story evolved, you can read the original edition as well.