[*Varda*]

i know exactly what you mean. Personally i think one of the reasons for the change in style is simply because Tolkien spent so much more time on Lord of the Rings. he literally poured his heart and soul into it, and of course the finished result is amazing. Lord of the Rings is meant to appeal to a more adult audience and the Hobbit is more for children (although i still love it!). But also as someone mentioned, people's styles of writing do change, and in Tolkiens case i think it was for the best. Now i just have to try and get through the Silmarillion - i really want to read it all but it gets so confusing!