Honestly, I would recommend the audiobook over the book; having someone else figure out how to say the special names makes it much easier to keep track of them in your mind, I find
According to my huge Tolkien nerd mom serkis completely botches the elvish pronunciations. Can't corroborate that personally but she's been neck deep in LOTR shit for as long as I can remember
This is a great idea. I've always thought it'd be cool to have books include provided soundtracks. Not like an audiobook, just a soundtrack divided by chapters that you can play as you read.
Might be an unpopular opinion, but I think having artwork hinders your imagination a lot, if you have pictures. You can't really make up your own images in your head that way.
I definitely feel the same way most of the time, but some people just can't visualize things, simply because how the brain is wired, and not by any fault of their own. It's like how some people taste soap when they eat cilantro, they can't control their genetics. I find it quite interesting myself to stop and compare the images my mind has generated while reading to related artwork and visuals, specifically if they're drawn or approved by the author.
I have a version from the 80s that has a map and an appendix with all the names. I felt like that was enough for me. Whatever it takes though. My biggest recommendation to people is to just stick with it. The first part reads like the Bible or something but after that it becomes much easier.
I would highly recommend having the atlas of middle earth with you when you read it. It's how I did it recently and it was a pretty incredible experience.
Speaking about language, somehow I am really not impressed with his style - nothing special at all. The translation, on the other hand, are usually done by people who can command their language more artfully. So, if you are fluent in two languages, read the translation - that’s my advice.