Helpful Score: 8
This is the book that arguably started the fantasy genre. It's easy enough for kids to understand, but with a breadth and depth that will entertain the most jaded reader. This is one of the most influential books I've ever read!
Helpful Score: 6
Nice edition of the book. It has interesting illustrations, and as always draws the reader into a magical world.
Helpful Score: 5
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
Helpful Score: 4
J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is perhaps one of the best-written books about the advantages of having parties. Written relatively early in his days as an Oxford don, "The Hobbit" is a strongly autobiographical novel about Tolkien and his status as a party man. His reputation as a party enthusiast was so secure, in fact, that Tolkien regularly was the host to impromptu parties as other Oxford and even Cambridge professors would appear uninvited at his home with the expectation of a good meal, some beer or wine, and rousing party games.
It is such experiences that form the basis for "The Hobbit." A sedentary fellow, much like Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins finds himself the unassuming host of a party of dwarves (more established professors) and the wizard Gandalf (the president of the university).
Wooed by promises of great wealth, and strongly encouraged by Gandalf, Bilbo joins the dwarves on a quest to regain their lost ancestral gold, an action that represents Tolkien's own quest for tenure, a position that, once secured, would guarantee him employment, a place to live, social status, and ultimately a healthy retirement package.
The story follows Tolkien-as-Bilbo's journey to the heart of the Lonely Mountain, where he must confront the dragon Smaug (the experience of teaching undergraduate and graduate students) and be swept up in the dramatic Battle of Five Armies, a situation not unlike peer review.
And in the course of the story, Bilbo acquires a magical Ring that secures his reputation with the dwarves, much as Tolkien's literary and liguistic prowess, developed through education, secured his position in academia.
A thoroughly fascinating and enchanting book, "The Hobbit" will have you wishing again and again for the opportunity to attend more parties and, even more, to host them yourself.
It is such experiences that form the basis for "The Hobbit." A sedentary fellow, much like Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins finds himself the unassuming host of a party of dwarves (more established professors) and the wizard Gandalf (the president of the university).
Wooed by promises of great wealth, and strongly encouraged by Gandalf, Bilbo joins the dwarves on a quest to regain their lost ancestral gold, an action that represents Tolkien's own quest for tenure, a position that, once secured, would guarantee him employment, a place to live, social status, and ultimately a healthy retirement package.
The story follows Tolkien-as-Bilbo's journey to the heart of the Lonely Mountain, where he must confront the dragon Smaug (the experience of teaching undergraduate and graduate students) and be swept up in the dramatic Battle of Five Armies, a situation not unlike peer review.
And in the course of the story, Bilbo acquires a magical Ring that secures his reputation with the dwarves, much as Tolkien's literary and liguistic prowess, developed through education, secured his position in academia.
A thoroughly fascinating and enchanting book, "The Hobbit" will have you wishing again and again for the opportunity to attend more parties and, even more, to host them yourself.
Helpful Score: 3
this is a classic. i remember reading it as a child and loving it, then picking it up fifteen or twenty years later, reading it again, and still loving it. in my personal opinion, it's the best of the whole series.
Helpful Score: 2
Having read a most abbreviated version of this novel to my children when they were young I decided to read the novel in its entirety. What joy! What pleasure! I remembered Gandolf as an overpowering figure. So he is but in this novel he becomes just one of many fascinating characters and I simply adored Bilbo Baggins, an unassuming hobbit who becomes caught up in an adventure when he would rather stay in his little home. And, the detail that the novel sheds far succeeds the earlier version I read so many years ago.
Since I recently read an authorized biography about the author I felt I had a good deal of insight into Tolkien's imagination. On occasion the author referred to himself as Bilbo Baggins and he tried writing poetry but was unsuccessful. Thus, I found myself chuckling each time his characters spouted poetry. I can add little to what others have said except that if you love creative worlds of fantasy this is one of the best.
Since I recently read an authorized biography about the author I felt I had a good deal of insight into Tolkien's imagination. On occasion the author referred to himself as Bilbo Baggins and he tried writing poetry but was unsuccessful. Thus, I found myself chuckling each time his characters spouted poetry. I can add little to what others have said except that if you love creative worlds of fantasy this is one of the best.
Helpful Score: 2
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
Helpful Score: 2
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
Helpful Score: 2
This was one of the first books I chose to read as an adolescent. I loved the adventure and success of Mr. Bilbo Baggins in his role of 'burglar'. Growing up in a rural area with lots of trees, hills and streams my friends and I would often imagine we were in Mirkwood or in the Misty Mountains battling trolls, or orcs or escaping the wood-elves. I never thought about the fact that the story is all male characters and it certainly didn't affect my enjoyment of the story. The same is true today as I finished reading it again...I was looking for a light fast read that would take me away from some of the woes of the world we live in and I still find the story engaging and one that I can identify with as an adventure lover. I certainly appreciate Mr. Baggin's sensibilities more today than when I first read it.
Helpful Score: 2
This is a good book. I read it twice. The first time I didn't understand it, but the second time around I was older and more understanding. I hope someday to reread this book.
Helpful Score: 2
Like many, I fell in love with this book as a child, and I have revisited with much pleasure throughout my adult life. The story is told with such affection and humor, and the vivacity of the characters speaks to its enduring fame and seminal role in fantasy literature.
Helpful Score: 1
My favorite adventure book!! Loved it as a child, still love it, now my kids are enjoying it.
Helpful Score: 1
Tolkien the father of fantasy as we know it today. What more needs to be said. Wonderful book and a great read.
Helpful Score: 1
FROM THE PUBLISHER
Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.
Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.
Helpful Score: 1
This is one of the greatest stories ever told and this is my favorite copy of "The Hobbit" that I have had the pleasure to read. I have held in my hands much more expensive copies but this is the most comfortable to read. The heft and size is just right without being too big and heavy to hold for a long time. The illustrations are great, also.
Helpful Score: 1
Simply the best book ever written. I know there are few who can feel the true enchantment I feel for this book, but I think all will love it.
Helpful Score: 1
A delightful book that will be part of my high schoolers "must read" list.
Helpful Score: 1
One of the greatest adventure stories written for children. A must read introduction to the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The hobbit includes roaring adventure, and unforgettable characters showing bravery, sacrifice, and courage in an alternate world that seems ever so familiar to the author's own landscape. This is "high reading" that will expand the reader's vocabulary by the author's rich descriptions, characterizations, and terms of his day. 21 C students should strive to rise above the dumbed down literature of the day and be enriched by the effort. Between the action, the adventure, the amusing songs that are sung by characters throughout the story and delightful and unexpected plot twists -- The Hobbit will continue to be known throughout the literary ages as a masterpiece.
Helpful Score: 1
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
So much has been written about The Lord of the Rings yet so little about its prequel The Hobbit. I fortunately came to Tolkien via The Hobbit first. Not as ambitious as the trilogy yet just as engrossing. In this one volume you meet many variety of races, go on a journey with the reluctant Bibo Baggins, battle trolls, orcs, spiders, evil elves and of course Smaug the dragon!I was lucky enough to have this be the first book that transported me from our world to a realm vivid with colorful characters, landscape and adventures.There isn't as many all out battles or the darkness of the trilogy but there is plenty of adventure to be had. If you liked the Trilogy and haven't experianced The Hobbit, you owe it to yourself to go back a generation and find out who Bilbo was and what he had to do with the One Ring!!!!
great book a must read before the movie comes out
Very good adventure story book.... Easy reading and if you have any kind of imagination you will love it!!!!!!!
The Hobbit is a wonderful work of literature. Although it is officially a children's classic, the fantastical storyline and creative writing make it truly a great story for adults and children alike. Audiences will be thrilled with the characters Bilbo the hobbit, Gandalf the wizard, and the likeable company of Dwarves. A wonderful story!
Excellent listen, excellent narrator
Superlative rendering by narrator Rob Inglis.
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
A very good classic.
"The Hobbit" is a wonderful book that fans of fantasy should absolutely read. The prelude to what is considered J.R.R. Tolkein's masterpiece "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Hobbit" tells a somewhat simpler tale but is in no way worse than the books which come after it. This story contains many of the established scenes and ideas from which authors draw today, and the clever languages, songs, poems, and riddles sprinkled throughout the text are delightful. Action and suspense scenes are handled wonderfully, too. This is really a book that has a bit of everything thrown in! Recommended greatly, especially this illustrated version which has a lot of great, high-quality paintings of the magical plot interspersed with the text.
As always a great read, starts everything. A nice book to get lost in for a few hours a day. Would recomend to everyone to read at least once in their life.
This edition has beautiful illustrations by Alan Lee: some are drawings and some are paintings. If you want more than just the story of The Hobbit, this is a good version to pick up.
A Classic!
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
While The Hobbit isn't my favorite Tolkien story, this is the one I recommended to everyone. Of his work, it seems to have the broadest appeal or, at the very least, does not take a lifetime to finish. This is the litmus test for the rest of Tolkien's work. If you finished and enjoyed The Hobbit, then venture further into Middle Earth with "The Lord of the Rings" and other stories where the text becomes much more dense and detailed.
Excellent.
What a delightful story; really enthralling. This is the prelude to the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy
Fantastic!!! Fantasy classic!!!
Wonderful warm inviting tale. The Tolkein book for people who love Tolkein, and those who find his other tales "difficult reads". Great to read as a family, as well.
I read it again after seeing the (1st Peter Jackson) movie (and having last read it 40+ years ago). It's definitely a young person's book, it loses some of its geographical realism for me, and it's obvious that Tolkien was not a tactical warrior. I liked the book much better than the movie, the book is light-hearted (if you ignore the constant killings), the movie takes itself way too seriously.
It's The Hobbit. Need I say more?
Bilbo Baggins leaves the comfort of the peaceful Shire for adventures in lands unknown. His traveling companions are a troup of dwarves and a wise and good wizard. A very entertaining read, you will want to continue the story with other Tolkein books.
This is the illustrated edition. It's interesting, but paraphrased; a lot like a comic book.
One of my all time favorites, J R R Tolkien is a master!
Whatever the edition, I have to say that I found The Hobbit a very good story, but nowhere near as interesting as the Lord of the Rings trilogy. Since I first read both as a college student, it is possible that my lesser enjoyment of The Hobbit was due to my age.
Whatever...for me, LOTR is absolutely wonderful, while The Hobbit is just very good, and even a trifle boring in a few places.
Whatever...for me, LOTR is absolutely wonderful, while The Hobbit is just very good, and even a trifle boring in a few places.
this was a very diff. kinda book than I'm use to but it ended up being a very good read to me
I read this for the first time as an adult and will forever lament that I did not grow up with this story. I had seen the animated movie but thought I should start reading Tolkien at the beginning, so I picked up my dad's copy of The Silmarillion. Not a great choice for me at ~10 years old, as I was used to reading Judy Blume and Beverly Cleary at that time. I didn't try Tolkien again until I was an adult and looked over my husband's illustrated copy of The Hobbit, gifted by his school-teacher aunt and uncle when he was a child. I have devoured JRRT's works since then. That's how good The Hobbit is.
Part of me feels like this timeless classic hardly needs a review. But I am going to do it anyway. First off, say Bilbo three times fast without snickering. Go on, I will wait over here for the giggles to subside.
All in all, I greatly enjoy Tolkiens simple plot and expert word play with character and place names. For the linguists out there, Tolkiens works are riddled with ancient myth and cryptic language references. If you get some of these, you can sit around and feel extra superior as you read your special hardback edition at the cafe while drinking your spiffy fancy tea .
All in all, I greatly enjoy Tolkiens simple plot and expert word play with character and place names. For the linguists out there, Tolkiens works are riddled with ancient myth and cryptic language references. If you get some of these, you can sit around and feel extra superior as you read your special hardback edition at the cafe while drinking your spiffy fancy tea .
Great book, although not bound very well.
This is a book to read and read again; no home library should be without it.
Its been decades since I read The Hobbit last and, with the movie coming out soon, I thought it would be a great idea to pick it up and read it again. Additionally my five year old son had been begging me to read it with him and wanted to know all about Smaug.
Do I seriously need to do a recap here? I will just for the sake of completeness. Bilbo is visited by Gandalf and a number of dwarfs who want him to be their burglar on a journey to steal the dwarves gold back from Smaug. Bilbo very reluctantly agrees to go on a journey that has him confronting trolls, elves, goblins, and eventually the dragon itself.
Is there anyone out there who hasnt read this? If not please go read it. This is where fantasy got its roots from and is a must read for any fantasy fan. This book has it all; humor, adventure, friendship, magic, danger. You name it. This is how I first met elves and goblins and other fantastical creatures.
I was amazed rereading this at how much humor is in this story and just at how well the story is put together. The imagery is excellent and the story completely engaging. My five year old begged to read this book every night until we were through; the picture books were never picked up until we had finished this book. My son was desperate to meet Smaug and find out what happened to him. When we finished he wanted to start reading it again.
I am also amazed at how well this story withstands the test of time. Yeah, it gets a bit wordy at parts and yes, there are some turns of phrase that are pretty outdated. But that is part of its charm. It was so much fun to see my five year old enraptured by the same story my dad read to me when I was young. Seriously this book shaped my taste in reading forever.
This edition of the book is lovely, I got it as a gift from my parents, and there are many lovely and exquisitely detailed drawings throughout. They are every few pages and were really something to look forward to as we read the story.
Overall still an absolutely wonderful read. This is a book that stands the test of time and is enchanting for all ages. This is where fantasy starts and it was wonderful to see my son enjoy it as much as I did when my dad read it to me. Hopefully one day my son will read it to his kids too! Highly recommended for everyone.
Do I seriously need to do a recap here? I will just for the sake of completeness. Bilbo is visited by Gandalf and a number of dwarfs who want him to be their burglar on a journey to steal the dwarves gold back from Smaug. Bilbo very reluctantly agrees to go on a journey that has him confronting trolls, elves, goblins, and eventually the dragon itself.
Is there anyone out there who hasnt read this? If not please go read it. This is where fantasy got its roots from and is a must read for any fantasy fan. This book has it all; humor, adventure, friendship, magic, danger. You name it. This is how I first met elves and goblins and other fantastical creatures.
I was amazed rereading this at how much humor is in this story and just at how well the story is put together. The imagery is excellent and the story completely engaging. My five year old begged to read this book every night until we were through; the picture books were never picked up until we had finished this book. My son was desperate to meet Smaug and find out what happened to him. When we finished he wanted to start reading it again.
I am also amazed at how well this story withstands the test of time. Yeah, it gets a bit wordy at parts and yes, there are some turns of phrase that are pretty outdated. But that is part of its charm. It was so much fun to see my five year old enraptured by the same story my dad read to me when I was young. Seriously this book shaped my taste in reading forever.
This edition of the book is lovely, I got it as a gift from my parents, and there are many lovely and exquisitely detailed drawings throughout. They are every few pages and were really something to look forward to as we read the story.
Overall still an absolutely wonderful read. This is a book that stands the test of time and is enchanting for all ages. This is where fantasy starts and it was wonderful to see my son enjoy it as much as I did when my dad read it to me. Hopefully one day my son will read it to his kids too! Highly recommended for everyone.
Its been a little more than a decade since I last read The Hobbit, I know that I read it before the LotR movies came out, but that was quite some time ago! With The Hobbit coming out in December, or at least the first one, I wanted to refresh my memory of the book that started it all. One of the things I love most about reading The Hobbit is that you have no idea the significance of anything. This was written as a childrens story, and is presented as such.
Reading it after reading LotR, you look at things a little differently. For example, I adore that Gimli is the son of Gloin, who is on this journey, but has a reasonably small part in the adventure. It would have been so easy for Tolkien to make Gimli the son of someone like Balin, or even Thorin somehow, but I love that he picked a lesser part dwarf. And Legolas is the son of the Elvenking of Mirkwood, but that is also not mentioned at all in The Hobbit.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
Reading it after reading LotR, you look at things a little differently. For example, I adore that Gimli is the son of Gloin, who is on this journey, but has a reasonably small part in the adventure. It would have been so easy for Tolkien to make Gimli the son of someone like Balin, or even Thorin somehow, but I love that he picked a lesser part dwarf. And Legolas is the son of the Elvenking of Mirkwood, but that is also not mentioned at all in The Hobbit.
To read the rest of my review, please visit my blog.
Best book ever written! Despite the fact that JRR refers to those 8 legged beasts as insects at one point. (He'd probably have some erudite excuse involving medieval usage.) Don't see the movies, they are triune abominations!
in perfect condition. must read for fantasy lovers. check out two others in this set. (forth book is "the fellowship of the ring" which i don't have, unfortunately.)
This is a great story! It sums all the LOTR books up!!!
Thought I would really like it, but I found it hard to follow. Usually really love Fantasy...this not so much. I'll stick with the movies. I know, I'm a terrible reader...
just great! need I say more?
Jacket worn but otherwise book in good condition.
Pertty old copy from Ballantne Books.
