The Hobbit (fiction)
J.R.R. Tolkien (1937)

THE A5 BOOK REVIEW

One of the classics in children’s literature is The Hobbit, a fantasy novel by J.R.R.Tolkien published in 1937 telling the story of Bilbo Baggins, a gentle hobbit perfectly content at home in his garden who is dragged into a heroic quest with twelve dwarves and a powerful wizard to recapture a treasure that was stolen by a powerful dragon.  Along the way, they face trolls, giant spiders, wolves, and an army of terrible goblins, climaxing with a colossal and legendary battle that forces dwarves, elves, men and one reluctant hobbit to come together.  The Hobbit was immediately well received and has never gone out of print, loved by millions for the exciting plot, for the depth of the characters, and for a unique and compelling view of heroism.  Calling The Hobbit a “travel book” is a stretch, but it is essentially a tale of an epic journey that brings maturity and wisdom that comes from a wider view of the world.  In any case, Tolkien’s masterpiece is an amazing story and a top recommendation for both children (9 years and up) and adults alike. 
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ABOUT J.R.R. TOLKIEN

J. R. R. Tolkien (1892-1973) was an English writer, poet and an Oxford University professor best known for The Hobbit and the incredible sequel, The Lord of the Rings trilogy.  He reluctantly enlisted in the British Army as part of the First World War, facing combat and losing many friends.  Some believe that The Hobbit was influenced by Tolkien’s experience in the war, with many similarities to a hero who is unwillingly plucked from his peaceful home and thrown into a dangerous and confusing war.  

THE LORD OF THE RINGS TRILOGY

The sequel to The Hobbit ultimately became one of the best-selling novels of all times.  The Lord of the Rings is the story of Bilbo’s younger cousin Frodo who unwittingly inherits the powerful One Ring that rules them all, the ultimately weapon desperately desired by the Dark Lord Sauron.  Frodo is tasked with a quest to destroy the Ring, something that can only be done in the fire of Sauron’s Mount Doom.  He is accompanied on this journey by a wizard, two men, an elf, a dwarf, and three of his hobbit friends.  The work is published in a three volume set titled, in order, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.  We recommend buying the box set.

GREAT QUOTES:

“There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West.  Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.”
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

“It was at this point that Bilbo stopped. Going on from there was the bravest thing he ever did. The tremendous things that happened afterward were as nothing compared to it. He fought the real battle in the tunnel alone, before he ever saw the vast danger that lay in wait.”
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Hobbit

"Not all who wander are lost..."
- J.R.R. Tolkien, The Lord of the Rings

INTERESTING LINKS:

  • Read a nice article from TIME on the original book reviews in 1937 of The Hobbit.
  • We here at A5 always recommend reading the book first before seeing the film version, but we highly recommend seeing all of the movies regardless.  The Lord of the Rings trilogy of movies is absolutely amazing and rightfully, immensely popular.  The Hobbit was also split into three different movies that actually were released after The Lord of the Rings.

THE OFFICIAL MOVIE TRAILER