By: J.R.R. Tolkien Publisher: Houghton Mifflin Average Rating: Binding: Paperback Label: Houghton Mifflin Number of Items: 1 Number of Pages: 320 Publication Date: August 15, 2002 Reading Level: Ages 4-8
Amazon.com: "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit. Not a nasty, dirty, wet hole, filled with the ends of worms and an oozy smell, nor yet a dry, bare, sandy hole with nothing in it to sit down on or to eat: it was a hobbit-hole, and that means comfort."
The hobbit-hole in question belongs to one Bilbo Baggins, an upstanding member of a "little people, about half our height, and smaller than the bearded dwarves." He is, like most of his kind, well off, well fed, and best pleased when sitting by his own fire with a pipe, a glass of good beer, and a meal to look forward to. Certainly this particular hobbit is the last person one would expect to see set off on a hazardous journey; indeed, when Gandalf the Grey stops by one morning, "looking for someone to share in an adventure," Baggins fervently wishes the wizard elsewhere. No such luck, however; soon 13 fortune-seeking dwarves have arrived on the hobbit's doorstep in search of a burglar, and before he can even grab his hat or an umbrella, Bilbo Baggins is swept out his door and into a dangerous adventure.
The dwarves' goal is to return to their ancestral home in the Lonely Mountains and reclaim a stolen fortune from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they and their reluctant companion meet giant spiders, hostile elves, ravening wolves--and, most perilous of all, a subterranean creature named Gollum from whom Bilbo wins a magical ring in a riddling contest. It is from this life-or-death game in the dark that J.R.R. Tolkien's masterwork, The Lord of the Rings, would eventually spring. Though The Hobbit is lighter in tone than the trilogy that follows, it has, like Bilbo Baggins himself, unexpected iron at its core. Don't be fooled by its fairy-tale demeanor; this is very much a story for adults, though older children will enjoy it, too. By the time Bilbo returns to his comfortable hobbit-hole, he is a different person altogether, well primed for the bigger adventures to come--and so is the reader. --Alix Wilber
Product Description: Written for J.R.R. Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when first published more than sixty years ago. Now recognized as a timeless classic with sales of more than 40 million copies worldwide, this introduction to Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf the Wizard, and the spectacular world of Middle-earth tells of the adventures of a reluctant hero, a powerful and dangerous ring, and the cruel dragon Smaug the Magnificent.
One of my All-Time Faves Bilbo is hysterical. Gandalf charms. The writing shines. If there were 6 stars I'd give it 7. That said, my 11 year-old daughter couldn't get into it. I'm not so sure the 4-8 year-old crowd (stated as the suggested audience on Amazon) is quite ready for this masterpiece; I'd say 10-14, or 10-110 rather. I just adored the narrator and the author's imagination. Things like Bilbo saying, "...and I missed second breakfast." Oh the world of the hobbits. Incredible. I adored every page.
Lord of the Rings (Before it happens) I have found the Lord of the Ring trilogy (books and films) fantastic. However for those that have not read the Hobbit, it is a must. It sets the history and background for many of the critical elements of the trilogy. For those who have only seen the films, reading the book(s) will reveal soo much more that did not make the films. This is something you will enjoy now and reread for years ahead.
Picture is better I purchased this book as a gift, and while it is nice, the pictures of it are slightly deceiving. The marbled pages are more like blue dots, and the illustrations in the book are comic-like.
However, the recepient was still pleased with it and for the price, it's a pretty good deal.
Great, great, great book. If you have never read this, buy this book. At the very least, borrow it from someone.
An adventure for all ages I first read The Hobbit in eighth grade, on recommendation from a friend of mine (whom I am extremely grateful for, since it was my introduction to a world I have never managed to find my way back from and never want to). Though it may seem a little slow-moving at first, it is actually an excellent adventure story, though perhaps a bit much for younger children to attempt to read for themselves. (However, reading it aloud to them is strongly recommended!) Bilbo is a likable character, easy to relate to, because all of us want to go out and have adventures and slay dragons, and yet we also enjoy the comforts of home a bit too much. Gandalf is appropriately mysterious and yet somehow feels like a loving grandfather, and the Dwarves are endearing and bring a smile to your face. Even if you don't like fantasy, give this book a try. Who knows, it could end up being your new favorite.
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