The Hobbit
Published in 1937, The Hobbit is an epic fantasy and mythic fiction novel by J.R.R. Tolkien. The story is set in Middle-earth and Lonely Mountain, in the Third-Age. It features Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf and Thorin Oakenshield. Key subjects include Arkenstone, battle of Five Armies, Invisibility and thrushes.
Open Library readers give it an average of 4.3 out of 5 from 500 ratings, and 3,979 more have it on their want-to-read list. It has been published in 482 editions across 30 languages.
It runs to roughly 310 pages — 5–6 hours of reading at an average pace.
About The Hobbit
The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves, and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of Five Armies are just some of the adventures that befall Bilbo. Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children’s fiction. Written by Professor Tolkien for his children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when published.
Awards & lists
- ✦Hugo Awards 1978 — Best Dramatic Presentation (nominee)
Quick answers
Who wrote The Hobbit?
The Hobbit was written by J.R.R. Tolkien and first published in 1937.
What genre is The Hobbit?
It is usually shelved as Epic Fantasy, Myth & Legend Fiction, Fae & Fairy Fiction and Horror.
How long is The Hobbit?
The median edition has 310 pages, about 5–6 hours of reading at 250 words per minute.
More by J.R.R. Tolkien
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