The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
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Book Reviews of The Hobbit
Book Review: The Beginning of Fantasy Novels
Summary: 5 Stars
The Hobbit is a captivating story that combines ancient Greek and Roman mythology and Anglo-Saxon tradition to produce a timeless classic. J.R.R. Tolkien creates his own mythical world called Middle-Earth, which is actually Earth the way it existed millions of years ago. Tolkien first introduces the reader to the race of hobbits, which are little people who live to eat, in the form of Bilbo Baggins. A wizard named Gandalf approaches Bilbo with an adventure and out of courtesy Bilbo invites him to tea. Bilbo receives a surprise when a group of thirteen dwarves arrives with Gandalf. Gandalf has already volunteered Bilbo to be a burglar for the dwarves in their attempt to reclaim gold that is rightfully theirs from the vicious dragon, Smaug. Bilbo finally agrees to this plan and they set off the very next day for Lonely Mountain, the place where Smaug currently inhabits. Bilbo then experiences an epic journey where he is transformed from a regular hobbit that is incapable of leading to a leader who is courageous in the face of adversity and even becomes a hero before the journey is over. As the story develops the road for Bilbo and the dwarves becomes increasingly ominous and the road ahead seems to present more dangers than the road behind. Each of Tolkien's chapters symbolizes a new obstacle to overcome, which actually has little to do with the ultimate goal of Bilbo and the dwarves of reclaiming the gold from Smaug. However, all these chapters culminate in an ultimate battle between good and evil which pits the "Good People," the humans, elves, and dwarves in a battle for supremacy over the brutal Whargs and goblins. Even though initially written as a child's story people of all ages can enjoy The Hobbit, which is the prequel to and establishes many of the ideas prominent in Tolkien's most famous work The Lord of the Rings trilogy.Book Review: This is a story that grows with the reader.
Summary: 5 Stars
In a mythical or maybe just forgotten time, many creatures lived in places like the Shire, home to Bilbo Baggins, Hobbit. Hobbits are comfort loving creatures with no real sense for adventure. A knock on the door and Bilbo's life is about to change.
Calling this book children's book is like calling "Alice in Wonderland" [see "The Annotated Alice"] a children's book. Yes children can read this book and it is fun. How ever there is a lot more to this book than a cute story. And it has all the depth of the other Tolkien works with the exception of being shorter.
Many people look at this story as a prequel to "The Lord of the Rings", where in reality it is a stand-alone story with a perfectly good beginning, middle, and end. When you read "The Lord of the Rings" there is enough description to forgo "The Hobbit." Personally, I find that reading The Lord of the Rings first gave me the in-depth background to better appreciate The Hobbit.
Many of the creatures and adventures will put you on the edge of your seat. You will recognize the personalities and grow along will Bilbo as he faces new challenges as he learns to deal with life.
A good book to read first would be "The Power of Myth" by Joseph Campbell. Then you get a clearer picture of why the story progresses as it does.
Joseph Campbell and the Power of Myth
Book Review: A little child shall lead them . . .
Summary: 5 Stars
As a teacher and frequent Amazon reviewer, I'm often in the position of encouraging others to read books I've enjoyed. However, I came to "The Hobbit" in reverse fashion: at the recommendation of a ten year old boy. He had to do some convincing, too, as I'm not a fan of fantasy; I'm sure I began "Lord of the Rings" long ago and put it down.
That's how I came to be curled up in a chair on a winter's afternoon, avidly following the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. What drew me in? Well, events in this well-plotted novel move swiftly, of course, and the human foibles of the not-quite-human denizens of Middle Earth are surprisingly compelling. I liked the knowing voice of the omniscient narrator, with its winks and nudges, and I laughed at the middle-aged persona of Bilbo as he longs for toast and a warm fire even as he leaves his hobbit-hole further and further behind. What moved me the most, however, was the climactic Battle of the Five Armies. It is a battle that features goblins and Wargs, dwarves and elves, a shape-shifting warrior and eagle platoons, but it is full of human sorrow in the kind of devastated landscape that only human wars produce.
Thus, to put it succinctly, unlike my young friend, I read the book as allegory. (I'm a grown-up; I can't help it.) I'm rather glad that I waited so long to enjoy a book that everyone else discovered a long time ago.
M. Feldman
Book Review: The Classic Fantasy! Highly Recommended!
Summary: 5 Stars
We love "The Hobbit" and have several well worn copies of this well written and entertaining book. It is a rare month when someone in our house has not read (or more correctly, re-read) something from J.R.R. Tolkien.
The plot centers around the mild mannered Bilbo Baggins, the Title Character, a perfectly respectable Hobbit who never would have thought to go on an adventure. It should be noted, for those that don't know, that Hobbits are the salt of the earth and enjoy the basics of life (mostly centering around meals). Most Hobbits frown on those who disrupt the status quo or go out adventuring. Bilbo had embraced this way of life and was seemingly willing to live from day to day without any indication that he had anything more in him. All of that was changed with the arrival of Gandalf, a traveling wizard. Soon Bilbo was pulled from the comfort of his home (and many pantries), and did indeed have many adventures involving Dwarves, Trolls, Giant Spiders, Elves, Orcs, Magic Swords, Treasures, and one clever Dragon. Also of note is Magic Ring that plays a big part in the sequel, The Lord of the Rings. 3 Vol. Set.
The Hobbit is great fun for most reading levels and is a great way to introduce the fantasy genre to young adults.
Highly recommended!
Book Review: Gorgeous Commemerative Reprinting
Summary: 5 Stars
I first read "The Hobbit" back in the late 70's... and I haven't been the same. To say that this book fired my imagination would be an understatement. As a result, I have reread it dutifully every five or six years since.
I am truly in awe of this commemorative edition celebrating the 70th anniversary of one of the most entertaining books of the twentieth century, and there's not much more they could have done to make this book appealing to a Tolkien fan. The sumptous artwork on the dust-jacket, the maps of Middle Earth, even the detailed illustrations reach out to the reader and expand upon Tolkien's carefully constructed world in the most appreciated way. Seriously, this is one of those times you really want to click on "See inside the book" and see what all the fuss is about.
Oh, and as an addendum for those interested in medieval romance, Tolkien's translation of "Sir Gawain and the Green Knight," the 14th century's gem of the alliterative revivalist movement, is equally compelling. I don't think it's currently in print but it's definitely worth tracking down if you want to see how literature influenced Tolkien's creative spirit. He was a professor of medieval studies, after all, and knowing his influences only serves to deepen our love of his fiction.