The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
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Book Reviews of The Hobbit
Book Review: Best book I never read until now!
Summary: 5 Stars
Between 2001 and 2003 I became a fan of Peter Jackson's movie version of "Lord of the Rings". Since it was shot in New Zealand I got to see a lot of the country's scenery as well as enjoying a masterpiece of film. When reading a copy of Tolkien's original work sometime later I read "Fellowship of the Ring" all the way through but something about Tolkien's writing style caused me to lose interest after I started "The Two Towers". The fact I'd seen the movies was likely the reason, since I knew how the story went. After reading "The Hobbit" I might have to read "Lord of the Rings" in its entirety to see the differences between Tolkien's work and the Peter Jackson films (I'm sure both Tolkien's and Jackson's work are masterpieces of literature/film).
While reading "The Hobbit" I could see/hear in my mind the faces/voices of Ian McKellan, Hugo Weaving, Ian Holm and Andy Serkis (who played Gandalf, Elrond, Bilbo, and Gollum, respectively, in the films). I heard these actors had agreed to reprice their roles from Lord of the Rings one more time for "The Hobbit" (not sure about Ian Holm). It's too bad about the rights to a "Hobbit" movie remaining in legal limbo, but Tolkien's work is a literary masterpiece and I'm so happy I finally read it.
Book Review: Hobbit Wisdom
Summary: 5 Stars
After reading the Silmarllion first, I read this book. Wow! What a contrast. If men are stupid, the hobbit is small AND wise. How refreshing. It has been a long time since I have read a book so entertaining. Reading The Hobbit is a most cherished experience. All illustrations were created by JRR Tolkien. There are four (4) colored illustrations and the rest are black and white. The black and white prints are of very poor quality. What a shame. The binding is solid, the black hard cover is well made, the paper is standard quality with intermittent annoying ink blotches, and the paper book jacket is well done. Of interest is the paper book jacket. It is reproduced exactly as JRR Tolkien wanted it since he was the artist. Which leads me to think, the 70th anniversary version was an attempt to recreate what JRR Tolkien wanted when originally published but budget wouldn't allow. Also annoying is that at the end, the book publishes the first chapter of the LOR? What? Everyone knows of the LOR! Even with the short comings of the publisher, JRR Tolkien's genius shines thru in this little Masterpiece. I recommend this gem (or Arkenstone of Thrain) to anyone who has not read this book. I envy your first read!Book Review: 70 years with Hobbits
Summary: 5 Stars
This 70th anniversary edition of The Hobbit is a must have for collectors like myself...and those newcomers to Tolkien's magic. The story is wonderously and gloriously the same! The illustrations are there in their full majesty. Christopher Tolkien's words in the preface are as they were 20 years ago...just as they should be.
What a wonderful opportunity to revisit Bilbo and his corner of Middle-earth. And what a lovely invitation for those who have never gone 'there and back again'. Whether an adult or a youngster, all will travel the road to The Lonely Mountain with Dwarves, encounter trolls, meet with ancient Elves, get lost in Gollum's cave and find a ring of power, be cornered by wargs and orcs, rescued by eagles, hosted by a bear, captured by spiders, imprisoned by relatives of Legolas, outwit a dragon, witness a war and finally go home laden with riches only to find that conniving relatives have moved into your home!
This story sets the stage for the Lord of the Rings and prepares the way for many, richer adventures.
Book Review: Bilbo is a great hero!
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Hobbit" is a terrific story for adolescents and it starts out simply. (Alert: Possible Spoilers!) There is the hobbit hole where a certain Bilbo Baggins lives. Then, Bilbo receives a visitor, Gandolf, a wizard. And, the visitor brings other, visitors (dwarfs). And Bilbo is enticed into setting forth on a journey, which becomes very adventurous and dangerous. Bilbo acquires a ring, which belonged to Golum. And, finally, there is Smaug's treasure. Every thing, seemingly, turns out good for Bilbo. It, eventually, will turn out that the ring that Bilbo acquired is a very special ring. But, that is another tale.
This adventure is fantasy at its best. Though, once upon a time it might have been called a fairy tale. There is adventure and magic throughout. And, this is where the author, Tolkien, begins to build his reputation as the finest fantasy writer of the twentieth century. This book is highly recommended.
Book Review: A Beautiful Edition
Summary: 5 Stars
This 70th anniversary edition of The Hobbit is a fine production which includes the most recent corrections to the text. The introduction by Christopher Tolkien is about twenty years old, having been written for the British 50th anniversary edition in 1987. I don't believe this introduction has been available in an American edition before, so its good that it finally made it into print here. The book is well-designed and made so that it will last through many rereadings, as a classic should, and it is much nicer to hold and read than previous American editions, which tend to feel cheap and clunky. The paintings and line drawings by JRR Tolkien are as fresh and beautiful as they must have been when they were new, and much to be preferred over the illustrations provided by other artists. I believe that this edition of The Hobbit is the closest American version of how Tolkien himself would have liked it to have been published.