The Hobbit

Published on September 21, 1937, The Hobbit, or There and Back Again launched the career of J. R. R. Tolkien with a story that quickly became a staple of children's literature. This pocket-sized fantasy novel follows Bilbo Baggins, a comfortable hobbit from the Shire who suddenly finds himself swept up in an adventure with the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their mission is simple yet dangerous: reclaim the Lonely Mountain and its vast treasure from the dragon Smaug. The narrative unfolds as a series of episodic encounters where Bilbo faces trolls, goblins, spiders, and giant eagles while slowly shedding his timid nature to reveal unexpected courage and wit.[edit]