The Hobbit

Rating:
Summary: Enthralling surprise
Review: This book was a gift from a family friend who knew of my passion for reading (as a 9yr old kid). But my taste favored more romantic and classical novels and so this book sat neglected on my bookshelf for 10 yrs! Finally, one day I decided to give it a chance and to my surprise I couldn't put it down! I finished the book in a day and in the following 3 weeks devoured the entire Lord of the Rings series which had also been sitting on my bookshelf for years. I have never been a fantasy fan, and still don't consider myself one... which just goes to show how excellent an author J.R.R. Tolkien is to have captured my imagination. The Hobbit is altogether a most charming read, filled with endless moments of adventure, humour and suspense. It is hard not to fall in love with the characters and the fantasy. I recommend this book to any book-lover who would like to sample a master-piece of unsurpassed creativity and imagination. Take it from a convert! *grin*

Rating:
Summary: Middle-Earth, the first story told...
Review: "The Hobbit or There and Back Again" is the first story of Middle-Earth that was ever read by the masses, and it remains a beloved favorite due to Tolkien's exceptional writing, lovable characters, and the fantastic, complicated world with its unlikely hero, a tiny fuzzy-footed hobbit.

Bilbo Baggins lives a pleasantly stodgy and dull life in the Shire, in a luxurious hole under a hill. ("It was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort") His life is completely turned upside-down by the arrival of the wizard Gandalf and thirteen dwarves. The dwarves, led by the exiled king-in-waiting Thorin Oakenshield, want to regain the Lonely Mountain (and a lot of treasure) from the dragon Smaug, who drove out the dwarves long ago. Why do they want Bilbo? Because Gandalf has told them that he'd make a good burglar.

So before Bilbo is entirely sure what is going on, he is being swept off on a very unrespectable adventure. Bilbo and the Dwarves battle goblins and spiders, are nearly eaten twice, are captured and Bilbo is forced to riddle with the treacherous, withered Gollum. But even after these obstacles, the dragon Smaug is still in the Lonely Mountain, and Bilbo is not entirely sure what to do...

Author J.R.R. Tolkien had been crafting his mythos of Elves, Dwarves, Wizards and Men for years before writing "The Hobbit," but "The Hobbit" is the first story that people had the opportunity to read. It began as a line scrawled on a sheet of blank paper, and then into a bedtime story for his children. And even though it's overshadowed by "Lord of the Rings" and "Silmarillion," this book is an essential link. It's definitely sillier and lighter, but it provides the springboard for a lot of the stuff in "Lord of the Rings" -- especially the magical Ring that Bilbo finds in Gollum's cavern.

The concept of hobbits started in this book -- the quintessential peaceful "wee" people, based on British countryfolk, with simple pleasures and unexpected depths of strength and resourcefulness. And, of course, fuzz on their large feet. Tolkien's Elves are a little more ethereal and less dignified, and his dwarves are a bit more comical and less grim. But Elrond hints at the full majesty of the Elves, and Thorin Oakenshield is still the most dignified, proud and impressively flawed dwarf there is. The last chapters of the book hint at the epic majesty of "Lord of the Rings," and some of the same victory/loss themes. And of course, the idea that even little people -- like a hobbit or a bird -- can change the world.

Tolkien's writing is quick and light, while providing sufficient detail to let you picture what's going on. The dialogue is less influenced by Old English, and the pace is a lot faster (not surprising, since it was originally read to his kids before bedtime). Bilbo is a likable little guy -- he seems to be the last person whom you'd expect to be a courageous hero, but he shows incredibly strength and smarts when he's under pressure. Supporting characters like Thorin, Bard the Guardsman-turned-King, the king of the wood-elves, and even Smaug himself are never cookie-cutter, but multidimensional and immensely interesting to read about.

"The Hobbit" was written for children, but adults can appreciate and enjoy it just as much. So read this book, then scoop up "The Fellowship of the Ring" and continue reading. A timeless treasure and classic.

Rating:
Summary: Enjoyed It More Than I Expected
Review: The style is very different from what I'm used to, but it worked! Tolkien writes somewhat light-hearted, almost like he's sitting down with you telling a story. And the story is excellent. He goes into more detail about hobbits and elves and their societies than you get in the LOTR movies. Bilbo Baggins is so hesitent to go on this adventure with Gandolf and the dwarves (Hobbits aren't supposed to have adventures), but the more situations he gets into, the more inner strength and creativity he finds. The adventures through the Mirkwood and the escape from the Wood Elves were thrilling. The description of the Mirkwood was done well and you get a good feel how dark and forboding the place is. Tolkien really brought the characters alive. The Battle of the Five Armies was more an overview than a detailed fight. Still it was really good and if they ever make a movie out of The Hobbit it will be one of the greatest movie battle scenes ever. Now I can't wait to check out the LOTR novels.

Rating:
Summary: Greatest Fantasy Novel of all Times
Review: When I was in the seventh grade my English teacher made us read this novel. I am forever indebted to this teacher for introducing me to one of the greatest fantasy novelists of all time. In this delightful tale, Tolkien introduces a new world called "Middle Earth." "Middle Earth" is a place where dwarves, elves, wizards, dragons, and hobbits live.

Of course, in this story, Bilbo Baggins is the consummate hobbit who runs off on a dangerous and exciting adventure (something hobbits do not normally do) with a clan of dwarfs. These adventures lead to dangerous encounters with giant spiders, goblins, etc. Moreover, Bilbo encounters an odd slimy creature named Gollum, who possess a ring that holds great magical power (an item which plays a vital role in the trilogy titled "The Lord of the Rings"). Gollum is so obsessed with this ring, which he calls "precious," that he will do anything to get it back from Bilbo (who found it on the ground and later took it from Gollum after a contest of wits and wisdom). Gollum, of course, shows up again in "The Lord of the Rings."

Another important character in this enthralling tale is a wizard by the name of Gandolf. Gandolf periodically appears to either help Bilbo and his befriended dwarf companions or he appears to give advice or simply converse with his hobbit friend.

This story is very captivating from beginning to end. Actually, there are no dull points in the story line at all. The descriptions of this wonderful imaginary world are very florid and imaginative. Tolkien developed an entire world with maps, alphabets, languages, riddles, and very vivid characters who not only win your heart but wheedle your emotions and imagination.

This story is not your typical run-of-the-mill fantasy novel. In fact, much of what is called 'fantasy' today owes a great deal of homage to Tolkien and his creative expertise. Since many fantasy novelists who followed Tolkien borrowed in one way or another from him and his works. Tolkien is a master story teller who has an eye for elaborate detail and sophistication. None of his stories are trite or typical. Tolkien stands in a class all his own.

Rating:
Summary: A Delightful Prelude to "Lord of the Rings"
Review: "The Hobbit or There and Back Again" by J.R.R. Tolkien is the prequel to his blockbuster hit "Lord of the Rings". A must read for anyone who is a LOTR fan like me. This epic fantasy introduces the world of hobbits in Middle-Earth and one in particular Bilbo Baggins of the Shire. Bilbo lives comfortably on six meals a day in his hobbit hole under the hill in Bag-End. Not one to consider himself adventurous Bilbo with the nudging of his friend the Wizard Gandalf the Grey accompanies thirteen dwarves (Thorin, Balin, Dwalin, Kili, Fili, Dori, Nori, Ori, Oin, Gloin, Bifur, Bofur and Bombur) on a quest to reclaim their lost treasure from the dragon Smaug in the Lonely Mountain. Known as the Burglar Bilbo encounters many strange creatures including pony eating goblins, wargs, wolves, giant eagles, wood elves, man eating spiders, a talking dragon and Gollum.

While lost in the Misty Mountains, Bilbo finds a golden ring. To hearing the cries of the creature Gollum he puts the ring in his pocket. Gollum has lost his precious (the ring). Upon meeting, Bilbo and Gollum strike a deal. They will play a riddling game. If Bilbo wins, Gollum will lead him out of the mountains. If Gollum wins, he gets to eat Bilbo. Although Bilbo wins, Gollum has no intention of helping Bilbo when suddenly the ring finds its way to Bilbo's hand and puff...he disappears. He becomes invisible. Bilbo uses this ability to escape the Misty Mountains with its goblins and many other pickles he will find himself in throughout the rest of his adventure to Mirkwood, Lake-town and the Lonely Mountain.

Although this is a fantasy novel, it is not necessarily appropriate for small children. It is more for adults, teenagers and older children.

Rating:
Summary: The Hobbit
Review: This is an adventure/fantasy type of book with dragons, elves, dwarves, and other creative characters. The book starts out in Middle Earth, in a town called The Shire. Bilbo Baggins, a respectable hobbit is living in quiet comfort. Hobbits are not supposed to have adventures or do anything out of the ordinary. His normal routines are upset when a wizard, Gandalf the Grey, comes knocking on his door. Gandalf brings 13 dwarves, and an adventure. Their task is to reclaim treasures that the evil dragon, Smaug, had taken from their ancestors. At first Bilbo is reluctant to go, but soon the draw of the adventure pulls him in.Along the way, the group meets all sorts of evil creatures, orcs, goblins, and of course Gollum. Bilbo meets Gollum when he becomes separated from Gandalf and the dwarves underneath the mountain. Bilbo also finds the ring. He finds it near Gollum's lair, and unknowingly takes it. Soon he discovers what it does, and escapes out of the mountain and becomes reunited with the group. They continue into the mountain to encounter Smaug's lair and take back their treasure. Bilbo returns to the Shire with gold, and jewels, and a more "precious" treasure.

Rating:
Summary: Simply put, a marvellous story!
Review: The Hobbit is a masterpiece of Fantasy literature. It combines elements of drama, comedy, suspense and adventure to bring your emotions to the surface. The book appeals to fans of the Fantasy genre of almost all ages. The grandfather-telling prose in which The Hobbit is written will appeal to adolescents while the sheer language, storyline and myths that Tolkien has created will surely entice the adult readers.

In the opinion of this reviewer, no Fantasy fiction author gives as vivid depictions of all aspects of environments, characters and story as well as Tolkien. So much, in fact, that many popular authors since have tried to parallel Tolkien's writing style. The Hobbit (and The Lord of the Rings) is the echelon of every Fantasy book written since and should belong in every Fantasy liturature reader's library.

This reviewer strongly recommends the 1997 edition of The Hobbit which marks the 60th anniversary of the first edition. The book is in beautiful hardcover format filled with lavishly painted illustrations by noted Norse myth artist Alan Lee. The illustrations serve as a wonderful supplement to an already well depicted story. The paper and typeface used in this particular edition is of the highest quality and will last for generations to come. It is wrapped nicely in a glossy paper sleeve, edged with gold foil on the top and bottom in which ancient runes of old are scribed. The sleeve is also adorned with one of the many beautiful paintings of Lee.

In conclusion, please be sure to make it a point to read The Hobbit if you have not already done so. If you have had a chance to read it, you will have been rewarded with an incredible journey of the mind and will most likely want to read it again and again during the course of your lifetime, with each reading giving you a greater appreciation for Tolkien's talent.

Rating:
Summary: The best book ever written published in a beautiful format
Review: Tolkien's Hobbit takes the imagination on a wonderful flight of fantasy. I read this book on a yearly basis and each year I am delighted and captivated by the world of Bilbo Baggins. Bilbo is a reluctant member of an adventure that will forever change his life and the lives of those around him. He accompanies 13 dwarves on a mission to reclaim the gold and mountain kingdom of their ancestors from the dragon, Smaug. They have many adventures and mishaps on their journey to the lonely mountain including the climactic battle of five armies. Bilbo finds a magic ring along the way which leads, not only to a rise in his stature, but also to a new adventure for his friends in "The Lord of the Rings." Tolkien is a master storyteller and the depth of his skill is best seen in this tale. In the following trilogy, "The Lord of the Rings" the story is continued, but the sheer delight of "The Hobbit" is never fully recaptured. This collector's edition is beautifully bound. Even more enjoyable are the illustrations and paintings by the author himself.

Rating:
Summary: Nice one
Review: This book captures the mind of the reader with it's different world, characters, and it's own language which make up the world known as Middle Earth. I highly reccomend this book to anyone who is deciding to read it. This world consists of hobbits, wizards, dwarves, elves, men, orks, and many other creatures that could only exist in Middle Earth. This makes it a great fairy tale.

Rating:
Summary: a good review
Review: The Hobbit, By J.R.R. Tolkien, is a book for everyone. It has comedy, jokes and riddles along with suspense and adventure for those who seek a good page turner. Tolkien tells you how the hobbit, Bilbo, came of the ring and had thirteen other companions to help find what the ring could do. It tells of their adventures against the giant spiders, evil wolves, orcs and much, much more. Even though he first wishes that he was home by his warm fire and on his soft bed, this adventure changes his life and the lives of his companions. I myself have never read a book like THE HOBBIT, and hope to have the pleasure of talking to more of the fans of this book because in my opinion it is one of the worlds' finest.