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Summary: A Fun Stroll Through MIddle Earth
Review: For those intimidated by the 1,000+ pages of Tolkien's "Lord of the Rings," "The Hobbit" is a good place to start, as it is one of the easier pieces of work concerning Middle Earth. It is much lighter in tone and full of spectacular moments which range from funny to frightening. "The Hobbit" is a grand adventure for all ages.
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Summary: Description of the "Leatherette Collector's Edition)
Review: ...P>'This deluxe collector's edition of Tolkien's modern classic is boxed and bound in green leatherette with gold and red foil rune stamping on the spine and cover. The text pages are printed in black with green accents. It includes five full page illustrations in full color and many more in two color in addition to Thror's map -- all prepared by the author. J.R.R. Tolkien's own description for the original edition: "If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable Western world, over the edge of the Wild, and home again, and can take an interest in a humble hero (blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck), here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of Faerie and the dominion of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of this humble adventurer, you will learn by the way (as he did) -- if you do not already know all about these things -- much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period. For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent; and was present, rather unwillingly, at the Battle of the Five Armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because they as a rule preferred comfort to excitement. But this account, based on his personal memoirs, of the one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now (it is said) becoming rather rare. They do not like noise." '
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Summary: In celebration of parties
Review: J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" is perhaps one of the best-written books about the advantages of having parties. Written relatively early in his days as an Oxford don, "The Hobbit" is a strongly autobiographical novel about Tolkien and his status as a party man. His reputation as a party enthusiast was so secure, in fact, that Tolkien regularly was the host to impromptu parties as other Oxford and even Cambridge professors would appear uninvited at his home with the expectation of a good meal, some beer or wine, and rousing party games.It is such experiences that form the basis for "The Hobbit." A sedentary fellow, much like Tolkien, Bilbo Baggins finds himself the unassuming host of a party of dwarves (more established professors) and the wizard Gandalf (the president of the university). Wooed by promises of great wealth, and strongly encouraged by Gandalf, Bilbo joins the dwarves on a quest to regain their lost ancestral gold, an action that represents Tolkien's own quest for tenure, a position that, once secured, would guarantee him employment, a place to live, social status, and ultimately a healthy retirement package. The story follows Tolkien-as-Bilbo's journey to the heart of the Lonely Mountain, where he must confront the dragon Smaug (the experience of teaching undergraduate and graduate students) and be swept up in the dramatic Battle of Five Armies, a situation not unlike peer review. And in the course of the story, Bilbo acquires a magical Ring that secures his reputation with the dwarves, much as Tolkien's literary and liguistic prowess, developed through education, secured his position in academia. A thoroughly fascinating and enchanting book, "The Hobbit" will have you wishing again and again for the opportunity to attend more parties and, even more, to host them yourself.
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Summary: Leisurly Read
Review: Hobbit is one of the most invaluable and indispensable classics given to the world of literature by Tolkien.
Content: Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit, comfortably residing in his comfortably furnished "hole in the ground". His relaxed life-style, however, is interrupted by the magician Gandalf who enlists Bilbo as a thief. Reluctantly Bilbo sets out on a pilgrimage with 12 elves to recover a stolen treasure from a dragon. While trying to accomplish their mission, the unlucky crew encounters countless adventures imbued with life-threatening dangers. Exceeding the elves' expectations, Bilbo becomes of great use in these predicaments. The final bloody battle is the climax of the book.
The alluring story line is something that will be parted with reluctance. However lighthearted the novel is, there is some profound symbolism and allusions to real facts. e.g. The final battle in the book is a blatant reference to the events of World War One, through which Tolkien has lived. He was obviously against it, as he demonstrates that myriads of decent, innocent people were obliterated. Also, basically the whole book reverberates the theme of maturing, demonstrated in Bilbo as he transforms from a timid creature to a more heroic persona.
Overall:This is a beautifully written book. The writing style used by Tolkien is commendable. The word choice is charming and amiable. The overall style is simple and lucid, but very enthralling and captivating. Definitely something that can be read for leisure. The same can be said of the story-line. It is very solid and well-knit together, there probably isnt a single loophole to taint its value. Filled with wonderful tales of magic and adventure it is second to none in the fantasy class. One of those childhood books that will be fondly remembered later in life. It is only a shame that the sequels to this wonderful fantasy novel have plummeted in the content aspect and the delightful simplicity of Hobbit.
In addition to Hobbit, I would recommend The Chronicles of Narnia.
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Summary: an excellent read
Review: great for those who enjoy tales of mystical lore
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Summary: The is an awesome book
Review: The Hobbit is the wonderful sequel to the novel The Lord of the Rings. Anybody who has read TLotR and hasn't read the Hobbit defidently needs to, and this is the perfect way to read it. This is one of the best editions of this book available, and it's only [money amount], so what are you waiting for?
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Summary: The Hobbit. A review by a BIG LOTR fan!
Review: This book is awesome! It' rules! In the front of the book there is a map of all the places they went! The book is really good too! In it Bilbo Baggins goes on an adventure with 13 dwarves to retrieve the dwarves' lost treasures that were stolen by a dragon named Smaug. Along the way they fight Goblins, Trolls, Wolves, and giant spiders. Bilbo and the dwarves never have to fight Smaug though. One of the BEST works of all time in my opinion and lots of other peoples' opinions. I STRONGLY encourage you to buy this book. You should also buy the Lord of the Rings because The Hobbit is a prelude to the Lord of the Rings. You can either buy The Lord of the Rings as a trilogy Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, and Return of the King, or you can buy all three books in one volume, simply called the Lord of the Rings. You have to get this book!!!!!!
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Summary: This book needs to be read out loud.
Review: Do your children a favor, read them this book before you take them to see any of the LOTR movies. It is stunning, funny, scary, all of the good things a bedtime book should be.
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Summary: Highly over rated
Review: I'm thrilled that I read something by Tolkien the whole way through, so that I can now, without any doubt, say that I absolutely hate his writing, and I will never pick up another one of his books again. I love fantasy, and it's about the only genre I read these days, but Tolkien does absolutely nothing for me. The story was extremely childish (which, I suppose, makes sense, since it was written as a children's story). Bilbo and company would get themselves in trouble, and the solutions and the ways they got out of seemingly overwhelming circumstances were' laughable at best. Trolls get turned to stone by the coming of dawn, giant spiders easily abandon their prey at the sound of a taunt, and even the dragon proves to be less than fierce. Very silly indeed. The writing style was incredibly repetitive! If I had to read, one more time that 'Bilbo wished he was back in his hobbit hole' and not for the last time!' I would have had it. As it was, the repetition was really trying my patience. Also, the first person narrator bothered me. Who WAS this person? If he constantly refers to himself as 'I', then he should make it clear who he is, and how he knows all about the hobbit's adventures! Even the storyline was incredibly linear and predictable. There was little to no excitement in the entire book, and nothing caught me by surprise. Overall, I know my opinion is an unpopular one, and there are many fans of Tolkien's writing. I'll just have to accept that I'll never be among them.
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Summary: It wasn't an exciting book up until the very end
Review: This book didn't expand my imagination, like Harry Potter does. It was slow moving, and quite uneventful, until the very end. The book didn't become decent, until it was almost over. The ending was exciting. But every event up until then meant very little to me and did very little for me. I didn't even like the style in which the book was written. I actually give it 2 and half stars, because it wasn't horrible. At one point I did enjoy reading it. I just didn't think it was the great book every says it is. However I will read the whole Lord of the Ring series. Because it is not an insufferable book.
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