The Hobbit - Hardcover

Tolkien, J. R. R.

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 000711544X ISBN 13: 9780007115440

Publisher: HarperCollins, 2001

Synopsis

A new budget hardback edition designed specifically to attract Harry Potter readers to the ‘most significant children’s book 1920-1939’ (Keith Barker Millennium Book Awards)

Bilbo Baggins enjoys a quiet and contented life, with no desire to travel far from the comforts of home; then one day the wizard Gandalf and a band of dwarves arrive unexpectedly and enlist his services – as a burglar – on a dangerous expedition to raid the treasure-hoard of Smaug the dragon. Bilbo’s life is never to be the same again.

The Hobbit became an instant success when it was first published in 1937, and more than 60 years later Tolkien’s epic tale of elves, dwarves, trolls, goblins, myth, magic and adventure, with its reluctant hero Bilbo Baggins, has lost none of its appeal.

Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children’s fiction. Written by Professor Tolkien for his own children, The Hobbit met with instant critical acclaim when published – it was the Harry Potter of its generation. With new Lord of the Rings movies around the corner, this special Children’s edition is designed to put the book back where it belongs – at the top of every child’s ‘must-read’ list.

About this title

About the Author

J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 30 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

From the Back Cover

"Smaug certainly looked fast asleep, when Bilbo peeped once more from the entrance. He was just about to step out on to the floor when he caught a sudden thin and piercing ray of red from under the drooping lid of Smaug's left eye. He was only pretending to sleep! He was watching the tunnel entrance…"

Whisked away from his comfortable, unambitious life in his hobbit-hole in Bag end by Gandalf the wizard and a company of dwarves, Bilbo Baggins finds himself caught up in a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Although quite reluctant to take part in this quest, Bilbo surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and his skill as a burglar!

Written for J.R.R. Tolkein's own children, 'The Hobbit' met with instant critical acclaim when published in 1937. It has continued to be recognised as a classic, and won the Keith Baker Millennium Book Award, presented in 2000 by the Youth Libraries Group, School Library Association and Library Association Schools Library Group, for the most significant children's book published between 1920 and 1939.

"The English-speaking world is divided into those who have read 'The Hobbit' and 'The Lord of the Rings' and those who are going to read them."
SUNDAY TIMES

Edition details

• Publisher: HarperCollins
• Publication date: 2001
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 000711544X
• ISBN 13: 9780007115440
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 400