Publisher Description

"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit." So begins one of the most beloved and delightful tales in the English language. Set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth, at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is one of literature's most enduring and well-loved novels. This edition of The Hobbit has been specially formatted for young readers and features cover art by Caldecott Honor-winning illustrator Peter Sís.Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.Written for Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.

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A GREAT MODERN CLASSIC AND THE PRELUDE TO The Lord of the Rings From 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.... 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."

Author Biography

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 sixty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Review

"Warm and dusky colors predominate in the handsome full-color scenes--forty-eight in all, including five lavish spreads--that embellish this edition, which is also beautifully designed." Booklist, ALA --

Review Quote

"Warm and dusky colors predominate in the handsome full-color scenes--forty-eight in all, including five lavish spreads--that embellish this edition, which is also beautifully designed." Booklist, ALA --

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