The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
January 3, 2025
On January 3rd, 1892, the man who would write the best fantasy novels and create the grand world of Middle Earth was born. And 133 years later, I have the privilege of sharing this book with you.
Originally written as a story for Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit was published in September of 1937. Only 1,500 copies were printed and Tolkien feared poor sales, but by December of that year his first printing was sold out and he was on the path to becoming the most widely known fantasy writer. Now, The Hobbit alone has sold over 100 million copies. Not to mention the millions of copies of other Tolkien works! Made even more famous by the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings films, the book is heralded as one of the best books in children’s literature, and has inspired countless readers and writers since its publication.
The story is about a hobbit named Bilbo Baggins who embarks on a journey with twelve dwarves and Gandalf the Wizard to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Although Bilbo knows few details, and isn’t supposed to go on adventures because to do so is unbecoming of hobbits, he agrees to the adventure and becomes the fourteenth member of the company, and their burglar.
All throughout the journey Bilbo longs for the comforts of home: his armchair, his books, and his tea. I find this connection between Bilbo and his home in the Shire especially touching as it is a reminder of the things that truly matter in one’s life. It is not gold and fame that one should strive for – which will only call dragons to our hoard – but peace and happiness and a sense of home.
Bilbo’s desire to be home in his arm chair is mentioned and remembered throughout the book, and his values are addressed specifically when Thorin the Dwarf King tells Bilbo:
“There is more in you of good than you know, child of the kindly West. Some courage and some wisdom, blended in measure. If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world.” (pg. 263)
What The Hobbit has that the later Lord of the Rings lacks (necessarily so) is a sense of humor. There are many moments where the narrator speaks directly to the reader to jest or add clarification. These asides bring the reader into the grand world of Middle Earth, as a fifteenth member of the company, while keeping the momentum and banter of the story alive – an artform lost in most modern books, but mastered by Tolkien.
For the teachers out there, The Hobbit is THE text to use for mentor sentences. Tolkien has excellent command of grammar - specifically punctuation - and uses it to create vivid imagery and beautiful passages. The use of asides to add humor to a dark situation while hinting at the internal values of characters such as Bilbo is a writing style that students can imitate when experimenting with their own creative writing.
This is a wonderful book for adults and children alike, and if you haven’t read it yet, what are you waiting for? It is time for your own adventure.
Happy reading,
Amanda
Listen to my commentary and reading of The Hobbit on Youtube for First Chapter, First Friday.
Want to use The Hobbit for mentor sentences? Here are 6 sentences to get you started!
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