The Hobbit

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"The Hobbit" is one of the most interesting books I have ever read. I like it because of the adventure and excitement it offers. In the fantasy world of Middle-earth, Tolkien has created many real-life things. Familiar human traits, both good and bad, are found in the actions of the hobbits, elves, dwarves, goblins, wizards, necromancers, dragons, and other unusual inhabitants of this world. In his essay "On Fairy Stories," Tolkien states that one of the major values of stories about the Perilous Realm of Faerie is that they provide opportunities for regaining a clearer perspective on the real world. While "The Hobbit" is an entertaining, well-constructed narrative, it is also a masterpiece. J. R. R. Tolkien's novel, The Hobbit; or There and Back Again, was first published in 1937. The enchanting story follows the adventures of tiny, furry-footed Bilbo Baggins in Middle-earth and serves as the prelude to Tolkien's epic, The Lord of the Rings, which was published in three volumes during the 1950s. These novels are widely considered to be the most beloved works of fantasy in the twentieth century. As an eminent Oxford philologist, Tolkien was inspired by his translation of ancient myths to create a world of his own, known as Middle-earth. He spent a great deal of his life developing his own language and mythology for this imaginary realm. Despite receiving favorable reviews upon its publication, The Hobbit did not initially achieve commercial success. However, the novel eventually became extremely popular over the years, selling over one million copies in the United States alone. Bilbo, a simple hobbit, was smoking his pipe one day when the wizard Gandalf appeared and asked him to go on an adventure. Confused, he told the wizard to come back the next day. The wizard did show up the next day, but only after thirteen dwarves had knocked at his door. Despite his frustration, Bilbo acted as a gracious host. The dwarves spoke of their imminent journey to an old home beneath Lonely Mountain. Long ago, a dragon named Smaug had chased their forefathers from the mountain and stolen their treasure. The group now wanted Bilbo to come along as their thief. Bilbo wakes up late the next morning and is hurried along by Gandalf to join his fellow travelers. They begin their journey, and before long, they have gone further from Hobbiton than Bilbo has ever been before. One night, Gandalf disappears, and they cannot make a fire because it is too wet and cold.

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