The Hobbit: Or There and Back Again

by J.R.R. Tolkien

Book Overview

This lavish gift edition of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic features cover art, illustrations, and watercolor paintings by the artist Alan Lee. 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...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0395873460
• ISBN13: 9780395873465
• Release Date: September 1997
• Publisher: William Morrow & Company
• Length: 304 Pages
• Weight: 0.95 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 7.9" x 10.0"
• Age Range: 12 to 17 years
• Grade Range: Grades 7 to 12

Customer Reviews

Don’t buy it if you want what’s posted

I bought two of these. One for me and the other for my friend. Both books are not what the picture posted is. The book sent, is part of a book set. At this point I don’t trust this website.

Did not get the German version like I was supposed to!

I have the books in English, but I am learning German, and specifically bought the German version. I got the English version (with a beautiful cover), but that is NOT what I needed.

Copy received had sticky spill on cover and down page sides

I purchased a “Good” copy of this book, but unfortunately, the one I received had a dried on and still sticky spill down the back cover and down the sides of the pages. After attempting to clean it, the cover cleaned up well but whatever it was is completely soaked into the pages and now resembles a certain dark red-colored bodily fluid.

Same issue as another buyer...

I bought this because it was specifically the book and art that I grew up with. A different book arrived. Yes, it is still the Hobbit and I love the story, but I'd have rather spent less money. Waited specifically for this exact book. I was excited when one became available, but disappointed that a different book arrived. If you're not going to send the book that is pictured then why are there pictures?

Received a pocket edition

I order hardback covers, specifically for having larger print to make it easier for my eyes to read. Had I of known this was pocket edition with microscopic writing I would have NEVER ordered this. Feeling completely cheated on this purchase.

My book did not come as advertised

I didnt receive the dust jacket. I was veey disappointed about that

I love this book but beware you can’t choose your own cover photo for each book it comes randomly

I love this book but beware you can’t choose your own cover photo for each book it comes randomly. I love the story Of the hobbit it’s good for all ages but I will give it to a friend and buy it somewhere else so I can choose my own cover photo

Received paperback instead of hardcover

The book itself is great, however be careful what edition you buy. I had bought a hardcover edition for more money and received paperback instead. They don't seem to verify what editions they send you.

Not German

I very specifically wanted the German version for an art project that was going to be a gift for a German-loving, hobbit-loving friend of mine. I purchased the German version, but received an English copy. Looks like I'm not the only person this happened to. This is really crummy, as I thought I was getting what the listing said, but guess not. :( Wish I had read the reviews before purchasing.

Cover art not what I anticipated.

Ordered the book because of the cover art, disappointed to receive a different edition. Already own copies of the book (In fact this exact edition), the pictured art was the only reason for purchase.

I love this story!

I love, love, love "The Hobbit," and the other stories of Middle Earth by J.R.R. Tolkien! He has a nice writing style, easy for school-aged readers to enjoy as well as adults. This is the story of the hobbit, Bilbo Baggins (Frodo's uncle), and precedes the tales of the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy. This book introduces Gandalf, Gollum, and the ring, and informs the reader of other peoples and histories: the dwarves, the dragon, Smaug, and Wood-elves. The heroes in this book are varied and well written. The copy that I received is older and has maps, illustrations, and songs, which are all interesting and part of the story. If you liked the books or movies of "Lord of the Rings" or the movies of "The Hobbit" than this book is for you! You will not be disappointed!

A fantasy for all ages

I loved this book. Tolkien’s beautiful writing style made this story so unique and made it truly timeless. The novel isn’t cheesy or too plain, as Tolkien’s language makes this story appropriate for all ages.

Wonderfully written tale of adventure and finding oneself.

Great Book!!!

I absolutely enjoyed this book - a great world and beautiful characters. I would suggest reading it before the Lord of the Rings.

decent translation, still a great book.

I must admit at the outset that I haven't finished reading the German translation yet (I'm referring to the paperback here), but so far it's as fun a read as the English. I've had a couple minor issues with the translation so far, but they're fairly trivial and may be perfectly justified by parts farther on in the book. I really enjoy reading English-language books in translation (from Watership Down to Red Dragon) and have also read a good deal of German lit in English, and as translations go this seems to have lost little of the "feel" of Tolkien. That means it can be both dense and playful at once without being tiring. A masterful "Erzählung" in any language (that I can read, at least)!

the Hobbit

The book the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is an adventurous, fantasy tale that takes place in the land of the middle earth. However, even with many "nail-biting"/ action sequences, this story reveals tender and moving themes. Courage, trust, and friendship are the three most dominant themes projected in this tale of adventure. On their quest to restore the dwarves wealth and pride; Bilbo, Gandalf, and the 13 Dwarves encounter numerous challenges of both the emotional and physical nature. Bilbo's revelation from a timid, do-gooder hobbit to a daring thief is the most exciting transformation experienced. Though the story seems to take off at a slow pace, Tolkien's descriptions really pull the reader into the action. If you wish to read of battles with goblins, wargs, spiders, trolls, and the occasional dragon, then don't be turned off by what seems like unnecessary detail in the beginning. The Key, However, is to keep reading, it gets better.