The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
J.R.R. Tolkien1937
Tolkien wrote the most beloved children's book of the 20th century — a quest story that introduced hobbits, dragons, and Middle-earth to the world.
fantasy novelEnglishaccessiblemedium · ~8.0h
Influence
6.5/10
Popularity
9.5/10
“In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.”
Why It Matters
Tolkien wrote the most beloved children's book of the 20th century — a quest story that introduced hobbits, dragons, and Middle-earth to the world. The Hobbit created the template for modern fantasy adventure and proved that a story written for children could have the depth and richness of myth. It made everything that followed in Tolkien's universe possible.
Notable Quotes
“It does not do to leave a live dragon out of your calculations, if you live near him.”
“There is a lot more in him than you guess, and a deal more than he has any idea of himself.”