“One of the best children's books of this century.” W.H. Auden
One day, while marking examination papers for his students, Professor Tolkien found himself presented with a blank piece of paper. So delighted was he with having nothing to read, he quickly wrote “In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit.” And so began the story of Mr Bilbo Baggins, and his quest to accompany thirteen dwarves and one Wizard to find the treasure of the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent. The Hobbit has now become one of the most beloved classics in children's literature and provides the reader with the perfect first step on a journey into Middle-earth. All versions of the story are available here, including paperbacks with Tolkien's own illustrations or Alan Lee's paintings, audio versions, sumptuous hardbacks and de luxe collector’s editions.
