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The Hobbit Paperback – August 15, 2002


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"In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit." So begins one of the most beloved and delightful tales in the English language.

Set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth, at once a classic myth and a modern fairy tale, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is one of literature's most enduring and well-loved novels. The text in this 372-page paperback edition is based on that first published in Great Britain by Collins Modern Classics and includes a note on the text by Douglas A. Anderson.

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 hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon.

Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.

Written for Tolkien's own children, The Hobbit has sold many millions of copies worldwide and established itself as a modern classic.

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From the Publisher

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Deluxe and Gift Editions
The Hobbit: Pocket Edition
The Hobbit: Illustrated Edition
The Annotated Hobbit
The Lord of the Rings: Special Edition
The Two Towers
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
Customer Reviews
4.7 out of 5 stars 1,546
4.9 out of 5 stars 6,674
4.9 out of 5 stars 481
4.8 out of 5 stars 876
4.8 out of 5 stars 16,529
4.7 out of 5 stars 17,118
Price $12.59 $14.53 $22.49 $111.56 $32.00 $29.73
The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Boxed Set
The Lord of the Rings Hardcover Boxed Set
The Hobbit: Pocket Edition
The Hobbit: 75th Anniversary Edition
The Maps of Tolkien's Middle-earth
Customer Reviews
4.8 out of 5 stars 1,921
4.8 out of 5 stars 17,572
4.7 out of 5 stars 1,546
4.7 out of 5 stars 76,390
4.6 out of 5 stars 197
Price $42.99 $38.75 $12.59 $12.50 $19.99

Editorial Reviews

Review

"One of the most freshly original and delightfully imaginative books for children that have appeared in many a long day... The Hobbit is a glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irrestible... All those, young or old, who love a fine adventurous tale, beautifully told, will take The Hobbit to their hearts" — New York Times Book Review

About the Author

J.R.R. Tolkien (1892–1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The HobbitThe Lord of the Rings, and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over sixty languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

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J. R. R. Tolkien
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J.R.R. Tolkien was born on 3rd January 1892. After serving in the First World War, he became best known for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, selling 150 million copies in more than 40 languages worldwide. Awarded the CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, he died in 1973 at the age of 81.

Customer reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars
990 global ratings

Customers say

Customers find this book easy to read and appreciate its masterful storytelling, with one noting how it immerses readers in the tale. Moreover, they consider it a classic by Tolkien that's suitable for people of all ages, particularly enjoying reading it to children. Additionally, the book receives positive feedback for its sturdy condition, entertainment value, and great price, while one customer mentions how it transports them to another fascinating world.

34 customers mention "Readability"34 positive0 negative

Customers find the book easy to read and very interesting, with one customer noting how well it immerses the reader.

"Read it when I was younger It’s a great read if you like fantasy adventure" Read more

"I love this book, I read it about a dozen times when I was a kid, and I love it still to this day...." Read more

"It is a wonderful book and the book is nicely made and shaped an all that jazz. Content, even more so honestly!" Read more

"...Enhanced Reading Experience: The combination of Tolkien’s masterful storytelling and the gorgeous illustrations makes for an immersive reading..." Read more

20 customers mention "Story quality"20 positive0 negative

Customers praise the masterful storytelling of this book, with one customer noting it's a great bedtime read.

"This book is a classic: great story, great use of the English language and good spiritual lessons...." Read more

"Great story, great book, good pictures, and the introduction to the Fellowship of the Ring was a nice touch." Read more

"...Enhanced Reading Experience: The combination of Tolkien’s masterful storytelling and the gorgeous illustrations makes for an immersive reading..." Read more

"...this book have a much more carefree attitude, and a generally much more merry tale...." Read more

19 customers mention "Classic book"19 positive0 negative

Customers describe this book as a classic of literature.

"...Timeless classic. Got this for my sons to read." Read more

"A classic." Read more

"...combined with the quality of the book itself, make it a timeless treasure...." Read more

"This book is a classic: great story, great use of the English language and good spiritual lessons...." Read more

15 customers mention "Sturdiness"13 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the book's sturdiness, noting it arrives in very good condition with no bends.

"Fast shipping, great condition, thanks!" Read more

"The book came in perfect condition with no bends, creases, or ownership markings...." Read more

"...Quality Hardcover: The book itself is beautifully bound with a sturdy cover that feels luxurious...." Read more

"Nice book, just as expected and in good condition." Read more

13 customers mention "Age range"13 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate that the book is suitable for people of all ages, with several mentioning they enjoy reading it to their 8-year-old children.

"...Great for kids or for adults as your entry into the lore of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings...." Read more

"Needed the book for summer reading. Ordered, delivered and enjoying." Read more

"I enjoy reading this to children! A wonderful tale!" Read more

"If you need my review, here it is. The best young adult's book of all time, bar none...." Read more

11 customers mention "Entertainment value"11 positive0 negative

Customers find the book entertaining and interesting, with one mentioning it provides an immersive reading experience and another noting its suspenseful elements.

"...storytelling and the gorgeous illustrations makes for an immersive reading experience...." Read more

"..." and have several well worn copies of this well written and entertaining book...." Read more

"...Of course, this is an amazing book. The story is fantastic, whimsical, engaging, and has a moral depth uncharacteristic of many modern novels...." Read more

"Entertaining!" Read more

7 customers mention "Value for money"7 positive0 negative

Customers find the book offers good value for money.

"...This is one of our favorite books and we were happy to find it at a great price." Read more

"This book is one of the good ones for sure. I love the prices compared to new books and the quality of the books seems very accurate as stated in..." Read more

"...This fit the bill for what I needed in both condition and price." Read more

"Really Worth Your Time..." Read more

6 customers mention "Imagination"5 positive1 negative

Customers praise the book's imagination, with one mentioning how it transports readers to a fascinating world of Middle-earth, while another notes how it serves as a great introduction to Tolkien's universe.

"A great story that captures the imagination...." Read more

"...Is the story simple? Yes.. is the world immersive? Yes. and is it fun? Absolutely!" Read more

"A great escape to the wondeful fantastic world of middle-earth!..." Read more

"...so this book is just perfect for a getaway and transporting to another fascinating world!" Read more

So good. Must Read.
5 out of 5 stars
So good. Must Read.
If you want to escape your own world and dive into one where danger and adventure lurk around every corner, “The Hobbit” might just be for you. In it you will find extraordinary characters, unlikely heroes, menacing foes, and a timeless story that weaves them all perfectly together. At the heart of the story is Bilbo Baggins, a perfectly plain hobbit content to live a quiet life, who never expected that adventure would literally come knocking on his front door. Before long he finds himself (not altogether unwillingly) thrust into a quest to help Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves in reclaiming their lost home and treasure from the dreadful dragon Smaug. Tolkien’s masterful writing brings this adventure to life in a way few authors could have. His rich descriptions create landscapes that come alive in your mind. Whether it’s the lush Shire or the dusty halls within the Lonely Mountain, you feel like you’re right there with Bilbo and company. But it’s not just Tolkien’s masterful world-building that makes “The Hobbit” such an incredible read. He infused his characters with depth and charm, and gave you a front row seat to all their incredible development. Bilbo, in particular, evolved from a timid hobbit to a courageous adventurer. You can’t help but cheer for him as he grows throughout the book. My favorite part though is that Tolkien made sure we were never to think Bilbo became unafraid. Like any great hero, he wrestled with his fears, but did the hard things anyway. “The Hobbit” truly is an enchanting read that balances edge-of-your-seat action with quiet moments of reflection. It seems less of a book and more a doorway into a world you will want to keep visiting over and over again.
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on December 8, 2024
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    As a long-time fan of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, I can confidently say that "The Hobbit" Illustrated Hardcover edition is a gem for any bookshelf. Here's why this edition stands out:

    Pros: Beautiful Illustrations: The illustrations are nothing short of breathtaking. They add a new dimension to the story, bringing the beloved characters and scenes to life in a way that words alone cannot. Each illustration is a piece of art that perfectly complements Tolkien’s vivid descriptions.

    Quality Hardcover: The book itself is beautifully bound with a sturdy cover that feels luxurious. The design is elegant, and the dust jacket features intricate artwork that sets the tone before you even open the book.

    Enhanced Reading Experience: The combination of Tolkien’s masterful storytelling and the gorgeous illustrations makes for an immersive reading experience. It’s as if you're rediscovering the tale all over again, with fresh eyes.

    Perfect Gift: This edition makes for an excellent gift for both newcomers and seasoned fans of Middle-earth. It’s a collector’s item that any Tolkien enthusiast would cherish.

    Readable Font and Layout: The font size and layout are perfect for comfortable reading. The book is well-organized, making it easy to follow Bilbo’s adventures without any strain.

    Cons: Slightly Heavy: Due to the high-quality materials and hardcover binding, the book is on the heavier side. However, this is a minor inconvenience for the quality and beauty it delivers.

    Conclusion: "The Hobbit" Illustrated Hardcover edition is a must-have for any fan of J.R.R. Tolkien. The stunning illustrations, combined with the quality of the book itself, make it a timeless treasure. It’s a perfect way to dive back into the magical world of Middle-earth or to introduce a new reader to the adventures of Bilbo Baggins. Highly recommended for anyone who loves a beautifully crafted book.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on April 17, 2009
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The Hobbit is one of my favorite books of all time. Perhaps it is because I read it as a child, and it first introduced me to dwarves and elves in a way far different from their Disney counterparts. Perhaps it was the humanity of characters laid out for me to see. I am not sure exactly what it was, but after rereading it for the upteenth time, it still has not lost a smidgen of its charm.

    Sure, Lord of the Rings is the serious book, the more adultish, more classic quest fantasy to save the world from mortal peril sort of thing. The Hobbit is more of a quest to save Bilbo from living his life without a single thing happening that was unexpected. I think this central difference, combined with a younger target audience for this book, makes this book have a much more carefree attitude, and a generally much more merry tale.

    The pace of the Hobbit is pretty rapid, since really the journey of this story would have been of a similar length as Lord of the Rings, with a lot of detail simply missing from this book. The first leg of the journey was almost identical to Frodo's in route at least, yet it is over in a couple of chapters. Really, the lesser significance of this quest required a lot less development early on.

    What you really do see happen in the Hobbit, which is nearly absent in Lord of the Rings, is how a bit of a fussy homebody is changed into a daring and wise companion by means of the journey. Bilbo proved to be the lucky 'fourteenth' man on the quests of the dwarf Thorin to reclaim his homeland and treasure, and that was lucky for not only the dwarves, but for Bilbo himself. Even Gandalf discovered that there was more to Bilbo than meets the eye, as the hobbit proved himself useful in a lot of very different situations.

    It is a wonder to see a character develop like Bilbo during the course of a single novel. It is an exceedingly rare sight these days, to see something like this happen, and it is refreshing to see it again here.

    The songs in this book aren't the poet things from Lord of the Rings, but more like drinking songs with simple rhymes. This [songs] is not a favorite now a days, but I kinda like them. Trying to figure out a tune to go with each one is difficult at times, but it makes it that much better. You can always just skip them, like I did when I was a kid.

    Highly recommended.
    7 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 2, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    This book is a classic: great story, great use of the English language and good spiritual lessons. Stick with the classics and don't waste time on the counterfeits and copycats.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 16, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Perfect addition for any collection.

    I do wish I got the hardcover version though. Mine arrived with some minor scuffing. Nothing on the seller , paperbacks are just fragile.
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 4, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    The book is great, with high-quality pages and clear lettering.
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 7, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Read it when I was younger
    It’s a great read if you like fantasy adventure
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 22, 2025
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    A great story that captures the imagination. It had been too many years since last reading it but it was great to experience the Hobbit as Tolkien intended and not the horrible job the producers did of the movie series. Too bad they didn’t completely follow the story like they had with Lord of the Rings.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 27, 2024
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    I love this book, I read it about a dozen times when I was a kid, and I love it still to this day. Great for kids or for adults as your entry into the lore of Tolkien's Lord of the Rings. I always recommend new readers start here, it's an easier way to start the legend of the one ring. Remember, The Hobbit is not a PREQUEL to LOTR, LOTR is the SEQUEL to The Hobbit!
    2 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Sergio Vera
    5.0 out of 5 stars Buen producto
    Reviewed in Mexico on May 6, 2022
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Producto de calidad
  • Amazon カスタマー
    5.0 out of 5 stars とっても面白い
    Reviewed in Japan on June 21, 2015
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    他では見た事のないスマウグの表紙がとっても気に入っています。
    映画公開の前に読み終え、映画との違いも楽しめ、LOTRに続く物語の壮大感は世界中の人が虜になるのが分かります。
  • Büchiwormli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Bagginses and Hobbitses
    Reviewed in Germany on October 19, 2021
    Format: PaperbackVerified Purchase
    Ich liebe dieses Buch und habe es mir noch einmal gekauft, weil das erste Buch total "zerliebt" war.

    Eignet sich auch als Lektüre zur Unterstützung von in Englisch schwachen Schülern.

    Top. Kaufen.
  • Carmen
    5.0 out of 5 stars espectacular
    Reviewed in Spain on April 10, 2018
    es un libro que todo fan de el hobbit y el señor de los anillos deberia tener
    tiene muy buena calidad y esta muy bien ilustrado
  • Shawn P
    5.0 out of 5 stars Umm.... Tolkien! Nuf' said
    Reviewed in Canada on January 13, 2025
    Format: HardcoverVerified Purchase
    (repeat from above)