This book by J R R Tolkien is perhaps one of the best books
of English fiction telling the story of Bilbo Baggins, the Hobbit who goes on a
journey through Middle-Earth. He also has adventures along the way with a group
of Dwarves (who include Thorin Oakenshield, their leader, also Bailin, Dwailn,
Bombur and the rest of them) and the Wizard Gandalf for company when they start
the adventure where he lives in the Shire, his home among other Hobbits. They
meet various characters in the story such as the Goblin King, the Elf King and
Gollum (who we meet later in Lord of the Rings), from whom Bilbo takes a ring
which has special powers (explained in Lord of the Rings). But the adventure
continues when they meet up with Smaug the Dragon. Whom Bilbo finds himself
caught up in a plot to steal his hoard of treasure.
This is the story of how they meet up and go on their
adventures, which includes raiding the treasure of Smaug, a large and very
dangerous Dragon. This also includes the battle of the 5 armies in the furore
and a plot by the Elf King concerning the Dragon's treasure and Thorin
Oakenshield, the Dwarf leader. The meeting of Gollum in the Misty Mountains is
also interesting when Bilbo finds a very special ring which helps him later in
the adventure.
This adventure is an exciting read for anyone because there
are twists are every turn. Also it will be enjoyed by people of all ages, and a
proves a good prelude to Lord of the Rings, another classic of English fiction.
This book was originally for Tolkien's children when they were young but it was
published and became a best-seller for him. This is worth reading and is
wonderfully told using Tolkien's imagery, which makes the book so worth while
reading for all ages. This book also sets some foundations for Lord of the Rings
and some characters will reappear in the story to continue what this book has
started. So for me this book gains top marks like Star
Wars: Shadows of the Empire.
Rating: ***** Essential
Please visit my
Lord Of The Rings or
Book Review page.
