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This new reset edition is based on the edition
first published in 1995
First published by HarperCollinsPublishers 1991 Fifth edition (reset) 1995
First published in Great Britain by George Allen & Unwin 1937
Second edition 1951
Third edition 1966
Fourth edition 1978
Cover design by Holly Macdonald © HarperCollinsPublishers Ltd 2020
Cover photographs © Shutterstock.com
Copyright © The Tolkien Estate Limited 1937, 1965
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Source ISBN: 9780007525492
Ebook Edition © MARCH 2009 ISBN: 9780007322602
Version: 2020-03-23
The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure, undertaken by a company of dwarves, in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving, unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and his skill as a burglar.
Encounters with trolls, goblins, dwarves, elves and giant spiders, conversations with the dragon, Smaug the Magnificent, and a rather unwilling presence at the Battle of the Five Armies are some of the adventures that befall Bilbo. But there are lighter moments as well: good fellowship, welcome meals, laughter and song.
Bilbo Baggins has taken his place among the ranks of the immortals of children’s fiction. Written for Professor Tolkien’s own children, The Hobbit met with instant acclaim when published. It is a complete and marvellous tale in itself, but it also forms a prelude to The Lord of the Rings.
‘One of the most influential books of our generation’
The Times
CONTENTS
CHAPTER I: AN UNEXPECTED PARTY
CHAPTER IV: OVER HILL AND UNDER HILL
CHAPTER V: RIDDLES IN THE DARK
CHAPTER VI: OUT OF THE FRYING-PAN INTO THE FIRE
CHAPTER VIII: FLIES AND SPIDERS
CHAPTER IX: BARRELS OUT OF BOND
CHAPTER XII: INSIDE INFORMATION
CHAPTER XV: THE GATHERING OF THE CLOUDS
CHAPTER XVI: A THIEF IN THE NIGHT
CHAPTER XVII: THE CLOUDS BURST
CHAPTER XVIII: THE RETURN JOURNEY