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Fantasy· United Kingdom

The Hobbit

by J.R.R. Tolkien
Aggregate Editorial Score30/100
#42of 99,626 books
Published 1937English
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About This Book

Few works of fantasy have earned the sustained critical attention that The Hobbit (1937) by J.R.R. Tolkien continues to receive. The Hobbit is a seminal fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. It follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is reluctantly swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, intricate world-building, and its influence on the fantasy genre. Themes of adventure, courage, friendship run through the work.

Book Details

AuthorJ.R.R. Tolkien
Published1937
Country of Origin🇬🇧 United Kingdom
LanguageEnglish
Category🐉 Fantasy
ISBN978-0547928227
Editorial Score30/100
About the Category

🐉 Fantasy

Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

Explore all Fantasy books →
Country of Origin

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

This book is part of United Kingdom's rich literary tradition.

Explore books from United Kingdom →

Editorial Assessment

First published in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is a work of fantasy that has drawn sustained interest from critics and prize committees alike. Its engagement with adventure, courage, friendship, greed gives the book a depth that extends well beyond its genre. Critics and institutions have consistently placed The Hobbit among the notable works of its period. Our aggregate score of 30/100 is compiled from 1 editorial sources that range from Nobel and Booker committees to leading literary journals. What distinguishes The Hobbit is how it handles its central concerns — adventure, courage, friendship, greed — without reducing them to neat conclusions. The book invites close reading and holds up well to it. The Hobbit reflects J.R.R. Tolkien's place in a wider literary tradition. The book's concerns resonate with United Kingdom's broader cultural preoccupations, even as they reach beyond any single national context.
About this assessment: Editorial scores are aggregated from 1 independent sources including major literary prizes, critical surveys, and leading publications. Our editorial team reviews and contextualises this data. Rankings reflect critical consensus, not personal opinion or popularity metrics. Learn about our methodology.

Awards & Recognition

BBC Big Read
list · national
20030
✍️
About the Author
J.R.R. Tolkien
United Kingdom
View Author →

J.R.R. Tolkien is a celebrated author from United Kingdom known for influential works of fantasy.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is The Hobbit about?

The Hobbit is a seminal fantasy novel that introduces readers to the richly imagined world of Middle-earth. It follows the journey of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who is reluctantly swept into an epic quest to reclaim the lost Dwarf Kingdom of Erebor. The novel is celebrated for its imaginative storytelling, intricate world-building, and its influence on the fantasy genre.

Who wrote The Hobbit?

The Hobbit was written by J.R.R. Tolkien, from United Kingdom. First published in 1937.

What awards has The Hobbit won?

The Hobbit has received the following recognition: notable critical recognition.

Is The Hobbit worth reading?

The Hobbit is a well-regarded book with an aggregate editorial score of 30/100 on 50 Best Books. It is particularly recommended for readers interested in adventure, courage, friendship.

Where can I buy The Hobbit?

You can buy The Hobbit on Amazon. Click the Buy on Amazon button above to find the best edition.

What category is The Hobbit?

The Hobbit is classified as Fantasy. Stories set in imaginary worlds with magical or supernatural elements.

What country is The Hobbit from?

The Hobbit originates from United Kingdom's literary tradition. Explore more books from United Kingdom on our country page.

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