The Hobbit Book Summary - The Hobbit Book explained in key points
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The Hobbit summary

A Journey Through Middle Earth—A Lord of the Rings Prequel

4.6 (73 ratings)
21 mins

Brief summary

The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien is a fantasy novel about Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who embarks on a treasure-seeking journey with a group of dwarves and a wizard. They encounter numerous obstacles and foes, including the dragon Smaug.

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    The Hobbit
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    The Hobbit and The Wizard

    Bilbo Baggins was a hobbit –⁠ and by all appearances, not much different from others of his kind. That meant he was slightly pudgy, dressed in bright colors, and wore no shoes. He was small, about half an average human’s height, and had a friendly, good-natured face.

    Like other hobbits, Bilbo also lived in a hole in the ground, which could be accessed through a perfectly round, green door. One morning he was standing outside of it and smoking his pipe when suddenly an old man with a staff walked up. He wore a tall, pointed hat, a long gray cloak, and an enormous beard.

    The man was, in fact, a wizard, and he was there in search of someone to take part in an adventure. But it was very difficult to find a suitable candidate anywhere in hobbit territory. Most hobbits –⁠ the Bagginses included –⁠ were not exactly adventurous types. They generally preferred to remain in their quiet, cozy homes.

    However, Bilbo wasn’t just a Baggins. He was also a Took, on his mother’s side, and Tooks had been known to go on adventures from time to time.

    These two conflicting elements of Bilbo’s nature were both at play as the wizard engaged him in conversation. When the wizard finally gave his name –⁠ Gandalf –⁠ Bilbo was pleasantly surprised. Of course he knew Gandalf! The wizard was well-known for his stories, fireworks, and enchanted objects –⁠ as well as for drawing young lads and lasses out on adventures.

    Gandalf was pleased to find that Bilbo remembered him, and at that moment, he resolved to give Bilbo what he asked for. Bilbo assured Gandalf that he hadn’t asked for anything, and that he didn’t want any adventures, but that Gandalf was welcome to come to tea anytime –⁠ perhaps even tomorrow.

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    What is The Hobbit about?

    The Hobbit (1937) is the classic fantasy adventure story of an unsuspecting hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. Ripped unexpectedly from his idle epicurean life by the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo finds himself on a journey to help a group of dwarves take back their stolen treasure from the jealous dragon Smaug. Along the way, he encounters trolls, elves, goblins, and spiders –⁠ plus a certain magic ring –⁠ and eventually finds that he had what it took to be a hero all along.

    The Hobbit Review

    The Hobbit (1937) is an enchanting adventure that takes readers on a journey through Middle-earth. Here's why this book is worth reading:

    • With its charming characters and fascinating creatures, it transports readers to a magical world that sparks their imagination.
    • The book is filled with thrilling escapades and unexpected twists, keeping readers engaged and eager to uncover what happens next.
    • Through Bilbo Baggins' growth and bravery, the book inspires courage and resilience, reminding us of the power of our own potential.

    Who should read The Hobbit?

    • Fantasy lovers
    • Fans of the Lord of the Rings or Hobbit movies
    • Adventure seekers

    About the Author

    J. R. R. Tolkien was a writer, philologist, and professor of literature and Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford. His body of work includes a large collection of stories, poems, invented languages, and essays dealing with the fantasy world of Middle-Earth. The Lord of the Rings series and The Hobbit are part of this collection, and their immense, enduring popularity has led many to name Tolkien the father of high fantasy.

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    The Hobbit FAQs 

    What is the main message of The Hobbit?

    The main message of The Hobbit is a tale of adventure, bravery, and the power of friendship.

    How long does it take to read The Hobbit?

    The reading time for The Hobbit varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in a few minutes.

    Is The Hobbit a good book? Is it worth reading?

    The Hobbit is a captivating book that transports readers to a magical world filled with memorable characters and exciting quests.

    Who is the author of The Hobbit?

    The author of The Hobbit is J. R. R. Tolkien.

    How many chapters are in The Hobbit?

    There are 19 chapters in The Hobbit.

    1. An Unexpected Party
    2. Roast Mutton
    3. A Short Rest
    4. Over Hill and Under Hill
    5. Riddles in the Dark
    6. Out of the Frying-Pan Into the Fire
    7. Queer Lodgings
    8. Flies and Spiders
    9. Barrels out of Bond
    10. A Warm Welcome
    11. On the Doorstep
    12. Inside Information
    13. Not at Home
    14. Fire and Water
    15. The Gathering of the Clouds
    16. A Thief in the Night
    17. The Clouds Burst
    18. The Return Journey
    19. The Last Stage

    How many pages are in The Hobbit?

    The Hobbit contains 310 pages.

    When was The Hobbit published?

    The Hobbit was published in 1937.

    What to read after The Hobbit?

    If you're wondering what to read next after The Hobbit, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Beowulf by Unknown
    • Macbeth by William Shakespeare
    • Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë
    • Lord of the Flies by William Golding
    • Persuasion by Jane Austen
    • Little Women by Louisa M. Alcott
    • The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck by Mark Manson
    • Sophie's World by Jostein Gaarder
    • Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut
    • Travel Light by Light Watkins