First novel of the author, imagined very young and wrote in 1937 (almost 20 years before the publication of the "Lord of the Rings", his masterpiece). "The Hobbit" is also the founding stone of the mythology of "Middle Earth", the writer will develop throughout his life.
Unlike his future works, Tolkien imagined a children's story that he could write to his. Philologist business (language study from the critical analysis of texts), it is also a specialist in ancient languages and mythologies Germanic and Anglo-Saxon. And that's a lifetime devoted to the study of his research he will grow by creating its own mythology and adapting the form of novels, stories and poems.
"The Hobbit" can be considered its second implementation celebrity after "The Lord of the Rings" (although in the above chronology). Its title character is, moreover prominently in the prestigious result that he wrote years later, as "Bilbo" is the uncle of "Frodo", the hero of "The Lord of the Rings"! Some leading figures in the "middle earth" also appear in "The Hobbit", such as the half-elf "Elrond" and the incredible "Gollum". But it is especially the presence of "Gandalf," one of the most charismatic figures in the history of fantasy literature, which marks the spirits.
Although shorter than the other collections from the "Middle Earth," this book is eaten as a delicacy, delicious sweetness which can be read in one sitting. It is much lighter and harmless that will do the other parts of the extensive and coherent universe Tolkien develop through four times and several thousand years (see also The Silmarillion and the three volumes of unfinished Tales and Legends)!
It is nonetheless an impressive thematic richness, certainly made palpable by the countless mythological knowledge Tolkien regurgitates generously, so much so that all bases of his universe, a rich and abundant density are already present. Thus, this apparent story of a band of dwarves who want to reclaim their kingdom and treasure to the hideous dragon, may be adjusted upwards from reading its aftermath.
As said above, this edition offers us the privilege of contemplating the illustrations of the great Alan Lee. They appear as ethereal paintings resembling more a daydream as an illumination, or whether in the form of pencils of unprecedented accuracy, they lasting mark any retina. They remind us why this artist has the reputation of being born to illustrate the "Middle Earth" (no less!). Peter Jackson will be remembered as the artistic director will appoint its film adaptation. And much good has taken him!
