Key Facts about The Hobbit
Publication Details
- Author: J.R.R. Tolkien
- First Published: September 21, 1937
- Publisher: George Allen & Unwin
- Original Title: The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
- Genre: Fantasy novel/Children's literature
The Hobbit was originally written as a bedtime story for Tolkien's children, which explains its lighter tone compared to The Lord of the Rings.
Literary Context
- Written during the interwar period (between World War I and II)
- Draws heavily from Norse mythology and Anglo-Saxon literature
- Serves as a prequel to The Lord of the Rings trilogy
- Initially conceived as a standalone story, not part of a larger mythology
Understanding the book's origins as a children's story helps explain its narrative style and the gradual darkening of tone throughout the story.
Narrative Structure
- Written in third-person omniscient perspective
- Linear narrative following Bilbo's journey
- Contains songs and poems throughout
- 19 chapters, following the classic "there and back again" story structure
Major Themes
- Coming of age and personal growth
- The corruption of wealth and power
- The importance of home
- The conflict between heroism and comfort
- The value of friendship and loyalty
