The Hobbit is J.R.R. Tolkien’s enduring fantasy classic and the foundational prelude to The Lord of the Rings. First published in 1937, the novel follows the unlikely hero Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving hobbit who is swept into a perilous adventure involving dwarves, dragons, riddles, and the wider fate of Middle-earth.
 
Guided (and occasionally manipulated) by the wizard Gandalf, Bilbo joins thirteen dwarves on a quest to reclaim their stolen treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters trolls, goblins, elves, giant spiders, and the creature Gollum—where he acquires the One Ring, an object whose significance will later reshape Tolkien’s legendarium.
Written with warmth, humour, and mythic depth, The Hobbit blends fairy-tale storytelling with epic world-building. Its themes of courage, moral growth, and the hidden strength of ordinary individuals have secured its place as one of the most beloved works of twentieth-century literature.
 
This edition features illustrations by David Wyatt, whose evocative artwork reinterprets Tolkien’s world for a modern readership while remaining faithful to the spirit of the original text.
 
Illustrated dustcover featuring Smaug atop the hoard. Green spine with HarperCollins imprint. Illustrated throughout (black-and-white and colour elements). This is a later illustrated paperback edition, not a first or early impression. But, it is highly desirable among readers and Tolkien collectors due to David Wyatt’s distinctive illustrations and attractive modern design.