In this delightful and enthralling tale, J R R Tolkien first created the imperishable world of fantasy called Middle-earth, and those charming, indomitable creatures, the hobbits, whose adventures are continued in “The Lord of the Rings”.
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If you care for journeys there and back, out of the comfortable western world, over the edge of the wild, and home again, and take an interest in a humble hero: blessed with a little wisdom and a little courage and considerable good luck", here is a record of such a journey and such a traveler. The period is the ancient time between the age of fairy and the demonian of men, when the famous forest of Mirkwood was still standing, and the mountains were full of danger. In following the path of his humble adventurer, you will learn by the way "as he did" - if you do not already know about these things - much about trolls, goblins, dwarves, and elves, and get some glimpses into the history and politics of a neglected but important period.
For Mr. Bilbo Baggins visited various notable persons; conversed with the dragon, Smaug the magnificent; and was present. rather unwilling, at the battle of the five armies. This is all the more remarkable, since he was a hobbit. Hobbits have hitherto been passed over in history and legend, perhaps because as a rule they prefer comfort to excitement. But this account, based on the personal memoirs, of one exciting year in the otherwise quiet life of Mr. Baggins will give you a fair idea of the estimable people now " it is said" becoming rather rare. They do not like noise.