• Free Shipping over $39 -- see details

Hobbit (essential Modern Classics Edition)

$9.99
$9.49
Usually ships in 3 - 5 weeks
< close and return to chapters.indigo.ca

Kobo eReading is our digital reading partner.

chapters.indigo.ca and Kobo are separate websites.
At this time, you cannot use Gift Cards to purchase eBooks.
In order to complete your eBook purchase, you will need to create
a new, free account at Kobo

next time I select an eBook, don't show this pop-up

Buy it used from $5.87

Prices updated daily. May not reflect current price, depending on availability.

Rate this Item

 

Average Customer Rating

5

161 ratings

Community Reviews

106 reviews

write a review

  • Eligible for FREE Shipping on orders over $39. +See Details

  • Looking for a hard-to-find book? Try searching our Used & Rare section. + See details

About this Book

Trade Paperback

384 Pages, 5.08 x 8.63 x 1.02 in

March 26, 1999


0006754023
9780006754022

From Our Editors

Will Bilbo Baggins, a respectable, well-to-do hobbit, be able to raid the treasure hoard of the large and dangerous dragon Smaug the Magnificent? Living comfortably in his hobbit-hole -- until the day the wandering wizard Gandalf chooses him to share in an adventure from which he may never return -- Bilbo finds courage and sets out on an amazing journey. The Hobbit is a timeless work of fiction by master fantasist J.R.R. Tolkien, and essential pre-reading for his epic The Lord of the Rings.

From the Publisher

The Hobbit is a tale of high adventure undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold.

A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving and unambitious hobbit. Filled with encounters with trolls, goblins, elves, giant spiders, riddles and the discovery of a Ring, this wonderful story also forms a prelude to The Lord of the Rings.

Ages 12+

About the Author

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on the 3rd January' 1892 at Bloemfontein in the Orange Free State' but at the age of four he and his brother were taken back to England by their mother. After his father's death the family moved to Sarehole' on the south-eastern edge of Birmingham. Tolkien spent a happy childhood in the countryside and his sensibility to the rural landscape can clearly be seen in his writing and his pictures.

His mother died when he was only twelve and both he and his brother were made wards of the local priest and sent to King Edward's School' Birmingham' where Tolkien shone in his classical work. After completing a First in English Language and Literature at Oxford' Tolkien married Edith Bratt. He was also commissioned in the Lancashire Fusiliers and fought in the battle of the Somme. After the war' he obtained a post on the New English Dictionary and began to write the mythological and legendary cycle which he originally called The Book of Lost Tales but which eventually became known as The Silmarillion.

In 1920 Tolkien was appointed Reader in English Language at the University of Leeds which was the beginning of a distinguished academic career culminating with his election as Rawlinson and Bosworth Professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford. Meanwhile Tolkien wrote for his children and told them the story of The Hobbit. It was his publisher' Stanley Unwin' who asked for a sequel to The Hobbit and gradually Tolkien wrote The Lord of the Rings' a huge story that took twelve years to complete and which was not published until Tolkien was approaching retirement. After retirement Tolkien and his wife lived near Oxford' but then moved to Bournemouth. Tolkien returned to Oxford after his wife's death in 1971. He died on 2 September 1973 leaving The Silmarillion to be edited for publication by his son' Christopher.

Edition Details

Modern Classics

Other Editions

Format List Price Online Price
Audio Book (CD) $33.95 $33.95
Audio Book (Cassette) $31.50 $31.50
Audio Book (CD) $41.95 $27.68
Hardcover $32.95 $21.74
Audio Book (CD) $29.95 $19.76
Audio Book (CD) $24.95 $16.46
Trade Paperback $19.95 $15.16
Trade Paperback $18.95 $15.16
Mass Market Paperbound $10.99 $10.44
Trade Paperback $8.95 $8.95

See all available formats

From The Community

Who's Listing it as a Top TenWhat's this?

This title has appeared in 65 Top Ten lists. See the most recent lists below:

Who's BloggingWhat's this?

This title has been mentioned in 3 blogs. See the most recent posts below:

5

Reviews from the Community106 Reviews

  • Lindsey Carmichael

    Lindsey Carmichael

    • Chapters Employee
    • 1 person found this helpful

    It's a Classic For a Reason 5

    13 months ago

    I find The Lord of the Rings pretty heavy going, but I'll always love The Hobbit. Smaug is a major reason.

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Something to cherish forever... 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Gift Pack (Hardcover)

    4 years ago

    This amazing book set is something truly amazing. The infamous author of the LOTR books has actually read a chapter of this amazing book. Knowing he has passed on yet his books live forever, this amazing set is worth purchasing. I know it is a tad expensive, but it is amazing, to have a piece of history so to speak. He has read a chapter of his great book!! It is something to keep forever. It is very special and so i would reccomend it...but only if you are ready to spend 61 dollars on it. if… read more

  • Alexander MacNabb

    Alexander MacNabb

    • 1 person found this helpful

    The begining of the magic... 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Childrens Cloth Ed (Hardcover)

    7 years ago

    First I was very pleased with the delivery of my order. Quick and relatively cheap, and my book was in mint condition when it arrived ( a nice suprise) This is the original work by Tolkien, about Biblo Baggins (Frodo's uncle) and his unexpected adventure with a group of 13 dwarves to their ancient homeland to liberate their inheritance from a powerful red Dragon named Smaug. This book is a must have for any Lord of the Rings fan. read more

  • waqar r

    waqar r

    One of Tolkien's Classics 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Mass Market Paperbound)

    2 months ago

    J.R.R Tolkien is known for his fantasy writing. The Hobbit, was one of the most successful novels Tolkien has authored, being a prelude to his 'Lord of The Ring's' series. While reading the tale of the Hobbit, the author’s technique of combining different elements of drama, comedy, and suspense make reading the Hobbit an unforgettable experience. Tolkien’s talents stimulate the minds of the fantasy genre of almost all ages. In comparison to other fantasy writing I have read, no fiction… read more

  • rod buckham

    rod buckham

    tolkien's first gift to the world. 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Hardcover)

    9 years ago

    Actually, as many of us know, the Professor began scribbling and jotting ideas down not only for the Hobbit, but for the LOTR. The Hobbit was published first after his children asked him to share this magical world, created through mainly Norse mythology. Nowhere in any myth's have there been a peculiar creature known as a hobbit. A few wizards and ancient people are reminded that the race of Hobbits, overlooked and in Bilbo's years, fairly "invisible", gently suppports the idea of… read more

    Comments on this review:
    • A great book, I read it as an adult and wasn't able to pronounce half the names of the characters or the places they visited. Hmm, maybe school boards ... read more

      2 years ago

  • Dylan Gowans

    Dylan Gowans

    A great book 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Hb 2nd Ed (Hardcover)

    8 years ago

    This book takes you into a world of fantasy and excitement. The ideas of Tolkien are amazing. My personal favourite character is the mysterious Gandalf. The best part by far is the end. A great book!

  • Amelia

    Amelia

    The Best (well, tied with The Lord of the Rings) 5

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    8 years ago

    I loved it. It was great, after I read that I went and saw the Lord of the Rings movie then read the book (s). If you don't read the Hobbit or the Lord of the Rings your missing out on a really great book (s).

  • Alex

    Alex

    • 1 person found this helpful

    A great tale for the family 5

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    6 years ago

    This book really captured the image of a fantasy book. The Hobbit is one of the greatest books ever written. It really tells the tale of a young hobbit who goes out for an adventure and he finds something that he thinks he would never find, a ring. I would reccomend this book to anyone who wants to read it. read more

  • Mark Ross

    Mark Ross

    There And Back Again 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit: Bbc (Audio Book (CD))

    9 years ago

    The Hobbit, by J.R.R. Tolkien, is a masterpiece. NO other book that i have read has come near to its perfection, other than the sequel, Lord of the Rings, by J.R.R. Tolkien. This book is about a hobbit, taking a multiple journey's in his one task: to get to the Lonely Mountain, or Erebor, and slay the dragon Smaug, to get the dwarves lost treasure. 13 dwarves and a wizard, Gandalf, recruit him, and this book has recruited me for life! From his journey that involved trolls, goblins, a… read more

  • Zoran Miladinovic

    Zoran Miladinovic

    • 1 person found this helpful

    What an adventure! 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Audio Book (Cassette))

    9 years ago

    The Hobbit is in my opinion one of the best books I have ever read. I wasn't a big fan of fantasy before I read The Hobbit, but now I'm hooked. Filled with adventure and excitement. Once you start, you won't stop until you finish all of Tolkien's works.

  • Andrew Ingram

    Andrew Ingram

    • 3 people found this helpful

    Awesome book... 5

    2 years ago

    One of the only books that I could not put down. This book is one I would recommend to anyone. Can't wait to get started on Lord of the Rings. I'm sad that the book is over so soon, but all good things come to an end :(. This is one of the only books that I wish was longer.

  • Dave

    Dave

    Save your money! 2

    This review is from: Hobbit Gift Pack (Hardcover)

    6 years ago

    Although the Hobbit is a great read, I found this box set very dissapointing. The CD is Tolkien reading only one chapter Riddles in the Dark . The 'highly detailed map' as it is described on the box is more of a poster and not a detailed map at all. The postcards are, well, postcards. What else can you say about them? This box set is handsome and nice, but I wouldn't pay over $20 for it. read more

  • Mark Johnson

    Mark Johnson

    A true classic 4

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Mass Market Paperbound)

    3 months ago

    Tolkien near the top of his craft... a great precursor to Lord of the Rings

  • Jason

    Jason

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Simply Amazing 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Hardcover)

    9 years ago

    In some ways I regret reading the hobbit at such a young age,because I found it hard to find another book of the same type that even come close to comparing. If throughout my life I read books in order from good to simply amazing,I would die with a copy of the hobbit in my hands and turned to the last page. Tolkien created a entire world that so vividly comes to life when you read his books. I would recomend the hobbit to anyone of all ages, because you are never to young to awaken your… read more

  • Hollie McLean

    Hollie McLean

    • 1 person found this helpful

    Excellent 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Hb 2nd Ed (Hardcover)

    10 years ago

    When I was 9 or 10 my dad tried to get me to read the Hobbit but I had to stop when it got to Gollum because I was really scared. I just finished reading it and it was awesome. I really really enjoyed it. And the Lord of the Rings is even better than the Hobbit!

  • Brett Reed

    Brett Reed

    #1 Book Of The 20th Century 5

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    I picked up this book for a school project! and i read it again, this is BY FAR the BEST book I have ever read, and I am looking forward to Reading LOTR series, and seeing the movies! Thanks J.R.R. Tolkien!

  • Andrea

    Andrea

    Read it at least once per year! 5

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    10 years ago

    The Hobbit (in my opinion) is the best book that was ever written! It is an extrodinary adventure for people of all ages. All of the characters are very well developed. The Hobbit is adventurous, humorous, and touching story about our dear Mr. Bilbo Baggins (the hobbit) who leaves his beautiful hobbit hole one fine morning to find adventure. Acompanying Thorin, King Under the Mountain, his 12 dwarves, and Gandolf the Gray as the "expert treasure-hunter", Bilbo undergoes many new experiences and… read more

  • Mike

    Mike

    excellent reading 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Audio Book (Cassette))

    9 years ago

    this is an excellent fantasy adventure story, that leads you along with a small hobbit named Bilbo, in his many mystical journeys with his friends. this being the first book i've read in a long time i would strongly recomend this to anyone that is trying to get into a book, and likes fantasy

  • Kaitlyn Wilson

    Kaitlyn Wilson

    • Chapters Employee
    • Top Book Reviewer
    • 3 people found this helpful

    A must-read classic for all ages 5

    2 years ago

    If you have not already read this novel - you must do so! It is absolutely amazing, and this is my favourite novel, only second to Lord of the Rings. Learn about where Bilbo found the One Ring, enjoy the Riddles in the Dark with Gollum, and laugh while you read about the dwarves' adventure. I recommend reading this before Lord of the Rings, for more background information - or even on its own just for a good novel. If you don't read LOTR though...you're missing out.

  • Michael C

    Michael C

    A great collector's edition of a great book 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Gift Pack (Hardcover)

    8 years ago

    Having previously bought and read all 3 books in the Lord of the Rings trilogy [which are among the greatest works of fiction I have ever read], I decided I should buy the prequel novel, The Hobbit.

  • Matt Allec

    Matt Allec

    Timeless classic 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Mass Market Paperbound)

    6 months ago

    The Hobbit or There and Back Again" is the first story of Middle-Earth that was ever read by the masses. And to this day it remains a beloved favorite due to Tolkien's exceptional writing, realistic and lovable characters, and the fantastic, complicated world with its unlikely hero: a fuzzy-footed hobbit. Bilbo Baggins lives a pleasantly stodgy and dull life in the Shire, in a luxurious hole under a hill. ("It was a hobbit hole, and that means comfort") But his life is completely turned… read more

  • William

    William

    life. 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Hardcover)

    9 years ago

    The Hobbit isn't a book I can easily sum up. It is the only book I have ever read where actually cared about all of the characters. I read it the first time when I was 8 or 9, right after my mother had read me the The Lord of The Rings. All I can remember about that time was my mother coming home from work finding me crying on my bed because Fili and Kili had died. I've probably read it a dozen times in my life and it still moves me every time. The story, to me, is about the need to take… read more

  • Leor

    Leor

    The Best Book 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Hb 2nd Ed (Hardcover)

    10 years ago

    This story was great. There once was a hobbit and hobbits hate going on adventures. And his name was Bilbo Baggins and he had a friend called Gandalf and he was a wizzard. Gandalf loved adventures. And he had friends that were dwarves. And they loved going on adventures too. They convinced Bilbo Baggins to go on an adventure to get the great powerful Smaug the dragon. They started on their adventure and then they met the trolls..Bert Bill..William. And they argued about how they would eat them… read more

  • Jeffrey Law

    Jeffrey Law

    The Hobbit 4

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    This book made me interested in all the fairy-tale creatures. It was very creative and original. I lke the idea of making up a new creature (hobbits)instead of just sticking with the other well-know ones.

  • eric forest

    eric forest

    The Hobbit 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Audio Book (Cassette))

    9 years ago

    J.R.R. Tolkiens awesome ability to create pictures from text comes alive in this original novel of magic and sowrdplay.

    When bilbo baggins was taken from his cozy hobbit hole by Gandalf the wizard, and his 12 dwarven followers, he could not imagine the dangers which lay ahead. nevertheless, away he went, to raid the hoard of gold protected by Smaug the Magnificent - the dragon with armor of gold.

    Even Tolkien could not imagine the suceses of a novel he wrote for his… read more

  • Joshua Beitz

    Joshua Beitz

    captivating 4

    2 years ago

    The contents of Tolkien's "The Hobbit" have yet to be exceeded by any fantasy writer to date. The crispness of his imagery, the overwhelming sense of adventure instilled in his characters and the vastness of the world which he creates lend to the overall brilliance of his work. This book set the stage for what is arguably the most thorough and thought provoking adventure series in fiction history. it is a joy to be captivated by it time and time again.

  • Scott Unger

    Scott Unger

    The Hobbit Limmited Edition Boxed Set 5

    This review is from: Hobbit Gift Pack (Hardcover)

    9 years ago

    In this box you will find a radio reading of The Hobbit by JRR himself, several post-cards featuring artistry of the Middle Earth, a detailed map of Bilbo's adventure, as well as a beautiful hard-cover version of the classic "The Hobbit"... a must buy for any Tolkein fan...

  • Catherine Bezubiak

    Catherine Bezubiak

    The original fantasy adventure! 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Mass Market Paperbound)

    9 months ago

    This doesn't really need reviewing. Everyone knows it's an amazing book. I read it first when I was in grade three and fell in love with fantasy. I was often disappointed when I read other fantasy books after The Hobbit. Tolkien's language is elegant and poetic and a joy to read even if you are not interested in the genre. I haven't re-read it since high school and was surprised at how short of a tale it actually is. It always seemed like the ultimate tale of adventure when I was younger. It… read more

  • Matthew Stiers

    Matthew Stiers

    The Hobbit 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Hardcover)

    9 years ago

    The Hobbit is a book that stirs the imagination and lightens the soul. For all parents who want their kids to read more this is the book. It has all the excitement of the movies and games that are thrown at us and at the same time makes a person think. it's a good primer for both young and old readers into the realm of fantasy.

  • Lew Pellar

    Lew Pellar

    The Hobbit 5

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    The hobbit is an amazing book it is filed with adveture and suspense. the author is an incredible author one of my favorites

  • Jason Prince

    Jason Prince

    The best book ever!! 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Audio Book (Cassette))

    10 years ago

    I have recently read the Hobbit and was so intrigued by Tolkien's style of writing moved on to the Lord Of The Rings. The book has a phenominal plot setup and does not leave its' reader bored for one single minute. It would be a fantastic read for almost all types of book lovers for it is certainly exciting, suspensful,mystical and it is a very high throttle mystery!
    Tolkien is an absolutely incredible writer who is adored by people everywhere. The Hobbit in my oppinion is one of his best… read more

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    One of the best! 5

    4 years ago

    I thought that 'The Hobbit' was a beautifully written book. Also i think that it should have the same type of recognition as The Lord of the Rings. They weren't the only books that Tolkien wrote.

  • Alex Gingras

    Alex Gingras

    The Story Goes Ever On... 5

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Mass Market Paperbound)

    10 months ago

    Fans of The Lord of the Rings wil be able to learn about how Bilbo found the legendary One Ring, explains a bit more on Hobbit's and how he joined the adventure for treasue. You'll want to keep this book forever so that your descendents can enjoy the works of Tolkien.

  • Shyla

    Shyla

    True Fantasy 5

    This review is from: Hobbit (Trade Paperback)

    9 years ago

    The Hobbit was by far one of the most engrossing books readers/I, have ever read. This author had such narrative skill which carried the reader on throughout the various climaxes, page after page. Bilbos' enchanting world where ferocious goblins torture for meaningless reasons, dragons sleep on immense treasure and elves and magical creatures roam the lands. How J.R.R Tolkien placed the words and made you picture every slight detail was amazing. Tolkien described Gollum as a truely horrendous… read more

  • Bruce MacDonald

    Bruce MacDonald

    The Hobbit (audio format) 4

    This review is from: The Hobbit (Audio Book (Cassette))

    10 years ago

    This dramatized version of the hobbit was quite excellent. The 4 cassette - 4 hour presentation brought to us by the BBC has great characterization portrayed through the actors' talented voices.The only drawback to this production was some of the music between chapters which began to get a bit grating after awhile. Overall sound quality was very good. Highly recommended for that long drive in the car.

see all 106 reviews

May We Also Recommend

The Hobbit

Jrr Tolkien

List Price: $19.95

Online Price: $15.16

In Stock

See Details

Add to Shopping Bag
The Hobbit

Letters From Father Christmas

Jrr Tolkien

List Price: $15.99

Online Price: $12.15

In Stock

See Details

Add to Shopping Bag
Letters From Father Christmas

Tag this Product

Please enter your tag in the box above.

What is This?
Close

Thank you! Your tag has been submitted.

READY TO ORDER?

Store Lookup

Check if this product is available in our stores.

Prices may vary in store.