First book in Bilbo's adventure Now a classic children's story, this is a tale of high adventure undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold A reluctant partner on this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving, unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar As well as supremely exciting incidents, though, there are homelier moments good fellowship and welcome meals along the road, laughter and song, and all 'the freshness of an early world' The hobbit is also a prelude to The Lord of the Rings