J.R.R. Tolkien’s fantasy novel The Hobbit was first published in 1937. The book appeared in London on 21 September 1937, issued by George Allen & Unwin with illustrations by Tolkien himself.
The story follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit drawn into a quest to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug. It introduces readers to important elements of Tolkien’s legendarium, including the wizard Gandalf, the dwarf Thorin Oakenshield, and the magical One Ring.
The Hobbit began as a children’s fantasy novel, but its world-building connected it to Tolkien’s larger mythology. The later publication of The Lord of the Rings made earlier details, especially the ring Bilbo finds from Gollum, much more significant. A common mix-up is the publication date: The Hobbit came before The Lord of the Rings, whose three volumes appeared between 1954 and 1955.