What is the name of J.R.R. Tolkien’s first published novel-length book?

J.R.R. Tolkien’s first published novel-length book was The Hobbit.

The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, was published by George Allen & Unwin in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin Oakenshield and a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim treasure from the dragon Smaug.

Tolkien originally developed the story for his children, but its publication made him a widely known author. The book’s success led his publisher to ask for a sequel, which eventually became The Lord of the Rings.

The Hobbit is often described simply as Tolkien’s first book, but he had already published scholarly work and shorter literary pieces. The distinction is that it was his first major book of fiction to appear in print.