What was J.R.R. Tolkien’s first published novel?

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

Published in 1937, The Hobbit began as a children’s fantasy story centered on Bilbo Baggins. Its plot follows Bilbo from the comfort of the Shire through encounters with trolls, giant spiders, Elves, Goblins, and Smaug the dragon.

The book’s success established Tolkien as a notable author and led his publisher to ask for another work about hobbits. Tolkien’s response developed into The Lord of the Rings, a much longer and darker narrative published between 1954 and 1955.

The Silmarillion was assembled and published posthumously in 1977, while Farmer Giles of Ham is a novella rather than Tolkien’s first novel. The Hobbit therefore occupies a distinct place as Tolkien’s first major book publication.