J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel The Hobbit first appeared in book form in 1937.
George Allen & Unwin published The Hobbit on 21 September 1937 in the United Kingdom. Tolkien had originally written the story for his children, but a reader’s report helped persuade the publisher to issue it commercially. The first edition included illustrations by Tolkien himself, including the dust-jacket design and maps.
The book follows Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit recruited by the wizard Gandalf to join Thorin Oakenshield and a company of dwarves. Their journey leads to the Lonely Mountain and an encounter with the dragon Smaug.
Readers sometimes confuse the publication date with the later appearance of The Lord of the Rings. The Hobbit came first and was initially presented as a children’s fantasy adventure. Its success encouraged Tolkien’s publisher to request a sequel, eventually producing the much larger and darker story of the One Ring.