![]() "In a hole in the ground there lived a hobbit" - The opening lines of The Hobbit or There and back again I remember this edition of the Hobbit quite fondly as this was what first introduced me to Tolkien's Legendarium at an early age and sparked my interested in the high fantasy genre. The text, dialog and even the songs featured in this version is lifted straight from the text and makes the book quite dense for a graphic novel. As a result, the lyrical quality of the novel that makes the novel so enjoyable has been preserved in this version. "I come from under the hill, and under the hills and over the hills and my path led through the air. i am he that walks unseen. I am ringwinner and Luckwearer and barrel-rider!" - Bilbo's introduction to Smaug "My armour is like tenfold shields, my teeth are swords, my claws spears, the shock of my tail; a thunderbolt, my wings a hurricane, and my breath DEATH!" - Smaug introduction to Bilbo In addition, the story is enhanced by the gorgeous illustrations and the art style which complements the text very well. The depiction of the landscapes was particualrly good which brought to life iconic locations such as The pleasant hobbit holes of the Shire, The dark forests of Mirkwood and the Misty Mountains that have been marked by the desolation of Smaug. Some scenes such as the Riddle game played between Bilbo and Gollum is particularly rendered very effectively by the illustrations. One shortcoming I feel with respect to the illustrations is the portrayal of Smaug where it's awesome strength and the sheer terror it is supposed to inspires is somewhat muted in the novel. I also quite recommend the 1977 animated film of the Hobbit which keeps with the spirit of the novel and the animation style resonates with this illustrated edition. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f_JMOPCo31M Favourite Quotes “Adventures only make you late for dinner.” - Bilbo Baggins “I don't think I know your name.' 'Yes, yes my dear sir and I do know your name Mr. Bilbo Baggins. And you do know my name, though you don't remember that I belong to it. I am Gandalf, and Gandalf means me.” - The Introduction of Gandalf the Grey “What do you mean?" he said. "Do you wish me a good morning, or mean that it is a good morning whether I want it or not; or that you feel good this morning; or that it is a morning to be good on?" "All of them at once," said Bilbo. "And a very fine morning for a pipe of tobacco out of doors, into the bargain.” Farewell! O Gandalf! May you ever appear where you are most needed and least expected! - the Eleven king's parting words to Gandalf. Pretty much sums up the character of Gandalf "if more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world. But sad or merry, I must leave it now. farewell! - Thorin's parting words to Bilbo Book details - Good reads
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AuthorAvid reader of Historical fiction, High fantasy novels, Comics & Graphic Novels. Passionate about teaching & the future of education in general. Categories
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December 2023
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