the hobbit: or there and back again (lord of the rings)  now a major motion picture.<br><br>a great modern classic and the prelude to the lord of the rings. bilbo baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. but his contentment is disturbed when the wizard gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. they have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by smaug the magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the lonely mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as gollum.<br><br>a glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible . . . all those, young or old, who love a fine adventurous tale, beautifully told, will take the hobbit to their hearts. -new york times book review