“The Annotated Hobbit” by J.R.R. Tolkien, Annotated by Douglas A. Anderson

It is amazing that a story meant to entertain Tolkien’s children would be the basis for one of the largest phenomenons in pop culture history. It’s a story that has become so iconic and riveting, that it it can often seem much bigger than it is. That is a situation that grows exponentially when one reads what came after, such as Lord of the Rings, and the Silmarillion, etc. Those stories are so expansive and make up such a complete detailed universe, that The Hobbit can pale in comparison.

Upon returning to the simplicity of the Hobbit, I was amazed at how refreshing it was. The detail is still here, but not quite as overbearing as some of the later works. The Hobbit, in fact, is far from a tough read yet it doesn’t suffer at all from such simplicity, and in some ways it gains.

The landscape is marvelous, and the characters are vivid and imaginative.

What strikes me most though is the humanity that shines through even when dealing with hobbits, dwarves, wizards, and elves. It’s obvious that the journey of Bilbo Baggins and the changes such a journey must wrought is the focus of the tale. Bilbo is at heart like most hobbits,  one who abhors change. All Bilbo truly wants he professes, is a quiet day at home with his nice chair, his nice pipe, plenty to eat, and no adventure. However, as is true with most people who are like that, there lies that curiosity that drives them to do more.

It truly is a coming of age story, about a child becoming a man (even if it is metaphorically). It is not too surprising, given the original audience was his children.

Beyond the usual though there is some very beautiful work. Tolkien is more than an author, he is a linguist. He crafts beautiful words to create new languages that are as full, complex, and meaningful as any language alive or dead in the world today. It is this use of language that truly makes the world seem real. Like most good fantasy, the setting is important and if the author can make you believe that it is truly a world beyond the pages, he/she has done well.

Tolkien has done VERY well.

The characters are all fairly well known and the only criticism I have in this regard is that it’s tough for all the dwarves to get their proper development time. Then again, I’ve always had a fondness for dwarves who are usually underdeveloped.

The magic of this book, though is sometimes what is left to the imagination. Gandalf is very mysterious much of the time, for example and remains so throughout the saga. However there is a fine line between mysterious and underdeveloped.

Tolkien deftly dances that fine line quite well. Another character fitting the bill is Beorn, a mystical creature that goes mostly unexplained, save for a few hints and recollections. When done right though, these characters and stories, as seen from afar can strengthen one’s connection to them as an engaging reader will fill in the blanks most readily.

The topic of race relations which has now become a fantasy status quo, is of course in the forefront, whether it is the stubborn aloofness in the dwarves, the contemptuous isolation from the elves, and the impetuous passions of the humans. The interrelations as always make for good drama, and serve as a cautionary tale for those of good to stand together against the evil, or fall under its crushing shadow. At the end of the morality tale, you are left wanting more, yet strangely satisfied with your journey with Bilbo and the dwarves.

I would like to point out, having read the annotated version, that it is even more interesting seeing some of the notations and letters from Tolkien taken in context with the written word. It adds great depth to the story, and serves as a wonderful tool in studying the literature. I would recommend it to any Tolkien fan.

Overall I think the Hobbit is a tremendous story and a great first step into a much larger world.

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