On this day in 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien’s novel, The Hobbit, was first published. It received wide critical acclaim, being nominated for the Carnegie Medal and awarded a prize from the New York Herald Tribune for best juvenile fiction. It is recognized as a classic in children’s literature and is one of the best-selling books of all time, with over 100 million copies sold.
The Hobbit is set in Middle-earth and follows home-loving Bilbo Baggins, the titular hobbit who joins the wizard Gandalf and the thirteen dwarves of Thorin’s Company on a quest to reclaim the dwarves’ home and treasure from the dragon Smaug. Bilbo’s journey takes him from his peaceful rural surroundings into more sinister territory.
The book has been translated into over sixty languages, with more than one published version for some languages.
Dustcover of the first edition of The Hobbit, taken from a design by the author
Need a monkey wrench???
DOGS
Today is the birthday, in 1947, of American musician Don Felder, who was the lead guitarist of the rock band the Eagles, from 1974 to 2001. With five No.1 singles, six No.1 albums, six Grammy Awards and five American Music Awards, the Eagles were one of the most successful musical acts of the 1970s. Their Greatest Hits is the best-selling album in the United States, having sold 38 million copies. At the age of 13, Felder started his first band, the Continentals, which also included Stephen Stills. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AaBw37-nWaY
