A tale of the adventure of a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner in this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving, unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar.

"The Lord of the Rings is J.R.R. Tolkien's great three-volume epic set in the imaginary world of the Third Age of Middle-earth--a world inhabited by many strange beings, including hobbits, an ancient people smaller than dwarves, cheerful, peace-loving and shy. Since its original publication, this work has caught the imagination of readers of all ages and walks of life. It is an adventure story, an adult fairy tale, a classic myth, which Michael Straight...

Examines the personal life and literary career of the author of the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

Discusses the life, works, and influence of this reknowned British author.

J.R.R. Tolkien was a master magician with words. He did not plan on writing books. He was a busy university professor with a wife and four children. More than 70 years have passed since Tolkien wrote The Hobbit and it is still a favorite for readers of all ages.