The World of the Hobbit
Original illustrations of "The Hobbit' by J.R.R. Tolkien and photos from the film.
Map of Wilderland
Tolkien wanted to develop a mythology and a world where the languages he created could be spoken.
From "The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien." Copyright © 2012 by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull. Scull. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. Photo: The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Bilbo and The Shire
Though "The Hobbit" is less than 400 pages, Peter Jackson's portrayal will span three films.
Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
Hobbiton Across the Water
The first edition of "The Hobbit" included references to policemen on bicycles, the Gobi Desert and other real world examples.
Illustration from "The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.” Copyright © 2012 by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved. Photo: The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Gandalf Meets Bilbo
Prior to Peter Jackson's film, "The Hobbit" has been portrayed in cartoons, fan fiction literature and even musicals. Photo: Courtesy of Warner Bros. Pictures
The Map Revealed
Martin Freeman as Bilbo Baggins scours the map to the secret door of the Lonely Mountain.
Photo: Photo by James Fisher
The Dwarves March
Tolkien envisioned several different languages spoken by elves, men and dwarves.
“The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.” Copyright © 2012 by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Photo: The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
In the Company of Dwarves
Tolkien abandoned revisions that would have made his book more sinister. It was, after all, a children's book. Photo: by Mark Pokorny
The Front Door
Tolkien constantly revised his work. "The Hobbit" went through three editions during the course of his life.
“The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.” Copyright © 2012 by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
The dragon Smaug flies around the Lonely Mountain. Photo: The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Gandalf the Grey
The film will include material not included in Tolkien's book. Photo: by Mark Pokorny
A Conversation with Smaug
Tolkien's search to restore English mythology was at the core of his written works.
“The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.” Copyright © 2012 by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Photo: The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
Tolkien's The Hobbit
The first edition of "The Hobbit," published in 1937 and designed by J.R.R. Tolkien.
“The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien.” Copyright © 2012 by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Photo: The Art of the Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien
