Who should read The Hobbit?

Read it if you want a classic adventure with a cosy start and a storyteller's voice. Skip it if you prefer modern pacing or characters with more inner conflict.

How long and how fast is The Hobbit?

It is a medium-paced, medium read, first published in 1937.

Does The Hobbit have content warnings?

Content we flag: Violence, War, Death.

Can I borrow The Hobbit for free?

Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Hobbit; the borrow button above searches it for you.

What should I read after The Hobbit?

Readers who liked it often move on to Legends & Lattes, The Name of the Wind.

Fantasy

The Hobbit

by J. R. R. Tolkien

Bestseller: about 100 million copies (estimate)

A homebody hobbit is swept into a quest with thirteen dwarves to win back a mountain from a dragon. Along the way he finds courage he never knew he had.

Facts last checked 2026-10-16

First published: 1937
Pace: Medium
Length: Medium
Format: Standalone

Borrow free with Libby Compare prices

Read this if you want a classic adventure with a cosy start and a storyteller's voice.

Skip this if you prefer modern pacing or characters with more inner conflict.

The feel

Content warnings

Violence
War
Death

Quick answers about The Hobbit

What is The Hobbit about?: A homebody hobbit is swept into a quest with thirteen dwarves to win back a mountain from a dragon. Along the way he finds courage he never knew he had.
Who should read The Hobbit?: Read it if you want a classic adventure with a cosy start and a storyteller's voice. Skip it if you prefer modern pacing or characters with more inner conflict.
How long and how fast is The Hobbit?: It is a medium-paced, medium read, first published in 1937.
Does The Hobbit have content warnings?: Content we flag: Violence, War, Death.
Can I borrow The Hobbit for free?: Often, yes. Check Libby (OverDrive) to see whether your library lends The Hobbit; the borrow button above searches it for you.
What should I read after The Hobbit?: Readers who liked it often move on to Legends & Lattes, The Name of the Wind.

Where to get it

Store	Price	Link
Borrow free
Libby / OverDrive	Free with a library card	Borrow free with Libby from Libby / OverDrive
Print, new
Amazon	Check price	Buy new from Amazon
Ebook
Kobo	Check price	Buy ebook from Kobo
Google Play Books	Check price	Buy ebook from Google Play Books
Audiobook
Audible	Check price	Buy audiobook from Audible

Prices appear here as retailer feeds are connected. Where none is shown, check the store. Links open the store in a new tab.

Some store links, including Kobo, are affiliate links: we may earn a commission if you buy, at no extra cost to you. Library links are never affiliate links. How this works