The Hobbit, J.R.R. Tolkein’s prelude to the Lord of the Rings series, turned 75 years old today. It was first published in the United Kingdom in 1937.
This year also marks the premier of Peter Jackson’s movie adaptation of The Hobbit, which will comprise three movies and include material that was mentioned in the Lord of the Rings appendices. So, if you’re wondering whether to read the book or wait for the movie, we suggest that you read only the first three chapters. Otherwise, it might spoil the second and third movies if you know Bilbo survives for the Fellowship of the Ring.
And, in honor of Bilbo’s birthday, we bring you a song by Leonard Nimoy: