slferg's review
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? N/A
5.0
Interesting and informative read on the development of The Hobbit - the different phases of its writing and the changes made with some reasons given. Tolkien was careful in his choice of words and phrases to give the right inflection. He was, after all, a philologist and words were his job and hobby.
kwims's review
informative
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? N/A
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
ladyvictoriadiana's review
5.0
4.5/5 stars
An incredibly thorough and interesting at The Hobbit and its development over the years. Despite the fact that the book is rather long, I positively devoured it (as seen by my reading speed) and enjoyed reading not only the original manuscripts of the novel but also Rateliff's annotations, notes, and explanations. Rateliff's additions were also very well done as they are not only detailed and well researched, but also do not disturb the reading of the manuscript text itself but are rather added at the end of each chapter. To see the changes in Tolkien's writing and (to some extent) his mythology was incredible as it truly shows how Middle- Earth changed in the mind of its creator. To compare these changes to the finished Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's other Middle-Earth works is very fascinating. The history of The Hobbit is a very interesting read for every Tolkien fan and I can only recommend the book!
An incredibly thorough and interesting at The Hobbit and its development over the years. Despite the fact that the book is rather long, I positively devoured it (as seen by my reading speed) and enjoyed reading not only the original manuscripts of the novel but also Rateliff's annotations, notes, and explanations. Rateliff's additions were also very well done as they are not only detailed and well researched, but also do not disturb the reading of the manuscript text itself but are rather added at the end of each chapter. To see the changes in Tolkien's writing and (to some extent) his mythology was incredible as it truly shows how Middle- Earth changed in the mind of its creator. To compare these changes to the finished Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and Tolkien's other Middle-Earth works is very fascinating. The history of The Hobbit is a very interesting read for every Tolkien fan and I can only recommend the book!
maggil's review
5.0
Well, it took 3 months, but I have finished! Completely worth it and I am filled with knowledge about and love for JRRT like never before.
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