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Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit"
"An admirable and thought-provoking consideration of the underlying themes of The Hobbit, following the there-and-back-again progress from its famous first line on through to Bilbo's return home at the story's end." -- Douglas A. Anderson, author of The Annotated Hobbit
The Hobbit is one of the most widely read and best-loved books of the twentieth century. Now Corey Olsen takes readers deep within the text to uncover its secrets and delights.
Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is a fun, thoughtful, and insightful companion volume designed to bring a thorough and original new reading of this great work to a general audience. Professor Corey Olsen takes readers on an in-depth journey through The Hobbit chapter by chapter, revealing the stories within the story: the dark desires of dwarves and the sublime laughter of elves, the nature of evil and its hopelessness, the mystery of divine providence and human choice, and, most of all, the transformation within the life of Bilbo Baggins. Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is a book that will make The Hobbit come alive for readers as never before.
The Hobbit is one of the most widely read and best-loved books of the twentieth century. Now Corey Olsen takes readers deep within the text to uncover its secrets and delights.
Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is a fun, thoughtful, and insightful companion volume designed to bring a thorough and original new reading of this great work to a general audience. Professor Corey Olsen takes readers on an in-depth journey through The Hobbit chapter by chapter, revealing the stories within the story: the dark desires of dwarves and the sublime laughter of elves, the nature of evil and its hopelessness, the mystery of divine providence and human choice, and, most of all, the transformation within the life of Bilbo Baggins. Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is a book that will make The Hobbit come alive for readers as never before.
318 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
179 people are currently reading
2446 people want to read
About the author
Corey Olsen
2 books189 followersCorey Olsen is a a PhD in medieval literature, and a student of Tolkien's works. He is the host of the Tolkien Professor podcast (www.tolkienprofessor.com) and the president of the Mythgard Institute (www.mythgard.org).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 211 reviews
August 27, 2019
Corey Olsen is a Hobbit aficionado.
The medieval studies professor noted in his introduction to this 2012 work that in his classes of Chaucer and Mallory, he frequently needs to spice things up a bit to get his students involved and excited. His Tolkien class, however, needs no such encouragement – the students know the work and are excited to talk about it. So popular was his class that he started a web page and was amazed at the response.
I’m not at all surprised. First published in 1937, The Hobbit stands as a simple yet powerful statement that we all need some fantasy in our lives. As I write these words, Goodreads lists over two million readers of The Hobbit and when you add in the films, probably billions of Middle Earthers worldwide are at least familiar with Tolkien’s work.
Olsen has more than just read it (at least once every year since he was a child), but he also closely examines the book and breaks it down for those of us who are just fans. This guide to the text provides insightful and illuminating discourse on what Tolkien was saying and frequently explanations for why he wrote what he did.
I’ve read the Hobbit multiple times as well as the Lord of the Rings and seen the films and I consider myself a big fan. My favorite watering hole is The Green Dragon Pub in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I’m not worthy to carry Olsen’s wand though, this guy knows Tolkien.
For fans of Tolkien.
The medieval studies professor noted in his introduction to this 2012 work that in his classes of Chaucer and Mallory, he frequently needs to spice things up a bit to get his students involved and excited. His Tolkien class, however, needs no such encouragement – the students know the work and are excited to talk about it. So popular was his class that he started a web page and was amazed at the response.
I’m not at all surprised. First published in 1937, The Hobbit stands as a simple yet powerful statement that we all need some fantasy in our lives. As I write these words, Goodreads lists over two million readers of The Hobbit and when you add in the films, probably billions of Middle Earthers worldwide are at least familiar with Tolkien’s work.
Olsen has more than just read it (at least once every year since he was a child), but he also closely examines the book and breaks it down for those of us who are just fans. This guide to the text provides insightful and illuminating discourse on what Tolkien was saying and frequently explanations for why he wrote what he did.
I’ve read the Hobbit multiple times as well as the Lord of the Rings and seen the films and I consider myself a big fan. My favorite watering hole is The Green Dragon Pub in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. I’m not worthy to carry Olsen’s wand though, this guy knows Tolkien.
For fans of Tolkien.
October 7, 2022
Well, if truth be told, I (personally and academically) would definitely want considerably more specific thematic and discourse/narration oriented criticism presented by Corey Olson in his Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, as Olson's presented text is less analytical and conversely much more appreciative (and sometimes even a bit gushingly ecstatic) in scope. And albeit for an introduction to The Hobbit, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is certainly sufficiently thorough, well organised and nicely systematic, for someone like myself (with a PhD in German literature), I was definitely kind of expecting a bit more narrative depth and a bit more of Corey Olson delving thoroughly into J.R.R. Tolkien's penmanship, language and world building, and basically also wanting an analysis of not only The Hobbit as children's literature but also showing how it paves the way for in particular The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion.
But be that as it may, I actually do still very highly recommend Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and precisely because even if I myself might be wanting somewhat (and in fact a lot) more depth and detailed textual and thematic analysis from Corey Olson, in order to make J.R.R. Tolkien and his oeuvre more approachable, appreciative criticism such as Oleson features in Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, it really does provide to and for readers of The Hobbit (and in particular to and for those without advanced university degrees) and easy and pleasant way to figure out and enjoy what is good about The Hobbit as a work of art (and indeed, we really do need more appreciative criticism tomes, as the more analytical ones often assume university level education, which can certainly be frustrating if one is simply trying to obtain a bit of general and background knowledge and information).
Therefore, for a tome that first and foremost tries to make The Hobbit interesting and to encourage readers regarding both it and J.R.R. Tolkien as an author, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is delightfully readable and actually pretty darn amazing (and yes, I furthermore also do hugely and happily applaud and cheer that Corey Olson's featured text for Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is not ever the type of contemporary literary criticism so popular amongst politically extremist academics either on the right or on the left, which aims its analysis basically at trashing and denigrating a given work of fiction or a given author, so that my original three star rating consideration for Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is being increased to four stars and with no feelings of guilt at all).
But be that as it may, I actually do still very highly recommend Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit and precisely because even if I myself might be wanting somewhat (and in fact a lot) more depth and detailed textual and thematic analysis from Corey Olson, in order to make J.R.R. Tolkien and his oeuvre more approachable, appreciative criticism such as Oleson features in Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, it really does provide to and for readers of The Hobbit (and in particular to and for those without advanced university degrees) and easy and pleasant way to figure out and enjoy what is good about The Hobbit as a work of art (and indeed, we really do need more appreciative criticism tomes, as the more analytical ones often assume university level education, which can certainly be frustrating if one is simply trying to obtain a bit of general and background knowledge and information).
Therefore, for a tome that first and foremost tries to make The Hobbit interesting and to encourage readers regarding both it and J.R.R. Tolkien as an author, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is delightfully readable and actually pretty darn amazing (and yes, I furthermore also do hugely and happily applaud and cheer that Corey Olson's featured text for Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is not ever the type of contemporary literary criticism so popular amongst politically extremist academics either on the right or on the left, which aims its analysis basically at trashing and denigrating a given work of fiction or a given author, so that my original three star rating consideration for Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is being increased to four stars and with no feelings of guilt at all).
July 29, 2012
With J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Hobbit celebrating its 75th anniversary this September and the first of Peter Jackson’s two-part film adaptation arriving in theaters in December, audiences are likely to find themselves overwhelmed with books on both Tolkien’s version as well as Jackson’s. The films will likely inspire many fans to either read The Hobbit for the very first time, or go back and re-read it again to refresh their memory before December 14. In any case, trying to decide which books to read and which ones to avoid can be a daunting task. If you only read one book on The Hobbit, let it be this one.
It’s not every day one finds a companion volume as captivating and enjoyable as Professor Corey Olsen’s Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”. A perfect combination of academic insight as well as personal opinions, Olsen invites the casual reader and the enthusiastic scholar alike to experience J.R.R. Tolkien’s popular children’s story on an even deeper level by showing readers “the stories within the story.”
Olsen is known as “the Tolkien Professor” for his eponymous teaching website and podcast series, both of which are extremely popular within the Tolkien community. In addition to having a PhD in Medieval Literature, he teaches courses on Tolkien at Washington College and last year began offering online courses via the newly founded Mythgard Institute.
Years of experience reading and teaching Tolkien have more than qualified Olsen to write a book on the late Professor Tolkien’s classic children’s story; unlike many other books which aim to analyze or critique the writings of JRR Tolkien, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” reads more like a literary discussion among friends. Olsen’s personality and passion are engaging, and he writes just as he speaks: in a way that is both relaxing and relevant to all audiences, from longtime Tolkien fans to those reading he Hobbit for the very first time.
“The main thing I hope to do,” Olsen writes, “is to slow things down enough to be able to see more clearly what is unfolding in the story as we go” (5). And by examining The Hobbit chapter by chapter, he does just that.
Olsen’s approach to studying The Hobbit provides in-depth analyses of important characters (most notably the nature and transformation of “burglar” Bilbo Baggins); explores significant and recurring themes (such as the role luck plays in The Hobbit); and makes note of other details readers might have overlooked during a first – or even second – reading. “No matter how many times I read [Tolkien’s] books,” Olsen explains, “I find there are always new discoveries to make” (1).
In order to understand the various characters and races in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Olsen allows the poetry to do much of the talking. Acknowledging the fact that many of his students tend to skip over the songs and poems, he pays a great deal of attention to them – going through them line by line – to uncover the deeper natures and desires of each race. In doing so, he notes that the merry songs of the elves of Rivendell, though strange at first, are remarkable, given the “majesty and sorrow of their history” (61); that the dwarves and goblins, as it turns out, have more in common than they might like to think; and that the songs of the men of Lake-town reveal their “foolish excitement,” leading to an inclination to celebrate before a task has been accomplished (187).
Though he does not focus too much on the history behind the writing of The Hobbit, Olsen does discuss some of the changes Tolkien made once he began writing The Lord of the Rings – most importantly, the major links between the two stories: the ring, which would eventually play a greater role in the grand scheme of Middle-earth; and Gollum, who was not quite as wicked, but instead “fair and even decent” (89) in the first edition. Olsen reveals just enough to compare and contrast the two versions of The Hobbit, but his sole focus is on examining this story as a standalone book; he does not devote any time to explaining its context in the greater timeline of Middle-earth.
Whether you are reading The Hobbit for fun or for academia, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is an excellent resource in learning how to study and truly appreciate this classic novel, making it the perfect companion volume. Though there will be a number of books on the horizon as The Hobbit celebrates its 75th anniversary and makes it to the big screen, finding a trustworthy companion volume will no longer seem like a daunting task once you’ve read this book.
It’s not every day one finds a companion volume as captivating and enjoyable as Professor Corey Olsen’s Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit”. A perfect combination of academic insight as well as personal opinions, Olsen invites the casual reader and the enthusiastic scholar alike to experience J.R.R. Tolkien’s popular children’s story on an even deeper level by showing readers “the stories within the story.”
Olsen is known as “the Tolkien Professor” for his eponymous teaching website and podcast series, both of which are extremely popular within the Tolkien community. In addition to having a PhD in Medieval Literature, he teaches courses on Tolkien at Washington College and last year began offering online courses via the newly founded Mythgard Institute.
Years of experience reading and teaching Tolkien have more than qualified Olsen to write a book on the late Professor Tolkien’s classic children’s story; unlike many other books which aim to analyze or critique the writings of JRR Tolkien, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” reads more like a literary discussion among friends. Olsen’s personality and passion are engaging, and he writes just as he speaks: in a way that is both relaxing and relevant to all audiences, from longtime Tolkien fans to those reading he Hobbit for the very first time.
“The main thing I hope to do,” Olsen writes, “is to slow things down enough to be able to see more clearly what is unfolding in the story as we go” (5). And by examining The Hobbit chapter by chapter, he does just that.
Olsen’s approach to studying The Hobbit provides in-depth analyses of important characters (most notably the nature and transformation of “burglar” Bilbo Baggins); explores significant and recurring themes (such as the role luck plays in The Hobbit); and makes note of other details readers might have overlooked during a first – or even second – reading. “No matter how many times I read [Tolkien’s] books,” Olsen explains, “I find there are always new discoveries to make” (1).
In order to understand the various characters and races in Tolkien’s Middle-earth, Olsen allows the poetry to do much of the talking. Acknowledging the fact that many of his students tend to skip over the songs and poems, he pays a great deal of attention to them – going through them line by line – to uncover the deeper natures and desires of each race. In doing so, he notes that the merry songs of the elves of Rivendell, though strange at first, are remarkable, given the “majesty and sorrow of their history” (61); that the dwarves and goblins, as it turns out, have more in common than they might like to think; and that the songs of the men of Lake-town reveal their “foolish excitement,” leading to an inclination to celebrate before a task has been accomplished (187).
Though he does not focus too much on the history behind the writing of The Hobbit, Olsen does discuss some of the changes Tolkien made once he began writing The Lord of the Rings – most importantly, the major links between the two stories: the ring, which would eventually play a greater role in the grand scheme of Middle-earth; and Gollum, who was not quite as wicked, but instead “fair and even decent” (89) in the first edition. Olsen reveals just enough to compare and contrast the two versions of The Hobbit, but his sole focus is on examining this story as a standalone book; he does not devote any time to explaining its context in the greater timeline of Middle-earth.
Whether you are reading The Hobbit for fun or for academia, Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien’s “The Hobbit” is an excellent resource in learning how to study and truly appreciate this classic novel, making it the perfect companion volume. Though there will be a number of books on the horizon as The Hobbit celebrates its 75th anniversary and makes it to the big screen, finding a trustworthy companion volume will no longer seem like a daunting task once you’ve read this book.
September 28, 2022
There is a general appetite for thinking seriously about the art & artifacts we love, from "high" culture and "pop" culture alike. To that end, Olsen's Exploring J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is a perfect reading companion.
It is not a "critical" work, in the sense one might first assume. Criticism falls into three modes, or aims, or moods. The first and most foundational is analytic criticism, which aims at understanding. The second, quite popular and common in academia and thinkpieces in recent decades, might be dubbed moral criticism and aims its analysis at dislocating or decentralizing a respected artwork from a vaunted place due to its moral failings, e.g., contributing to the marginalization of already-marginalized people.
And the third, least common, is appreciative criticism: work which helps us recognize and enjoy what is good about a work of art. This we need more of, for we shall never get to a place where most art, "high" or "pop", is genuinely good unless the appetites of the market are helped to recognize the link between taste, digestion, and good health (and spend time and money accordingly).
Appreciative criticism is what we have here from Olsen. It is thorough, systematic, aimed at thinking hard about the story. It enables the reader to enjoy The Hobbit all the better for having engaged it deeply. Its main shortcoming, which will only be noticed by those who listen to Olsen's podcast or have seen him teach, lies in how different (calmer, more muted, less passionate) his writing voice is from his speaking voice. Had the book taken shape as a series of lectures, delivered, recorded, bundled into an audiobook, and finally transcribed back onto the page with annotations and elaborations, we might have got the best of all worlds.
It is not a "critical" work, in the sense one might first assume. Criticism falls into three modes, or aims, or moods. The first and most foundational is analytic criticism, which aims at understanding. The second, quite popular and common in academia and thinkpieces in recent decades, might be dubbed moral criticism and aims its analysis at dislocating or decentralizing a respected artwork from a vaunted place due to its moral failings, e.g., contributing to the marginalization of already-marginalized people.
And the third, least common, is appreciative criticism: work which helps us recognize and enjoy what is good about a work of art. This we need more of, for we shall never get to a place where most art, "high" or "pop", is genuinely good unless the appetites of the market are helped to recognize the link between taste, digestion, and good health (and spend time and money accordingly).
Appreciative criticism is what we have here from Olsen. It is thorough, systematic, aimed at thinking hard about the story. It enables the reader to enjoy The Hobbit all the better for having engaged it deeply. Its main shortcoming, which will only be noticed by those who listen to Olsen's podcast or have seen him teach, lies in how different (calmer, more muted, less passionate) his writing voice is from his speaking voice. Had the book taken shape as a series of lectures, delivered, recorded, bundled into an audiobook, and finally transcribed back onto the page with annotations and elaborations, we might have got the best of all worlds.
April 5, 2013
This review has an implicit spoiler for The Hobbit. I'm not flagging it, but be aware. It's in the third paragraph down ("The book had...")
While Prof. Olsen admirably and eloquently details some of the recurring themes and motifs in The Hobbit, chapter by chapter, I initially thought "This is for someone who hasn't read a lot of Tolkien."
If you've read The Silmarillion and didn't get utterly lost, then I doubt you'll need this book to understand The Hobbit.
There were also some parts where I thought, "This is for someone who doesn't read a lot in general."
For example, Olsen details how in the chapter "Riddles in the Dark," where Gollum and Bilbo play a riddle game (to put it mildly), Gollum's riddles are about darkness, loneliness, and time, because Gollum lives under a mountain, is very old, and lives alone. He also urges us to notice that Bilbo likes food, a good walk outdoors, and is involved on a quest for treasure, so his poems are about food, sunlight, and treasure. I hope I don't sound presumptuous when I say "Well, duh."
The book had its good points too. One thing I especially liked was how Olsen points out that Smaug's attack on Lake-town can be viewed as a miraculous victory by the Lake-people, or the inevitable result of a battle between fire and water. I hadn't noticed that before (although to be fair, it's been a while since I've read The Hobbit, and Olsen includes quotes that lead me to think I may have, again, come to that conclusion on my own).
This book is designed for people who are inexperienced at reading Tolkien, not for Tolkien nerds (like myself). Olsen has a reputation as "The Tolkien Professor," so I know it's not like he doesn't have a deep understanding. Just, be aware that if you've read The Hobbit, and given it some thought, this book may not give you much extra.
While Prof. Olsen admirably and eloquently details some of the recurring themes and motifs in The Hobbit, chapter by chapter, I initially thought "This is for someone who hasn't read a lot of Tolkien."
If you've read The Silmarillion and didn't get utterly lost, then I doubt you'll need this book to understand The Hobbit.
There were also some parts where I thought, "This is for someone who doesn't read a lot in general."
For example, Olsen details how in the chapter "Riddles in the Dark," where Gollum and Bilbo play a riddle game (to put it mildly), Gollum's riddles are about darkness, loneliness, and time, because Gollum lives under a mountain, is very old, and lives alone. He also urges us to notice that Bilbo likes food, a good walk outdoors, and is involved on a quest for treasure, so his poems are about food, sunlight, and treasure. I hope I don't sound presumptuous when I say "Well, duh."
The book had its good points too. One thing I especially liked was how Olsen points out that Smaug's attack on Lake-town can be viewed as a miraculous victory by the Lake-people, or the inevitable result of a battle between fire and water. I hadn't noticed that before (although to be fair, it's been a while since I've read The Hobbit, and Olsen includes quotes that lead me to think I may have, again, come to that conclusion on my own).
This book is designed for people who are inexperienced at reading Tolkien, not for Tolkien nerds (like myself). Olsen has a reputation as "The Tolkien Professor," so I know it's not like he doesn't have a deep understanding. Just, be aware that if you've read The Hobbit, and given it some thought, this book may not give you much extra.
November 15, 2024
Alcuni spunti molto interessanti e una altrettanto interessante e approfondita analisi delle canzoni
September 21, 2014
This isn't a scholarly analysis of The Hobbit. It's a lively, intelligent talk about it.
Corey Olsen (like me) has loved The Hobbit from early childhood, and has reread it frequently since that first long ago adventure. He's able to make at least part of his living talking about his favorite writer -- he has his PhD in medieval English literature and teaches courses on Chaucer, Arthurian literature, and, yes, Tolkien. He points out something that makes this very different from his other classes: "No one had ever come up to me after class to show me the ragged and dearly loved copy of Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian romances that her parents had first read to her when she was seven."
I have the feeling that all of Olsen's students are very lucky, indeed. And readers can now enjoy the insight and fresh ideas he's gained from enthusiastic rereading of the same loved text.
If you love The Hobbit but tend to skim the poems, Olsen will convince you that you're missing out. If you enjoy the story for its own sake, Olsen will show you the lessons it can teach about human (and hobbit) nature. And if you've read The Hobbit often enough that you think it can't hold any surprises for you -- well, you should definitely read Olsen's book.
Corey Olsen (like me) has loved The Hobbit from early childhood, and has reread it frequently since that first long ago adventure. He's able to make at least part of his living talking about his favorite writer -- he has his PhD in medieval English literature and teaches courses on Chaucer, Arthurian literature, and, yes, Tolkien. He points out something that makes this very different from his other classes: "No one had ever come up to me after class to show me the ragged and dearly loved copy of Chrétien de Troyes' Arthurian romances that her parents had first read to her when she was seven."
I have the feeling that all of Olsen's students are very lucky, indeed. And readers can now enjoy the insight and fresh ideas he's gained from enthusiastic rereading of the same loved text.
If you love The Hobbit but tend to skim the poems, Olsen will convince you that you're missing out. If you enjoy the story for its own sake, Olsen will show you the lessons it can teach about human (and hobbit) nature. And if you've read The Hobbit often enough that you think it can't hold any surprises for you -- well, you should definitely read Olsen's book.
November 2, 2021
Since I was re-reading The Hobbit during the pandemic, I thought I'd pair it with this excellent in-depth exploration of the book and its themes. I read this one several years ago, but it's interesting to read the two together.
May 21, 2018
Not particularly in-depth analysis, but some ideas are interesting.
Read
February 9, 2018I read the first 100 pages and hadn’t learned anything. DNF
October 16, 2013
About a year ago, I gladly devoured Professor Olsen's Tolkien Professor podcasts, and was happy to learn that he had created, in a sense, the companion book, to his lectures at Maryland's Washington College. The reason why is because he has opened up the text to more readers and to greater reader understanding by his particular type of literary criticism.
Olsen's enthusiasm for The Hobbit is infectious, and is clearly a vocation for him, not just a job. And neither is this book an example of writing just to capitalize on the cinematic productions of Tolkien's works. Olsen loves his subject, and he hopes you will to. He hopes to share this, by a form of popular literary criticism that is far removed from the usual dry academic works that have made many a student dislike what they are being read. Instead this form of literary criticism opens the book up to real exploration. There is little of Olsen's opinion in this work, that is entirely focused on the text of the Hobbit, and instead he aims to take the readers on a step by step tour of the work.
His greatest strengths in this book are his explanations of the poetry / songs in the book and on Tolkien's use of a sort of divine 'luck' that drives the characters that is not a deaux ex machina. For a children's story, Olsen aims to show how Tolkien created complex moral characters, within complex situations and choices. The language may be for educated children, but the situations within are certainly interesting to people of all ages.
The central character of Bilbo, his nature and choices makes up a large portion of the analysis of this work, as does how the 'dragon sickness' is not limited to dragons, but can effect virtually everyone in the story, even the auction to settle Bilbo's estate. Olsen's breaking up the text to explain how Tolkien created secondary worlds, in his writing, is helpful as well.
Enthusiasts and first time readers of The Hobbit should find this text not only useful, but enjoyable. It was written with great enthusiasm for the text that the user should find infectious.
Olsen's enthusiasm for The Hobbit is infectious, and is clearly a vocation for him, not just a job. And neither is this book an example of writing just to capitalize on the cinematic productions of Tolkien's works. Olsen loves his subject, and he hopes you will to. He hopes to share this, by a form of popular literary criticism that is far removed from the usual dry academic works that have made many a student dislike what they are being read. Instead this form of literary criticism opens the book up to real exploration. There is little of Olsen's opinion in this work, that is entirely focused on the text of the Hobbit, and instead he aims to take the readers on a step by step tour of the work.
His greatest strengths in this book are his explanations of the poetry / songs in the book and on Tolkien's use of a sort of divine 'luck' that drives the characters that is not a deaux ex machina. For a children's story, Olsen aims to show how Tolkien created complex moral characters, within complex situations and choices. The language may be for educated children, but the situations within are certainly interesting to people of all ages.
The central character of Bilbo, his nature and choices makes up a large portion of the analysis of this work, as does how the 'dragon sickness' is not limited to dragons, but can effect virtually everyone in the story, even the auction to settle Bilbo's estate. Olsen's breaking up the text to explain how Tolkien created secondary worlds, in his writing, is helpful as well.
Enthusiasts and first time readers of The Hobbit should find this text not only useful, but enjoyable. It was written with great enthusiasm for the text that the user should find infectious.
May 28, 2013
I like Tolkien, but I like the Peter Jackson movies better than the original J.R.R. Tolkien texts, in large part because they have a whole lot less of the "Nostalgia for Feudalism" I find so off-putting. But I've read the books several times; recognize they are seminal texts in my genre (right up there with Lovecraft) and I'm quite enjoying Prof. Olsen's "The Tolkien Professor" podcasts. So there's that.
Exploring the Hobbit is a charming exploration of the book from someone who clearly loves it. The thing I found the most interesting is how the text changed through time. At one point, Bilbo was the dragon slayer and Gollum happily handed over the ring. Then things happened. I like that. The repurposing of this story started before it was published, and continued long after it was on the bookshelves.
Good fun.
Exploring the Hobbit is a charming exploration of the book from someone who clearly loves it. The thing I found the most interesting is how the text changed through time. At one point, Bilbo was the dragon slayer and Gollum happily handed over the ring. Then things happened. I like that. The repurposing of this story started before it was published, and continued long after it was on the bookshelves.
Good fun.
July 25, 2016
Originally posted 25 April on my blog.
***
I added this book to my TBR list shortly after it was published, but I wasn't eager to read it because it seemed to be an introductory text exploring themes in The Hobbit with which I am already familiar. This is not to say I didn't think the text had anything to offer (otherwise I wouldn't have put it on my TBR list), but after reading The History of the Hobbit in the same year this book was published, I felt I had enough Hobbit knowledge in my head for one year. In his introduction, Olsen describes how his love of Tolkien developed and became integrated into his academic work. He describes people who "get nervous at the prospect of a literary critic discussing a work they love", because they've "had unpleasant experiences in high school English classes" (4). He assures the reader he will not take the same approach found in such classes (drawing inferences from the text as to what Tolkien really meant, judging passages as good or bad, etc.). He writes of his book:
If you have read The Hobbit many times, you might not many new ideas here. HOWEVER! A major exception is the analysis of songs and poetry. I confess, I tend to gloss over songs and poetry whenever they appear in a novel, however crucial to the story they may be. I do this less with The Hobbit, where the songs are of a different nature than those found in The Lord of the Rings, but I still plead guilty to not fully paying attention to what the songs contribute to the story. Where Olsen's text excels for me is in his exploration of the songs. John D. Rateliff's quote on the back of the book accurately praises, "[Olsen is] particularly good at pointing out how Tolkien uses poems as characterization". I suspect I'm not the only adorer of The Hobbit who prefers to bypass songs and poems. Olsen has chosen an excellent area on which to focus.
Additional notes: I enjoy reading interpretations of the riddle scene. While I thought some of the inferences were a bit stretched, I did like the perspective he took on the whole scene (exploring how the riddles reveal the riddler's character while also reacting to riddles that had already been presented). The text is not written in a scholarly manner, it's very accessible, but there were some instances where the use of slang stood out ("street cred" [113] is an extreme example). I'm not sure such language is necessary, even in a relatively informal work.
The Bottom Line:If you are a long time fan of The Hobbit, who appreciates the songs and poems contained within, you might find this book does not have a lot to offer you. But if you are a newer fan of The Hobbit, or you wonder what the point is of all the songs and poetry, or you just plain enjoy close readings, I recommend this book.
***
I added this book to my TBR list shortly after it was published, but I wasn't eager to read it because it seemed to be an introductory text exploring themes in The Hobbit with which I am already familiar. This is not to say I didn't think the text had anything to offer (otherwise I wouldn't have put it on my TBR list), but after reading The History of the Hobbit in the same year this book was published, I felt I had enough Hobbit knowledge in my head for one year. In his introduction, Olsen describes how his love of Tolkien developed and became integrated into his academic work. He describes people who "get nervous at the prospect of a literary critic discussing a work they love", because they've "had unpleasant experiences in high school English classes" (4). He assures the reader he will not take the same approach found in such classes (drawing inferences from the text as to what Tolkien really meant, judging passages as good or bad, etc.). He writes of his book:
"...we will take a journey through the story, looking carefully about us as we go. It is easy to rip through a book that you like at top speed; the main thing I hope to do is to slow things down enough to be able to see more clearly what is unfolding in the story as we go. We will take notice of the recurring themes and images [...] We will listen closely to all the songs and poems [...] If we walk slowly and pay attention, we may find that our perspective is enriched by the journey as much as Bilbo's was, and that our eyes have been opened to marvels we never expect to see" (5).This paragraph made me more interested in the book than anything else I had read about it - I definitely know how it's easy to rip through a favourite book! I read The Hobbit more often than any other book. I could benefit from a slowed down, close reading. That is largely what the book is - a close reading of The Hobbit. Olsen makes minimal references to Tolkien's thoughts or works beyond The Hobbit. I thought it interesting that he chose to explicitly not discuss The Hobbit with any close relation to The Lord of the Rings, particularly given the release of The Hobbit films which are being brought more closely in line with The Lord of the Rings films. The publication of Olsen's book likely connects to the release of The Hobbit films, as interest in books on which movies are based always surges when said movie is released. But, this is not a negative observation - The Hobbit is a fantastic work considered by itself. I don't think it always needs to be placed within a greater context and it's refreshing to read something focused solely on the tale I love.
If you have read The Hobbit many times, you might not many new ideas here. HOWEVER! A major exception is the analysis of songs and poetry. I confess, I tend to gloss over songs and poetry whenever they appear in a novel, however crucial to the story they may be. I do this less with The Hobbit, where the songs are of a different nature than those found in The Lord of the Rings, but I still plead guilty to not fully paying attention to what the songs contribute to the story. Where Olsen's text excels for me is in his exploration of the songs. John D. Rateliff's quote on the back of the book accurately praises, "[Olsen is] particularly good at pointing out how Tolkien uses poems as characterization". I suspect I'm not the only adorer of The Hobbit who prefers to bypass songs and poems. Olsen has chosen an excellent area on which to focus.
Additional notes: I enjoy reading interpretations of the riddle scene. While I thought some of the inferences were a bit stretched, I did like the perspective he took on the whole scene (exploring how the riddles reveal the riddler's character while also reacting to riddles that had already been presented). The text is not written in a scholarly manner, it's very accessible, but there were some instances where the use of slang stood out ("street cred" [113] is an extreme example). I'm not sure such language is necessary, even in a relatively informal work.
The Bottom Line:If you are a long time fan of The Hobbit, who appreciates the songs and poems contained within, you might find this book does not have a lot to offer you. But if you are a newer fan of The Hobbit, or you wonder what the point is of all the songs and poetry, or you just plain enjoy close readings, I recommend this book.
February 2, 2017
Give it a go! If you've never been a fan of The Hobbit, if you've never got what the fuss is all about or why I may scratch your eyes out when you say 'it's boring', give it a go! It's short and written in a very accessible way. I'm very, very fond of this book (which now proudly sits on my shelf).
Something is wrong with me. Very wrong with me. I genuinely enjoy literally analyses more than books. Not always. But often. Like, how can you appreciate Jane Austin without giving it some thought and learning about particularities of the period? You can't. In short - I just love dissecting things. Breaking them into little pieces and attacking with a microscope. I pick at things. And poke them with sticks. And when those things break and fall apart? That's when the fun ensues! Gee, I wonder why nobody likes me XD
This book is great. Simple language, nice, logical structure. It also,rather virtuously, treats The Hobbit as a stand-alone work. Therefore, you will not be forced to go through pages upon pages of references to some obscure pieces of information mentioned in appendixes to appendixes at the back of unfinished stories which didn't make it into SIlmarillion. Didn't make it anywhere. Napkin notes fished out of the trash and such.
Which could be fun, but I do genuinely believe The Hobbit is absolutely marvellous and often gets treated patronizingly. Unfairly so! This is your chance to look at this book. Really look at it. Maybe you were forced to read it at school and didn't dig the concept of 'compulsory'? Maybe you've read it as a child, when you've had a totally different perspective? Maybe your brain is just so full of LOTR lore it short-circuted? Time for a reboot! Or you're dead to me! (I've never said I'll be nice about it, I don't think I could even if I've tried, even if I wanted to... My love, my love, my love... She keeps me waaaaaaarm)
Something is wrong with me. Very wrong with me. I genuinely enjoy literally analyses more than books. Not always. But often. Like, how can you appreciate Jane Austin without giving it some thought and learning about particularities of the period? You can't. In short - I just love dissecting things. Breaking them into little pieces and attacking with a microscope. I pick at things. And poke them with sticks. And when those things break and fall apart? That's when the fun ensues! Gee, I wonder why nobody likes me XD
This book is great. Simple language, nice, logical structure. It also,rather virtuously, treats The Hobbit as a stand-alone work. Therefore, you will not be forced to go through pages upon pages of references to some obscure pieces of information mentioned in appendixes to appendixes at the back of unfinished stories which didn't make it into SIlmarillion. Didn't make it anywhere. Napkin notes fished out of the trash and such.
Which could be fun, but I do genuinely believe The Hobbit is absolutely marvellous and often gets treated patronizingly. Unfairly so! This is your chance to look at this book. Really look at it. Maybe you were forced to read it at school and didn't dig the concept of 'compulsory'? Maybe you've read it as a child, when you've had a totally different perspective? Maybe your brain is just so full of LOTR lore it short-circuted? Time for a reboot! Or you're dead to me! (I've never said I'll be nice about it, I don't think I could even if I've tried, even if I wanted to... My love, my love, my love... She keeps me waaaaaaarm)
June 4, 2017
5 stars
Note: I listened to this book on audio.
Well written, interesting, and very enjoyable non-fiction read! I would strongly recommend this for anyone who has read “The Hobbit” and is curious to learn about the themes Tolkien wove throughout the work, and the history and inspirations behind it. Truthfully, if you like audiobooks, I might even recommend listening to the audio version of this over reading it with your eyeballs (or maybe reading the book along with the audio if you like doing that) because Corey Olsen himself narrates the audiobook. Not only is he an excellent reader, I felt that the experience was enhanced by the fact that I could hear in his voice his enthusiasm for these subjects and for Tolkien’s work in general. I also think he rather enjoyed reading all the poems aloud!
Reading this has given me a hunger to read “The Hobbit” itself again and enjoy it from a whole new perspective, which I will most likely do in September when Bilbo’s birthday rolls around once again. :)
Note: I listened to this book on audio.
Well written, interesting, and very enjoyable non-fiction read! I would strongly recommend this for anyone who has read “The Hobbit” and is curious to learn about the themes Tolkien wove throughout the work, and the history and inspirations behind it. Truthfully, if you like audiobooks, I might even recommend listening to the audio version of this over reading it with your eyeballs (or maybe reading the book along with the audio if you like doing that) because Corey Olsen himself narrates the audiobook. Not only is he an excellent reader, I felt that the experience was enhanced by the fact that I could hear in his voice his enthusiasm for these subjects and for Tolkien’s work in general. I also think he rather enjoyed reading all the poems aloud!
Reading this has given me a hunger to read “The Hobbit” itself again and enjoy it from a whole new perspective, which I will most likely do in September when Bilbo’s birthday rolls around once again. :)
March 4, 2017
Rereading. Because it makes The Hobbit even better.
=====
I found Corey Olsen, as many did, through his podcast The Tolkien Professor (does everyone else love his "click friend and enter" as much as I do?). Anyway, since I've read The Hobbit many times, when my book club decided to read The Hobbit I felt justified in purchasing the book (hey, this is to enrich everyone else's lives ... ). I am enjoying reading a chapter of The Hobbit slowly instead of the usual breakneck speed the I pelt along at, and then seeing what Olsen says.
As many others have commented, I agree that one of the great strengths of this book is that Olsen only discusses The Hobbit, not The Lord of the Rings. As well, he uses a professorial style in simply pointing out things instead of hammering home his own conclusions repeatedly. It is refreshing and thought provoking, just as the best teaching should be.
=====
I found Corey Olsen, as many did, through his podcast The Tolkien Professor (does everyone else love his "click friend and enter" as much as I do?). Anyway, since I've read The Hobbit many times, when my book club decided to read The Hobbit I felt justified in purchasing the book (hey, this is to enrich everyone else's lives ... ). I am enjoying reading a chapter of The Hobbit slowly instead of the usual breakneck speed the I pelt along at, and then seeing what Olsen says.
As many others have commented, I agree that one of the great strengths of this book is that Olsen only discusses The Hobbit, not The Lord of the Rings. As well, he uses a professorial style in simply pointing out things instead of hammering home his own conclusions repeatedly. It is refreshing and thought provoking, just as the best teaching should be.
June 21, 2018
I have been following Corey Olsen (aka The Tolkien Professor) for a long time, and he always presents Tolkien's work in a fresh, fun, and approachable way. The best part is that you are learning, and thinking about the texts in new ways, and you don't even know it. Like many, I skimmed over the songs and poems for years. This book is worth a read (or a listen--I also have the audiobook read by the author) just for his treatment of these oft neglected passages. Many people come back to Tolkien's books over and over again because you get something new out of them each time you read them. Olsen's reading of the text will help to give you a whole new perspective, no matter how many times you've read it.
February 15, 2013
Thank goodness for libraries! I was roaming through the new book section and picked this up out of curiosity. It is not as "heavy" as the books that I attempted to read (or read) about Tolkien back when I was in college. To be honest, I have never seen a book that explored "The Hobbit", only the "Lord of the Rings". This is doubly a good introduction to someone who is only slightly familiar with literary criticism : It explores a YA adult and it is light in tone. The author takes us with ease through the major themes of the book. He introduces each character and leads us to their function in the book.
If you have only seen the movie and dislike "spoilers", by all means avoid this book. It has been some time since I read "The Hobbit", so often I found myself saying "oh yes, I forgot about that." However, I am familiar enough with the text that little was a complete surprise. It was interesting to consider, under Mr. Olsen tutelage, how dark the end of the book does become. I wonder if that was common in the era that Tolkien wrote--the war years--or if that was unique in his writing. The kids in the first Narnia book are also escaping from the effects of the war, but in "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe", the effects of that was are not mentioned. As Mr. Olsen points out, Tolkien does not neglect to say how the dragon's rampage effects the town once he is stirred awake.
I read this within a week. Indeed, I read chapters 15 through 19 in one long night. It flies by. If this books whets your appetite, there are loads of critical writing about Tolkien's Ring cycle.
(One thing, I didn't realize that the goblins of "The Hobbit" are the same creatures as the Orcs of "Lord of the Rings". This book was more than a light romp through memory.)
If you have only seen the movie and dislike "spoilers", by all means avoid this book. It has been some time since I read "The Hobbit", so often I found myself saying "oh yes, I forgot about that." However, I am familiar enough with the text that little was a complete surprise. It was interesting to consider, under Mr. Olsen tutelage, how dark the end of the book does become. I wonder if that was common in the era that Tolkien wrote--the war years--or if that was unique in his writing. The kids in the first Narnia book are also escaping from the effects of the war, but in "The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe", the effects of that was are not mentioned. As Mr. Olsen points out, Tolkien does not neglect to say how the dragon's rampage effects the town once he is stirred awake.
I read this within a week. Indeed, I read chapters 15 through 19 in one long night. It flies by. If this books whets your appetite, there are loads of critical writing about Tolkien's Ring cycle.
(One thing, I didn't realize that the goblins of "The Hobbit" are the same creatures as the Orcs of "Lord of the Rings". This book was more than a light romp through memory.)
February 18, 2013
This is a very good book in that the author reads the Hobbit as an English professor and not as a theologian or philosopher. I enjoyed the way he read the emergence of the Hobbit and noted ideosyncratic places where Tolkien was originally inconsistent.
For example, the earliest edition of the Hobbit did not include any funny business abou the Ring. Instead, Gollum is angry that he has no gift to give Bilbo after their riddle game, and then Biblo persuades Gollum to show him the way out of the cave as a reward instead. The two even part company with a wave and a smile! (Once LOTR was nearing pubilcation, Tolkine edited the Hobbit and republished it to reflect his new understanding of the One Ring, etc.)
What Olsen shows, then, is the emergence of an imaginative world. He does not, as many lately, persuppose that Tolkien knew exactly where he was going from the start. After all, it took Tolkien 17 years to publish Fellowship of the Ring after the initial success of the Hobbit. The bulk of Olsen's book takes the Hobbit as it appeared originally (at least up until LOTR), and it does not seek to pursue deeper structural themes about the Tolkien worldview. Olsen also avoids suggesting anything about Tolkien's opinions based on the Hobbit. It's not a bad exegetical philosophy, especially since so many books attempt to extrapolate everything of Tolkien's writings to the point of abstraction. It does occasionally grate on the reader, though, especially where he strains at a meaning based on word choice and neglects to consider how Tolkien's Catholic Christian background may offer us clues as to his meaning. But it is entirely unfair to hold an author to a standard he himself does not claim. Olsen approaches the book as an English professor, and that's OK with me.
For example, the earliest edition of the Hobbit did not include any funny business abou the Ring. Instead, Gollum is angry that he has no gift to give Bilbo after their riddle game, and then Biblo persuades Gollum to show him the way out of the cave as a reward instead. The two even part company with a wave and a smile! (Once LOTR was nearing pubilcation, Tolkine edited the Hobbit and republished it to reflect his new understanding of the One Ring, etc.)
What Olsen shows, then, is the emergence of an imaginative world. He does not, as many lately, persuppose that Tolkien knew exactly where he was going from the start. After all, it took Tolkien 17 years to publish Fellowship of the Ring after the initial success of the Hobbit. The bulk of Olsen's book takes the Hobbit as it appeared originally (at least up until LOTR), and it does not seek to pursue deeper structural themes about the Tolkien worldview. Olsen also avoids suggesting anything about Tolkien's opinions based on the Hobbit. It's not a bad exegetical philosophy, especially since so many books attempt to extrapolate everything of Tolkien's writings to the point of abstraction. It does occasionally grate on the reader, though, especially where he strains at a meaning based on word choice and neglects to consider how Tolkien's Catholic Christian background may offer us clues as to his meaning. But it is entirely unfair to hold an author to a standard he himself does not claim. Olsen approaches the book as an English professor, and that's OK with me.
May 15, 2017
I really hate literary criticism and this is not the kind of book I would normally read but I had heard good things about Olsen's podcast and this paragraph in the introduction told me that Olsen is my kind of guy.
I'm happy to say that he lived up to that paragraph. He is a true Tolkien enthusiast and the book feels like you're talking about a great book with a friend. I have not read The Hobbit nearly as many times as I have The Lord of the Rings. It always seemed to be just a children's story without the depth and complexity of LotR. Olsen really opened up the story for me, discussing the text in depth but in an engaging way that has me looking forward to reading The Hobbit again with fresh eyes (or ears in this case, since I'll be listening to Rob Inglis's outstanding narration). Very glad I picked this up.
Most people, I have discovered, get nervous at the prospect of a literary critic discussing a work they love. Too many people have had the unpleasant experience in high school English class in which they were made to disassemble works of literature, and they don’t want to see that grisly fate befall a work they actually value. This book, however, is not called Dissecting the Hobbit. I will not be acting as an amateur psychiatrist (or psychic), claiming to tell you what was in Tolkien’s mind and why as he wrote the book. I will not be enthroning myself on the judgment seat as the arbiter of taste, telling you which bits of The Hobbit are good, and which are bad. In the end, this book just sets out to do a little more of what I suppose you already do yourself: reading and enjoying The Hobbit.
I'm happy to say that he lived up to that paragraph. He is a true Tolkien enthusiast and the book feels like you're talking about a great book with a friend. I have not read The Hobbit nearly as many times as I have The Lord of the Rings. It always seemed to be just a children's story without the depth and complexity of LotR. Olsen really opened up the story for me, discussing the text in depth but in an engaging way that has me looking forward to reading The Hobbit again with fresh eyes (or ears in this case, since I'll be listening to Rob Inglis's outstanding narration). Very glad I picked this up.
January 4, 2013
I've loved J.R.R. Tolkien's writing for decades, with The Hobbit, no exception. I've also listened to Professor Corey Olsen's various podcasts and university lectures via iTunes University. Prof. Olsen has a speaking style that is very engaging, thought provoking, and yes, entertaining. I wish all of my university professors had made the subject matter as entertaining as he has.
Prof. Olsen has made literature accessible, even to an engineer like myself. If you had told me that I would enjoy hearing lectures about literature while I was still in engineering college, I'd have thought you were using drugs.
The book parallels "The Hobbit" chapter for chapter, and provides thoughtful analysis of the characters, particularly Bilbo, and how "luck" played a part throughout.
I've read The Hobbit many, many times. I'll be reading it again, but, this time with more insight, and thought, beyond a simple hobbit mixed up with a bunch of dwarves on an adventure.
Prof. Olsen has made literature accessible, even to an engineer like myself. If you had told me that I would enjoy hearing lectures about literature while I was still in engineering college, I'd have thought you were using drugs.
The book parallels "The Hobbit" chapter for chapter, and provides thoughtful analysis of the characters, particularly Bilbo, and how "luck" played a part throughout.
I've read The Hobbit many, many times. I'll be reading it again, but, this time with more insight, and thought, beyond a simple hobbit mixed up with a bunch of dwarves on an adventure.
December 16, 2012
Finished reading this as my plane touched down on the way to Mythmoot 2013 with the Tolkien Professor himself, Corey Olsen, and ninety other Tolkien enthusiasts. A wonderful capper to a wonderful read. Professor Olsen's style is, like his podcasts, fun and easy and yet he draws your attention to the astonishing depth of Tolkien's "children's" story and constantly points out fresh insights and details. The first to write at this depth about The Hobbit, Professor Olsen is the perfect guide for both new and repeat readers.
November 25, 2017
It can be tempting to brush The Hobbit aside as a minor work since it doesn't have the scale and grandeur of The Lord of the Rings. Dr. Olsen does a great job of showing why that's a mistake. This is a fantastic piece of literary analysis - going through The Hobbit chapter by chapter and often scene by scene. He drew out a lot of things I'd never considered before despite the many, many times I've read the book. Highly recommended both for new readers and longtime rereaders of The Hobbit
September 22, 2012
What an enjoyable read! Not only was the book well-written, but the analysis was clear and enlightening. This book doesn't analyze The Hobbit to death, but rather enriches the story by drawing connections and threads through the whole work. Simply delightful.
August 17, 2021
Um bom guia para se refletir sobre o Hobbit. no entanto, é melhor se você ler o livro junto do Hobbit como leitura complementar.
August 25, 2018
Corey Olsen is the Tolkien Professor and has a great podcast where he discusses all things Middle-Earth. It was his podcasts for The Hobbit that first got my attention several years ago. It was slow going, about one or two a month, but it's not that long of a book, right? Well, then he got sidetracked. :D No harm, I got to listen to his brilliant lectures on The Silmarillion and hear some great live discussions about LOTR. Over the years, I lost track of him, but I'd think about his The Hobbit series from time to time. So when I saw that he'd compiled all his The Hobbit podcasts into one audiobook, I had to snatch it up. I originally intended to listen to his analysis instead of rereading the books - as I mentioned, it's not my favorite of Tolkien's works, but I still love the world and the mythology related to it, and somewhere buried under the narrative style is a great work of fiction. I just need someone as enthusiastic about it as Professor Olsen to help me see it.
He does one analysis per chapter of the book, following along with Bilbo's development over the course of the book and his various adventures, dissecting the songs and riddles, and highlighting all the themes and narrative devices. He also goes into the development of the dwarves, the elves and the various other characters they come into contact with. He mostly sticks to The Hobbit, but he ties it in with Tolkien's other works where appropriate. He breaks down each chapter into sections and subjects, and I think that even if you haven't read The Hobbit it'll be easy to follow along.
The only downside to this audiobook are the technical blips. None of the analysis is lost of skipped over, but there are quite a few instances of repeated lines. This could've used an extra pass through quality check. If you can overlook that - the repeated lines are very brief - then I would still recommend giving this a listen. It's great for those who love The Hobbit or, like me, love the world of Middle-Earth and enjoy discussing the events within the book even though the writing style and POV isn't quite to my liking.
He does one analysis per chapter of the book, following along with Bilbo's development over the course of the book and his various adventures, dissecting the songs and riddles, and highlighting all the themes and narrative devices. He also goes into the development of the dwarves, the elves and the various other characters they come into contact with. He mostly sticks to The Hobbit, but he ties it in with Tolkien's other works where appropriate. He breaks down each chapter into sections and subjects, and I think that even if you haven't read The Hobbit it'll be easy to follow along.
The only downside to this audiobook are the technical blips. None of the analysis is lost of skipped over, but there are quite a few instances of repeated lines. This could've used an extra pass through quality check. If you can overlook that - the repeated lines are very brief - then I would still recommend giving this a listen. It's great for those who love The Hobbit or, like me, love the world of Middle-Earth and enjoy discussing the events within the book even though the writing style and POV isn't quite to my liking.
January 31, 2025
This is an excellent book. I’m an old fan of The Tolkien Prof. I think it was the first podcast I ever tried, and I remember listening to it the summer of 2012 specifically when I was in the UK. I kind of fell off of it because when he released the lecture series, I wanted to read along and basically audit his course, but my own English lit degree took precedence.
So, now in 2025, I’m doing kind of a mini-course, listening to his fantasy literature lectures and reading along. Starting with The Hobbit.
I’ve read this before but never actually at the same time as The Hobbit, chapter by chapter. What I really appreciate is the way Olsen makes you slow down and notice what you’re reading. I first heard The Hobbit read to me as a bedtime story way way way back, and I kind of relegated it a bit to being just a story. But I think Olsen succeeds in making the argument that it goes well beyond that, as much as any story can be more than “just a story.”
His analysis of “Riddles in the Dark” is particularly on point.
So, now in 2025, I’m doing kind of a mini-course, listening to his fantasy literature lectures and reading along. Starting with The Hobbit.
I’ve read this before but never actually at the same time as The Hobbit, chapter by chapter. What I really appreciate is the way Olsen makes you slow down and notice what you’re reading. I first heard The Hobbit read to me as a bedtime story way way way back, and I kind of relegated it a bit to being just a story. But I think Olsen succeeds in making the argument that it goes well beyond that, as much as any story can be more than “just a story.”
His analysis of “Riddles in the Dark” is particularly on point.
November 12, 2022
Interesting reading. I read this along with The Hobbit. A chapter of The Hobbit and the relative chapter of this book. It gives a lot of interesting perspective on what is happening in The Hobbit along with the changes in Bilbo and the other characters. Very interesting!
March 15, 2018
Fantastic compilation of possible lectures concerning the themes and philosophies of “The Hobbit.”
September 7, 2019
This is a good, unobtrusive conversation about The Hobbit. Olsen gives me many things to think about as he gently points me to his or another conclusion, which I dare not call my own.
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