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Jessi Johnson asked this question about The Hobbit, or There and Back Again:
I've never really watched the Lord of the Rings movies or read the books (not for lack of interest, just haven't gotten around to it). Would you suggest I read The Hobbit before LotR?
John I'm late to be responding, but I'd suggest reading The Hobbit first. I could see someone loving The Hobbit but not enjoying the LOTR as much, but woul…moreI'm late to be responding, but I'd suggest reading The Hobbit first. I could see someone loving The Hobbit but not enjoying the LOTR as much, but would expect that the reciprocal is more rare. The Hobbit is a purer story. When Tolkien wrote LOTR he was no longer just telling a story but also trying to do something more grand.

That all said, you gain some background by reading The Hobbit first, but I don't think you really need it to enjoy the LOTR.(less)
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The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
by J.R.R. Tolkien
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