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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?
Axel Nydén Yes. Definitely. Chronologically Hobbit was written before the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and is set some sixty years before (I think Bilbo is fifty-i…moreYes. Definitely. Chronologically Hobbit was written before the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and is set some sixty years before (I think Bilbo is fifty-ish in 'Hobbit', and 'The Fellowhip of the Ring' commences with his 111th birthday). Though it doesn't have many references to 'The Lord of the Rings' trilogy, you'll recognize several characters. It's not essential, but you'll get familiarized with Tolkien's style and world, if you read 'Hobbit' before.

I'd also suggest reading all books before watching the films.(less)
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Jessi Johnson I've read the Hobbit now, and I haven't seen any of the movies yet :) hopefully I'll get to the other books soon ...more
Apr 18, 2015 08:11PM · flag
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Axel Nydén Enjoy them! :) I wish I read the books before I saw the Lord of the Rings films.
Apr 19, 2015 03:51AM · flag
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The Hobbit, or There and Back Again
by J.R.R. Tolkien
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