Sam K. answers “I've never really watched the Lord of the...”

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?

Sam K. You can read LOTR without reading The Hobbit before it. However, reading The Hobbit will allow yourself to gain some Middle-earth background knowledge…moreYou can read LOTR without reading The Hobbit before it. However, reading The Hobbit will allow yourself to gain some Middle-earth background knowledge and context, and become familiar with Tolkien's world.

If you are planning to read both LOTR and The Hobbit, then it would be a good idea to read The Hobbit first as some may believe it is significantly 'easier' to understand. (i.e. LOTR is more complex).(less)

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Jessi Johnson Awesome, thanks for the info :) my book group is reading The Hobbit right now, and I wanted to make sure I wasn't making it more difficult for myself. ...more
Oct 03, 2014 11:48AM · flag

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The Hobbit, or There and Back Again

by J.R.R. Tolkien

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