J.R.R. Tolkien published his famous novel The Hobbit on September 21st, 1937. That was 87 years ago today. Tolkien’s little story was soon seen as destined for greatness. The book won a prize from the NewYork Herald Tribune and was soon nominated for a Carnegie Medal.
To the right is a facsimile of the original cover of The Hobbit, which Tolkien designed himself.
But you might be surprised to know that the first edition of the book differed from the version we read today in significant ways. Most importantly, remember that seminal encounter between Bilbo Baggins and Gollum? In the version we read today, Bilbo beats Gollum by stumping him, and when Gollum realizes what he’s lost, he panics and chases Bilbo through the caves. His final words in today’s version ofThe Hobbit are “Thief! Thief, Baggins! We hates it, we hates it, we hates it forever!”
However, in the initial published version of the book, Gollum is a perfect gentleman. He admits that he’s been beaten, and permits Bilbo to go on his way unmolested and un-cursed. Because he had begun writing “the new Hobbit” — which turned into the famous Lord of the Rings trilogy, Tolkien had to go back and re-con the original text to fit the model of Gollum that was coming to the forefront in this later version of the story.
In any case, tomorrow is Hobbit Day (for all those who celebrate) — so let’s all wish Bilbo and The Hobbit a happy 87th birthday!
