First book in Bilbo's adventure. This is a tale of high adventure undertaken by a company of dwarves in search of dragon-guarded gold. A reluctant partner on this perilous quest is Bilbo Baggins, a comfort-loving, unambitious hobbit, who surprises even himself by his resourcefulness and skill as a burglar. As well as supremely exciting incidents, though, there are homelier moments: good fellowship and welcome meals along the road, laughter and song, and all "the freshness of an early world". The hobbit is also a prelude to The Lord of the Rings.