<B>Now a major motion picture</B><BR><br> <B>A great modern classic and the prelude to <I>The Lord of the Rings</I></B><BR><br> Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely traveling any farther than his pantry or cellar. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard Gandalf and a company of dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day to whisk him away on an adventure. They have launched a plot to raid the treasure hoard guarded by Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon. Bilbo reluctantly joins their quest, unaware that on his journey to the Lonely Mountain he will encounter both a magic ring and a frightening creature known as Gollum.<br><br> “A glorious account of a magnificent adventure, filled with suspense and seasoned with a quiet humor that is irresistible.” —<I>New York Times Book Review</I><div></div>