Based on a motion picture to be released in theaters Dec. 14, 2012, this is the story of Bilbo Baggins, a hobbit who lives in a hole in the ground and accompanies Thorin Oakenshield and his band of dwarves on a quest to recover the gold stolen from them by the evil dragon Smaug. At journey's end, after facing trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and worse, Bilbo discovers his destiny.

Film tie-in. "The text of this edition is based on the edition published by HarperCollins Publishers in 1995." "Prelude to: The lord of the rings"--P. [1] of cover. Includes excerpt from: The fellowship of the ring.