Description

For generations of entranced readers, and now a new generation of filmgoers, Tolkien is synonymous with his most famous creation - the hobbit. Written for all those who are interested in Tolkien's work, and of course for all those interested in hobbits, this is the first book to focus on the changes made to the hobbits' characters not only by Tolkien but also by other artists - actors, writers, directors, lyricists and choreographers. The beloved characters of Bilbo, Frodo, Sam, Merry and Pippin have been much-adapted for radio, television, film and stage. Lynette Porter follows the hobbits through these many other lives, from Tolkien's on-page revisions and John Boorman's unmade screenplays, through to Peter Jackson's The Lord of the Rings film trilogy and its musical counterpart. She also reviews over 50 years of 'Hobbit Art', including the work of Alan Lee, John Howe and Ted Nasmith. Journeying through fanzines, videogames, Fanfiction and more, Porter demonstrates how the hobbits, their characters and their stories continue to introduce new audiences to Tolkien's work, in new and adapted forms.

Table of Contents

Introduction: There and Back Again
Chapter 1 | A Kaleidoscope of Hobbits
Chapter 2 | Tolkien’s Revised Hobbits
Chapter 3 | The Lord of the Rings in the Movies – Almost
Chapter 4 | Hobbits on Radio and Television
Chapter 5 | Hobbits on the Big Screen
Chapter 6 | Those Musical Hobbits
Chapter 7 | Hobbits as Art
Chapter 8 | Making Meaning of Hobbits: The Road Takes Some Strange Turns
Notes
Bibliography
Index

Author Info

Lynnette Porter is a member of the Tolkien Society and the US Popular Culture Association. With an interest in Tolkien's works spanning more than 30 years, her articles and reviews on the subject have been published widely, including in the Tolkien periodical Beyond Bree. Her books include, amongst others, Unsung Heroes of The Lord of the Rings: From Page to Screen (2005), as well as the bestselling Unlocking the Meaning of Lost (2006, reprinted 2007).

Bibliographic Info