: I don't have all the HoME volumes. Do any of them discuss the
: creation of the Hobbit? Did it go through many versions? How
: long did it take to write? If HoME doesn't cover the creation
: of the Hobbit, is there anything that does?

About two years ago Wayne Hammond reported that the history behind THE HOBBIT was begun by the late Taum Santoski. After Santoski died John Rateliff took over the project, but I've heard nothing new since then. The book had the working title at one time of MR. BAGGINS.

: In case anybody is wondering about my recent postings that have
: mostly been about the Hobbit, I've recently discovered an
: incredible respect for the book. I had actually only read it
: two times before, both when I was younger (compared to
: literally dozens of times for the LoTR). I have recently
: started reading it again (almost done) and I find it amazing
: that I had given it such short shrift before.

I think it does get short shrift from many Tolkien fans. There is a depth to THE HOBBIT that its brevity seems to mask.

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