: : 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?

: : 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.

: : One more reason I'm a Tolkien fan... you never stop discovering, even when you thought you had it all covered.

: : Happy readings. (Happier if they're Tolkien.)

: : Dave C-Q

: Funny, over the past few weeks I've been pondering the origins of hobbits and was just about to post that question when I came across yours ;^)

There was an Annotated Hobbit published in the late 1980s. I just ordered it but have not received it yet. I understand that it covers all revisions to the original published versions as well as providing some insight as to early drafts. I believe the book is out of print, at least in the U.S.