'There was a hole in the ground, and in the hole lived a hobbit.' These words were written by John Ronald Reuel Tolkien on the back of a school exam he was grading one hot summer day. Who would have thought that from these words, like a magical seed, one of the most famous works of world literature would grow? This fairy tale, captivating both children and adults, takes readers on an incredible journey, imparting an unforgettable feeling of primal childish delight and kindness.