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<p><b>A philosophical exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classicjust in time for the December 2012 release of Peter Jackson's new film adaptation,<i>The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey</i></b></p><p>J.R.R. Tolkien's<i>The Hobbit</i> is one of the best-loved fantasy books of all time and the enchanting "prequel" to<i>The Lord of the Rings</i>. With the help of some of history's great philosophers, this book ponders a host of deep questions raised in this timeless tale, such as: Are adventures simply "nasty, disturbing, uncomfortable things" that "make you late for dinner," or are they exciting and potentially life-changing events? What duties do friends have to one another? Should mercy be extended even to those who deserve to die?</p><ul><li>Gives you new insights into<i>The Hobbit</i>'s central characters, including Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Gollum, and Thorin and their exploits, from the Shire through Mirkwood to the Lonely Mountain</li><li>Explores key questions about<i>The Hobbit</i>'s story and themes, including: Was the Arkenstone really Bilbo's to give? How should Smaug's treasure have been distributed? Did Thorin leave his "beautiful golden harp" at Bag-End when he headed out into the Wild? (If so, how much could we get for that on eBay?)</li><li>Draws on the insights of some of the world's deepest thinkers, from Confucius, Plato, and Aristotle to Immanuel Kant, William Blake, and contemporary American philosopher Thomas Nagel</li></ul><p>From the happy halls of Elrond's Last Homely House to Gollum's "slimy island of rock," this is a must read for longtime Tolkien fans as well as those discovering Bilbo Baggins and his adventures "there and back again" for the first time.</p>