Hobbitus Ille : The Latin Hobbit

In foramine terrae habitabat hobbitus. (‘In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.’)

THE HOBBIT , published 75 years ago, has become one of the world’s most popular classic stories, appealing to adults as much as to the children for whom J.R.R. Tolkien first wrote the book. Translated worldwide into more than 60 modern languages, now Hobbitus Ille is finally published in Latin, and will be of interest to all those who are studying the language, whether at school or at a higher level.

In the great tradition of publishing famous children’s books in Latin, professional classicist and lifelong Tolkien fan Mark Walker provides a deft translation of the entire book. His attention to detail, including the transformation of Tolkien’s songs and verses into classical Latin metres, will fascinate and entertain readers of all ability, even those with only a minimal acquaintance with the language.

About the Author

J.R.R. Tolkien is creator of Middle-earth and author of The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. He was awarded a CBE and an honorary Doctorate of Letters from Oxford University, and died in 1973. Mark Walker has taught Latin to adults and children for several years. His published work includes the English translation of Geoffrey of Monmouth's The Life of Merlin (Vita Merlini), the historical novel Amida, and three Latin-themed books: Annus Horribilis: Latin for Everyday Life, Annus Mirabilis: More Latin for Everyday Life, and Britannica Latina: 2,000 Years of British Latin. He is also the founder and editor of VATES: The Journal of New Latin Poetry.