In foramine terrae habitabat hobbitus. (‘In a hole in the ground, there lived a hobbit.') The Hobbit, is 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 transforming Tolkien's songs into a variety of classical and rhythmic Latin metres, will fascinate and entertain all Latinists, who are rarely given such an opportunity to read Latin simply for the pleasure of reading. —front flap Source: OpenLibrary