Hobbit readings mark book's anniversary

Seventy-five years ago, J.R.R. Tolkein could not have possibly known the impact he would make on the literary world as the author of "The Hobbit," the tale of a young hobbit named Bilbo Baggins. On Thursday, March 1, the Department of Literature and Languages sponsored an oral reading of the book in Gee Library to begin celebrating a momentous anniversary. 

Many signed up for a turn to read selections from the book.  Anyone who was interested was able to register for the reading, which began at 12:30 p.m. and continued, with breaks, until evening.

The event started with Professor Robin Reid and student Jordan Burkhart introducing the tales of Baggins and his many adventures. 

In continuation of anniversary acknowledgements, two Hobbit scholars, Douglas Anderson and John Ratlcliffe, will be guests of honor.  Other honored guess will be a vocal artist and a costume creator.

Reid is working with The Hobbit text in one of her classes this semester.  She said the book has sold out in the Bookstore. 

"Graduate course books don't usually sell out," Reid said.  "The bookstore staff are shocked, it's just unheard of."

The adventures of Baggins actually began as a series of bedtime tales Tolkein told to his children.  Some of his friends came across the stories and persuaded him to publish them in book form.

Tolkein, at the time, was studying Elfin languages and history.

The book has been wildly popular, even evolving into "The Lord of The Rings" movie series.

September 21, 2012, will mark the 75 Anniversary of the book's publishing.  On that day, the Department of Literature and Languages will have a cake in celebration of the milestone.