Pretty much the granddaddy of fantasy. Elves, Ogres, Wizards, Drawfs, Trolls, the works; even a genuine Dragon. Lots of magic. The made really bad movies out of these books.

Furry small manlike critter (Hobbit) is shorter than elegant elf, more refined than blue-collar drawf, distict from large number of other kinds of "people" you'd find in such places. Hobbit likes to sit at home in front of a comfortable fire, yet ends up running all around Middle Earth having terribly exciting adventures and being the accidental hero.

Trilogy continues from The Hobbit. Our hero goes on a much bigger adventure this time, intent on the moral equivalent of saving the world. Involves original cast and much more, and expands the landscape considerably.