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The Hobbit and Philosophy

For When You've Lost Your Dwarves, Your Wizard, and Your Way
By Eric Bronson and Gregory Bassham
Series: The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series
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Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Hobbit and Philosophy, by Eric Bronson and Gregory Bassham, explores the deeper philosophical themes embedded in Tolkien's beloved adventure. The authors examine moral and existential questions through Bilbo's journey, addressing topics such as the nature of bravery, friendship, and the quest for self-discovery. Professors and philosophers dissect the narrative's ethical dilemmas and insights, making the work both an enthralling read for fans and a thoughtful exploration of its rich, underlying concepts.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you have an interest in exploring profound philosophical questions through the imaginative lens of Middle-earth. It offers readers a chance to delve deeper into the moral, ethical, and existential themes embedded within Tolkien's beloved world, making it a compelling journey for fans of both philosophy and fantasy literature.

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A philosophical exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classic just in time for the December 2012 release of Peter Jackson's new film adaptation, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey J.R.R.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

A philosophical exploration of J.R.R. Tolkien's beloved classic—just in time for the December 2012 release of Peter Jackson's new film adaptation, The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey

J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit is one of the best-loved fantasy books of all time and the enchanting "prequel" to The Lord of the Rings. 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?

  • Gives you new insights into The Hobbit's central characters, including Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, Gollum, and Thorin and their exploits, from the Shire through Mirkwood to the Lonely Mountain.
  • Explores key questions about The Hobbit'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?)
  • 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.

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.

Series: The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series

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Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Hobbit and Philosophy offers a collection of essays that delve into various themes such as possessiveness, providence, and courage, while presenting these ideas in a clear and accessible manner. Each essay is concise, providing readers with thought-provoking insights into philosophical concepts within a short and readable format.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780470405147

Publisher: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 19 October 2012

Country: United States

Imprint: John Wiley & Sons Inc

Contributors:

  • Edited by William Irwin
  • Edited by William Irwin
  • Edited by William Irwin

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 152.0mm

Height: 229.0mm

Weight: 372g

Pages: 272

Collections

Eric Bronson General Fiction Gregory Bassham Non-Fiction Philosophy & Psychology Philosophy & Stoicism Series: The Blackwell Philosophy and Pop Culture Series

About the Author

Gregory Bassham is Chair of the Philosophy Department atKing's College and a professor of philosophy. He edited The Ultimate Harry Potter and Philosophy and co-edited The Chronicles of Narnia and Philosophy (Open Court) and The Lord of the Rings and Philosophy . Eric Bronson is a visiting professor in the HumanitiesDepartment at York University in Toronto, Canada. He is the editorof Poker and Philosophy (2012), and co-editor of The Lordof the Rings and Philosophy (2003) and Baseball andPhilosophy (2011). William Irwin is Professor of Philosophy at King'sCollege. He originated the philosophy and popular culture genre ofbooks as coeditor of the bestselling The Simpsons andPhilosophy and has overseen recent titles including Houseand Philosophy, Batman and Philosophy, and Alice inWonderland and Philosophy.

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