Smith of Wootton Major & Farmer Giles of Ham

Tolkien was a very prolific writer. Everyone knows about "The Hobbit", and especially "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. But those were not the only books that he wrote, and I was pleased to find these two relatively short stories (compared with the other stories that I mentioned earlier). Both of them are great; in Farmer Giles of Ham,Tolkien tells us about a simple farmer, content with his farm and his land, who ends up being an acclaimed hero because he rids the land of a dragon named Chrysophylax Dives. Just as with his greater stories, this one is full of imagination and Tolkien's peculiar humor and writing style. The other story, Smith of Wooton Major, is about a boy who receives a very special gift when he eats a slice of a cake that was only baked for good children every 24 years, and what happens with that gift. If you want to read some other stories about Tolkien, without having to spend days on end, then I recommend this book.

I love reading Tolkien, and although I haven't cracked it open yet, I can't wait to become re-immersed in his world! I was very excited to have made this purchase and got it at a fair price!

This is a beautifully illustrated book for Tolkien fans of any age. I purchased it for my own collection of beloved books because these stories are old favorites of mine, and I am not disappointed. The illustrations are wonderful and the book arrived promptly, in good condition and exactly as described. I would not gift this to a child under 8 years of age, though I would happily share an inexpensive paper-bound edition of these wonderful stories, which can easily be read in one sitting.

It's most excellent; it's Tolkien — what else could you possibly expect...

It's not the classic that the Lord of the Rings is, but I enjoyed both stories in this book. I felt Smith of Wootton Major had a lot of atmosphere and a whimsical, magical feeling, whereas I found Farmer Giles of Ham to be humorous, clever, and amusing. Both of them were creative and not simply run-of-the mill fantasy stories. I expect they will be enjoyable stories for young children as well.

Farmer Giles of Ham is a hoot no matter how many times you read it. More than any other Tolkien original writing, this story explores very human characters and perfectly delicious situations. The gentle humor and sarcasm remind me of Christopher Buckley's novels. Except there's a dragon.

These stories are far less daunting for the reader than many of Tolkiens other works. These are very entertaining "short" stories. I enjoy all Tolkiens works but these stories are where I have young readers stick their toe in the water, which is why I purchased this copy, to give to my Grandson.

Book was in great shape, and you can't beat the story.

OMG. do I have to even review it??? just buy it.