Timeline Tuesday 21 September 1937

Events on Tuesday 21 September 1937 2

• 1937 Publication of The Hobbit J. R. R. Tolkien's first novel is published George Allen & Unwin published J. R. R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, or There and Back Again, in London. The children's fantasy novel sold well and led the publisher to ask for a sequel, which became The Lord of the Rings.
• 1937 The Hobbit published — immediate success The Hobbit, or There and Back Again is published by George Allen & Unwin on 21 September 1937. Publisher Stanley Unwin had given the typescript to his 10-year-old son Rayner to read; Rayner's report ('This book, with the help of maps, does not need any illustrations it is good and should appeal to all children between the ages of 5 and 9') results in publication. The first edition of 1,500 copies sells out before Christmas. It wins the New York Herald Tribune prize for best children's book of the season. Allen & Unwin immediately request a sequel. Tolkien begins thinking about 'a new Hobbit.'