The Hobbit (film series) was written by Fran Walsh, Philippa Boyens, Jackson, and Guillermo del Toro, who was originally chosen to direct before his departure from the project. The films take place in the fictional world of Middle-earth sixty years before the beginning of "The Lord of the Rings", and follow hobbit Bilbo Baggins (Martin Freeman), who is convinced by the wizard Gandalf the Grey (Ian McKellen) to accompany thirteen dwarves, led by Thorin Oakenshield (Richard Armitage), on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug (voiced by Benedict Cumberbatch). The films also expand upon certain elements from the novel and
Early American editions of The Hobbit this is "not" the order the maps appear, but, rather, the order stated in the List of Illustrations. In all first editions the Wilderland map appears as the front paste-down. ††Earliest confirmed date as seen in publisher's records, owner's inscriptions, or library stamps. Tolkien began work on "The Lord of the Rings" in the years after "The Hobbit's" publication. As the story evolved, Tolkien realized he needed to change how Bilbo and Gollum interacted in "The Hobbit" to suit the plot of "The Lord of the Rings". Allen & Unwin prepared a new edition of "The Hobbit" for release in