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The Wisdom of Hobbits: Unearthing Our Humanity at 3 Bagshot Row
The works of J.R.R. Tolkien are some of literature's most beloved. For decades, scholars, fans, and critics alike have been discussing and debating the professor's Legendarium—much ink has been spilled, many books bound, all offering their unique perspectives.
Add The Wisdom of Hobbits to that growing number.
In this hopeful yet at times poignant homage, Matthew J. Distefano focuses on everyone's favorite halfling the Hobbit. A charming people, this Shire-based race has captivated, enthralled, and enchanted the hearts and minds of millions. Though not a religious society, the author argues that spiritual truths-love, kindness, generosity, hope, and compassion-can be found within their familiar yet still relevant and didactic tales.
So, come and enter a world of adventure and intrigue. Whether it is your first foray into Middle-earth or the Shire is your second home, allow Distefano to inspire you toward discovering your own inner Hobbit.
Add The Wisdom of Hobbits to that growing number.
In this hopeful yet at times poignant homage, Matthew J. Distefano focuses on everyone's favorite halfling the Hobbit. A charming people, this Shire-based race has captivated, enthralled, and enchanted the hearts and minds of millions. Though not a religious society, the author argues that spiritual truths-love, kindness, generosity, hope, and compassion-can be found within their familiar yet still relevant and didactic tales.
So, come and enter a world of adventure and intrigue. Whether it is your first foray into Middle-earth or the Shire is your second home, allow Distefano to inspire you toward discovering your own inner Hobbit.
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Published March 27, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
March 14, 2023
Unearthing Timeless Wisdom
From the very beginning of Hobbits, the passion and zeal the author feels for this mythological world is obvious. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is not just a fascination with fantasy and good storytelling. No, Distefano sees the work of Tolkien as a window into his own human condition—and, by extension, the dilemma for all of us. Do we say yes to our life’s adventure or refuse the call? It is not enough to simply enjoy the world of imagination…contemplating from the outside how characters feel and imaging their struggles. In the Wisdom of Hobbits, Distefano beckons us to put ourselves on the map. He does not settle for admiring Tolkien from afar, but living the wisdom hidden in the fantasy world—which turns out to not be as fanciful as would appear on the surface. As a tall, slender man, Distefano indeed is “a Hobbit in all but size.” Highly recommend.
From the very beginning of Hobbits, the passion and zeal the author feels for this mythological world is obvious. However, it quickly becomes apparent that this is not just a fascination with fantasy and good storytelling. No, Distefano sees the work of Tolkien as a window into his own human condition—and, by extension, the dilemma for all of us. Do we say yes to our life’s adventure or refuse the call? It is not enough to simply enjoy the world of imagination…contemplating from the outside how characters feel and imaging their struggles. In the Wisdom of Hobbits, Distefano beckons us to put ourselves on the map. He does not settle for admiring Tolkien from afar, but living the wisdom hidden in the fantasy world—which turns out to not be as fanciful as would appear on the surface. As a tall, slender man, Distefano indeed is “a Hobbit in all but size.” Highly recommend.
January 15, 2024
Tohle začalo tak krásně. Zapomněli jsme žít jednoduché životy? Umíme se ještě vůbec radovat z maličkostí? Oslava "hobitství" zrozená z lásky k nim samotným, k svým přátelům a rodině, z lásky ke Středozemi a Tolkienovi. Matthew J. Distefano, není učenec, spíš vášnivý milovník a nerd. Nemá problém s tím to uznat a ještě nabídnout jména těch, která stojí za to si vyhledat.
Co jsem čekala? Příjemnou rozpravu nad hobity, jejich kulturou, vlastnostmi, vývojem a vším dalším, co se kolem nich mihne. Ale čím víc jsem se tímto nenáročným a hbitým drobkem pročítala, tím víc se ve mně usazovala jedna myšlenka. Bylo opravdu nutné tohle vydat jako knihu? Protože informativně se nejedná o něco, co by mělo způsobit převrat, ani to není cílem. Vše potřebné nám ve svých knihách a mezi řádky řekl Tolkien sám. Autor si to vyzobal a povrchově aplikoval na naši hektickou dobu. Tohle je dialog dvou přátel nad pivem. Ne nutně autora samotného, ale každého, kdo rád zkoumá Středozem.
Není to špatná věc, je to další nabízená cesta, jak se zamilovat do Tolkiena. Možná i autorův splněný sen. Malina, kterou slupnete během jednoho, dvou večerů. Ale pořád to ve mně hlodá. Pořád.
Co jsem čekala? Příjemnou rozpravu nad hobity, jejich kulturou, vlastnostmi, vývojem a vším dalším, co se kolem nich mihne. Ale čím víc jsem se tímto nenáročným a hbitým drobkem pročítala, tím víc se ve mně usazovala jedna myšlenka. Bylo opravdu nutné tohle vydat jako knihu? Protože informativně se nejedná o něco, co by mělo způsobit převrat, ani to není cílem. Vše potřebné nám ve svých knihách a mezi řádky řekl Tolkien sám. Autor si to vyzobal a povrchově aplikoval na naši hektickou dobu. Tohle je dialog dvou přátel nad pivem. Ne nutně autora samotného, ale každého, kdo rád zkoumá Středozem.
Není to špatná věc, je to další nabízená cesta, jak se zamilovat do Tolkiena. Možná i autorův splněný sen. Malina, kterou slupnete během jednoho, dvou večerů. Ale pořád to ve mně hlodá. Pořád.
October 18, 2023
I'm so sorry, I wish this book would have been my new gem, but I was just put off too often.
For context; I'm pretty hardcore, who feels Tolkien's work on a deeply spiritual, religious level. I hoped that this book would expand on that.
In a way, it did cover all the values that I personally feel are important, from friendship, compassion, growing a garden and enjoying the simple life. I truly believe that is what humanity needs, and I know for sure that is what I want for myself.
And yet, too often did I feel like I was forcing myself to read, and skimming past sections of lore, explanations and references that are still fresh on my mind. It was too superficial for me.
The short of it is: I'm disappointed, and I feel very sad about that. Sad, because I feel this is one of the most important things in my life, and this book did not deliver deeper connection or insight beyond what I already had. The many references to scenarios or moments in the books and movies felt a bit off at times, and did not please me. The moments of wonder came when he was quoting others, most notably Tolkien himself. I was also not amused that the final 40 pages of the 200-page book were idly filled with doodles, a list of Hobbit names and descriptions and an overview plants/trees mentioned by Tolkien. I did not see the value in it.
Nevertheless, Distefano is a good man, and I am glad he exists and wrote this book. It is clear he is filled with passion and reverence, and that is something I do appreciate. The book is down-to-earth, soulful, compassionate and, ultimately, hopeful. Its message is one of the most important out there, and I hope his book introduces many new readers to Tolkien's world.
If you're reading this Matthew: I am an aspiring author as well, and you have made me realize I can do it too, and that I actually should. Excellent work on not giving up and getting your heart-warming book publishing. Although it was not for me, I hope it is for others, and I do really feel your heart in it, and I find that beautiful. All the best with your new garden,
Ruben
For context; I'm pretty hardcore, who feels Tolkien's work on a deeply spiritual, religious level. I hoped that this book would expand on that.
In a way, it did cover all the values that I personally feel are important, from friendship, compassion, growing a garden and enjoying the simple life. I truly believe that is what humanity needs, and I know for sure that is what I want for myself.
And yet, too often did I feel like I was forcing myself to read, and skimming past sections of lore, explanations and references that are still fresh on my mind. It was too superficial for me.
The short of it is: I'm disappointed, and I feel very sad about that. Sad, because I feel this is one of the most important things in my life, and this book did not deliver deeper connection or insight beyond what I already had. The many references to scenarios or moments in the books and movies felt a bit off at times, and did not please me. The moments of wonder came when he was quoting others, most notably Tolkien himself. I was also not amused that the final 40 pages of the 200-page book were idly filled with doodles, a list of Hobbit names and descriptions and an overview plants/trees mentioned by Tolkien. I did not see the value in it.
Nevertheless, Distefano is a good man, and I am glad he exists and wrote this book. It is clear he is filled with passion and reverence, and that is something I do appreciate. The book is down-to-earth, soulful, compassionate and, ultimately, hopeful. Its message is one of the most important out there, and I hope his book introduces many new readers to Tolkien's world.
If you're reading this Matthew: I am an aspiring author as well, and you have made me realize I can do it too, and that I actually should. Excellent work on not giving up and getting your heart-warming book publishing. Although it was not for me, I hope it is for others, and I do really feel your heart in it, and I find that beautiful. All the best with your new garden,
Ruben
March 14, 2023
We live in a time that has worked hard to separate humanity from nature. In The Wisdom Of Hobbits, Matthew Distefano has given us a glimpse into a better way. Hobbits are private by nature. Some might say they are recluse. That being said Matthew shows us another side of Hobbits. In doing so, he has shown us another side of ourselves. Hobbits are homebodies, but are not afraid of adventure if needed. They are solitary, but will work for the betterment of the community if needed. One thing that most hobbits excel in is their connection to nature. Matthew has given us a roadmap through Hobbits to become better human beings. To say that we can learn a lot from Hobbits would be an understatement. This is a must have book for all Tolkien fans be it new fans or long time fans.
March 16, 2023
Previous Knowledge Not Needed
One thing I really like about this book is that you don't need to be a huge Lord of the Rings(LOTR) fan to understand it and apriciate it.
While before I started it I usually thought of the LOTR series as a bunch of guys walking (to a volcano), I have a little better of an understanding of the wider view of the LOTR world.
I love the way things are simply broken down, showing the beautiful simplicity of the culture of The Shire. Making things seem relatable to our own humanity in the world, is wonderfully done.
One thing I really like about this book is that you don't need to be a huge Lord of the Rings(LOTR) fan to understand it and apriciate it.
While before I started it I usually thought of the LOTR series as a bunch of guys walking (to a volcano), I have a little better of an understanding of the wider view of the LOTR world.
I love the way things are simply broken down, showing the beautiful simplicity of the culture of The Shire. Making things seem relatable to our own humanity in the world, is wonderfully done.
December 3, 2023
Love this little book about the importance of friendship, adventure, growth, and a happy home.
Read
August 19, 2025A bit repetitive, lovely reflections.
September 25, 2023
This is an excellent book. I am going to be reading it with my teenagers this year. It's great for all ages and great if you are a big Tolkien fan and great if you have never read any Tolkien.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews