J.R.R.Tolkien (1892-1973) was a distinguished academic, though he is best known for writing The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion, plus other stories and essays. His books have been translated into over 80 languages and have sold many millions of copies worldwide.

Jemima Catlin (born in 1986) grew up in Dorset and developed a passion for drawing at an early age. After leaving university she became a freelance illustrator, working on some personal projects and undertaking several commissions before embarking on the exciting journey of illustrating The Hobbit.