The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life

In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble Smith sheds a light on the life-changing ideas tucked away inside the classic works of J.R.R. Tolkien and his most beloved creation--the stouthearted Hobbits.

The Wisdom of the Shire draws important lessons from The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, The Silmarillion, and other tales of the adventures of Bilbo Baggins, the wizard Gandalf, and the many residents of Middle-earth. Author Noble Smith shows how a snug Hobbit-hole is actually just a state of mind and how even the smallest person can have the valor of a Rider of Rohan. He explores subjects dear to a Halfling's heart, such as beer, food, and friendship, as well as more serious concerns, such as courage, living in harmony with nature, and good versus evil.

How can simple pleasures such as gardening, taking long walks, and eating delicious meals with friends make you significantly happier? Why is the act of giving presents on your birthday instead of getting them such a revolutionary idea? What should you do when dealing with the Gollum in your life? And how can we carry the burden of our own "magic ring of power" without becoming devoured by it? For fans of Tolkien's books and their award-winning film adaptations by director Peter Jackson, The Wisdon of the Shire holds the answers to these and more of life's essential questions.

NOBLE SMITH is an award-winning playwright who has worked as a video game writer, a documentary film executive producer, and the media director of an international human rights foundation. His novel Sons of Zeus was published in 2013 by Thomas Dunne Books. He lives in the Pacific Northwest with his wife and children.