At the 2013 "CelebratingThe Hobbit" conference at Valparaiso University - marking the 75th anniversary of the book's publication and the first installment of Peter Jackson's Hobbit movies - two plenary papers were presented: "Anchoring the Myth: The Impact of The Hobbit on Tolkien's Legendarium" by John D. Rateliff provided numerous examples ofThe Hobbit's influence on Tolkien's legendarium; and "Tolkien's French connections" by Verlyn Flieger discussed French influences on the development of Bilbo Baggins and his adventures. In discussions with the plenary speakers and other presenters, it became apparent that a book focusing on howThe Hobbitinfluenced the subsequent development of Tolkien's legendarium; was sorely needed. This collection of essays fills that need. With Rateliff's and Flieger's papers included, the book presents two chapters on the Evolution of the Dwarven Race, two chapters on Durin's Day examining the Dwarven lunar calendar, and 11 chapters on themes exploring various topics on influences and revisions betweenThe Hobbitand Tolkien's legendarium.