Hompen - First Translation of The Hobbit

5b J. R. R. Tolkien. Stockholm, 1947. First Translation. First Edition in Swedish. 

Notes

Hompen, published in 1947, was the first Swedish translation of The Hobbit by J.R.R. Tolkien. Translated by Tore Zetterholm, the title roughly means "the Hobbit" or "the lump" in a somewhat playful tone, and the translation took significant liberties with names, tone, and style. Zetterholm adapted the story to be more humorous and whimsical than Tolkien intended, altering character names and dialogue to suit Swedish children’s literature of the time. This early version introduced Swedish readers to Middle-earth, but it did so in a form quite distinct from the original English text, which made it both influential and controversial.

Tolkien was displeased with Hompen, particularly because he was not consulted before its publication. He criticized the translation for distorting the names and meanings central to his carefully constructed world, as well as for its overly comical tone, which clashed with the more serious undertones of his original narrative. In correspondence, Tolkien expressed frustration that the translator had taken such creative liberties, undermining the linguistic and cultural consistency that was so important to him. His dissatisfaction with Hompen later influenced his close involvement in future translations of his work, especially The Lord of the Rings, to ensure greater accuracy and respect for his original intentions.

Description 

Publisher’s original pictorial boards with a red cloth spine lettered and decorated in gilt. Map endpapers in Swedish, vignette illustration to title page, and illustrations throughout. Very good copy. Spine gily slightly dulled, and some light wear to edges.