Rayner Unwin Recommended Tolkien's Hobbit

In 1936, 10-year-old Rayner Unwin reviewed the manuscript of The Hobbit for his father, publisher Sir Stanley Unwin. Rayner served as a test reader for George Allen & Unwin and earned one shilling for each written report. He summarized Bilbo Baggins's adventure and concluded that the book was good and would appeal to children aged five to nine. Rayner later recalled that his recommendation led the firm to publish J. R. R. Tolkien's book in September 1937, without the need for a second opinion.

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