Edward Wyke-Smith

Edward Augustine Wyke-Smith (12 April 1871 – 16 May 1935)

The similarities between the races of snergs and hobbits have led to speculation that the book was a major inspiration. They are similar in their physical descriptions, their love of communal feasting, and their names, particularly Gorbo and Bilbo. In all the books there are also journeys through dangerous forests and caverns.

Works Novels for children and adults Bill of the Bustingforths (1921), illustrated by Winifred Smith (uncredited), frontispiece by George Morrow, endpaper map by Alfred Bestall The Last of the Baron (1921), illus. Morrow Some Pirates and Marmaduke (1921), illus. Morrow Captain Quality (1922) The Second Chance (1923) Because of Josephine (1924) Fortune My Foe (1925) The Marvellous Land of Snergs (1927), illus. Morrow

Short works "A Lecture on Libraries, Their Acquisition and Maintenance" (1919) "One Touch of Dickens" (1920) "An Antiseptic for Efficiency" (1921) "Conversation without Words" (1921) "Tales within Tales" (1922) "Reconstructing the Past" (1921) "My Lord's Affairs: A Mediaeval Story" (1923) "The Compleat Mushroomer: A Sequel to Isaak Walton's 'Compleat Angler'" (1928)