The Hobbit - Chapter 11 - On the Doorstep

[Tuor of Gondolin]

This chapter does a good job of describing the area around
the Lonely Mountain, both at the present and (via the dwarves
reminiscing) the past. It's a good example of Tolkien's
concept of subcreation in Middle-earth, of making it seem
more "real" then say, Narnia.

The rapidity of the Laketowners in leaving:

It was easier to believe in the Dragon and less
easy to believe in Thorin in these wild parts

reminds you of a comment by Tolkien in H. Carpenter's
Biographysomething like, JRRT (as a child) desired dragons,
but not in his neighborhood.

The illustration of the Front Gate is interesting, since later
the geography of that area is described in some detail and
is important in the story.

Overall Chapter 11 is an interesting, atmospheric selection.

Btw, at least these dwarves were shrewd enough to not
just have a sign saying "Speak 'Friend' and Enter" on the door.