This is a story we've all come to love and Rob Inglis's performance is excellent. I was just a tad disappointed that a fresh recording (with latest audio recording gear) was not considered. These recordings were made in 1990 (the books for tape era). The setting to download high quality "Audible Enhanced Audio" books does not make much of a difference when the source material is low quality begin with. As an example: At the same volume level in my car, an audio podcast (which are not typically recorded in studios) sounded way louder and crisper than the audiobook. I really had to crank up the volume to listen to it properly.

Considering a major motion picture adaptation is in the works, a brand new recording should have been in the reckoning. Having said that, I'm still enjoying listening to it mostly due to the excellent narration.

Loved the hobbit like everyone told me I would. I never read it when I was younger so this was a great way to read it and to fit it into my tight schedule. The movie comes out in a few months so now I can't wait to see it! Rob Inglis' voices were great, and what a challenge he had with so many characters. He growls like a goblin, hisses like Gollum and sings like an Elf. Great job, entertaining and all around intriguing.

Rob Inglis' narration of the Hobbit sets the standard. It is perfect in every way, from the different voices he used, to his pacing, and intonation. The book is a fun book, but Inglis might actually make it better. It is throughly enjoyable.

Best listened to with some Longbottom pipe weed and a mug of ale. Good memories, havent read in a while.

Yes. The story is deep and wonderful. Performance is excellent.

The performance is excellent but people should understand that the style is a little different from the American style we are used to.

I haven't even finished this one and I can't wait to start the next. I am enthralled with this unabridged version. And Rob Inglis' narration is delicious indeed! The story springs to life with the various characters as Mr. Inglis deftly changes inflection and tone, giving each character a unique "voice".

The story itself is Tolkien at his best. Full of mystery and humor, daring-do and lots of twists. It will keep everyone enthralled!

Delightful in every way! A must listen for all! (Not just us Hobbits!)

Read this first

Bilbo was my favorite since I knew him from the later movies and saw how things got started.

NA

In the beginning

Loved the story and wish I had read it before I saw the trilogy. Can't wait to see this one.

I read this before and I love the story. The storyteller has a fantastic voice for this type of genre and does a great job with all of the voices including the singing. I've heard a lot of bad singing in the past that makes those parts awkward to listen to, this was great, actually it was better than reading the song.

Gandalf. He's Gandalf, thats why!

Gandalf.

Gandalf?

...Gandalf

Considering that these books have been favorites of mine for years, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the Audiobook and how much I enjoyed it.

The different voices.

I think I like it when the Bilbo sneaks away from the mountain to meet with the others and bargains away the Arkenstone.

actually yes. I usually read print when ever I can but supplement with audio. in the case of The Hobbit, the narrators performance was so exceptional, I actually preferred to listen to him read the book than my own plain English brain's interpretation. This was especially truer when it came to the singing parts of the story.

yes, I looked for opportunities to listen, e.g. I walked extra long just to listen more.