I love the scope of the story, this is the start of a tale within the midst of an even larger mythology. There are so many deep nooks and crannies in this book -- all of the side stories and songs that get told by the characters, and their own backstories -- it feels like a road trip where you see glimpses of loveliness and mystery as you drive, and sometimes you get to stop and take a bit of closer look, but then you have to drive on, hoping that one day you'll get a chance to see more of it. But don't get me wrong, the main story is gorgeous in itself.

It sounds like he had a merry old time reading this book. It's contagious.

It makes me do both. Though it is only the beginning of the trilogy, it is so much about endings and memories, and beautiful things that are to pass away, and some that are gone from the world. But there are truly funny moments too. Even though Tolkien's prose is very poetic and about a fantasy world, it feels true to life.

Heroic quest epic.

This has always been one of my favorite stories, from childhood. It's always delightful to reread it.

I don't know who I would prefer, but Rob Inglis is just not working for me. He did The Hobbit. Now I've got three LOR rings with him, and I just don't like his characterizations or the way he emphasizes his sentences. Plus, he's slow. Yes, you can speed it up a bit, but then it's off.

Yes.

Okay I am not going to go into a review of the story. If you don't know it, just go ahead and download the book. Its a classic you should have long since read.

Now onto the narration. Excellent. At points in reading this book I felt it dragged but its Tolkien, its Middle Earth, its Elves. I dealt with it because the story over all was good. NONE of that dragging comes in when listening to the Audio book. You stay engaged, or entranced. The Narrator does and excellent job telling the story, giving life to the characters and even pulls off the singing parts as well.

Often the Narrations can ruin a good book. But it can also make a good book soar beyond expectations, and that is what this narrator did for this book.

It's so easy to get completely lost in the story of this book. It's excellently written and has certainty stood the test f time.

The singing! And the multitude of difference characters he was able to portray.

Too many annoying/verbose songs that really don't add all that much to it. Other than that it's very good.

Whether you have seen the movie, read the books, or have not yet been introduced to the series, you will come away from this recording with a better understanding of the book, the world, and the author himself, for one large reason: narration.
In my own opinion, this is one of the best ways to introduce a new reader to Tolkien. As a matter of fact, this edition on CDs was the way I was introduced, right before the Fellowship of the Ring came out. I have become a voracious Tolkien scholar since.
This format allows many aspects of Tolkien's style and character to come out: mainly, that of his fondness for epic poetry and storytelling in the traditional sense (that is, out loud). The songs and pieces of poetry, narrated by Rob Inglis, now gain meaning that was lost when read to oneself silently.
And as for Rob Inglis himself, he brings such passion and voice to the story, that I often feel as if Tolkien himself is reading to me straight out of the book, as he would often read to his children or students; make no mistake, Tolkien did this, and it shows in his writing and is only highlighted in this definitive audio resource.

It's a classic, and a favorite that I've grown up with. I thought the audiobook would be perfect, but I didn't take into consideration all those songs that Tolkien loved to write. It's the only reason I couldn't listen to it straight through, and ultimately why I didn't finish it.

Yes! so much detail, I need to listen again.

I've seen the movies but the book explains things.

great voices!

laughed a couple times, not really cry but pulled on the heart strings a little.

This narration has made my favorite book come alive in a way that only an English accent could! Singing the songs was most pleasant, for I find them hard to read. Cannot wait to start this one over again.

I highly recommend this version of this story. I admit i am a bit biased here because htis is one of my favoite books, but i can say i have very high standards as a result.
This book did not disappoint.
Rob Inglis does a masterful job with characters coming to life.
The only negative here is that when listening to a book you must endure all of the poems & songs.
otherwise i highly recommend this book.