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The Hobbit  By  cover art

The Hobbit

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Rob Inglis
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Publisher's summary

Like every other hobbit, Bilbo Baggins likes nothing better than a quiet evening in his snug hole in the ground, dining on a sumptuous dinner in front of a fire. But when a wandering wizard captivates him with tales of the unknown, Bilbo becomes restless. Soon he joins the wizard’s band of homeless dwarves in search of giant spiders, savage wolves, and other dangers. Bilbo quickly tires of the quest for adventure and longs for the security of his familiar home. But before he can return to his life of comfort, he must face the greatest threat of all - a treasure-troving dragon named Smaug.

In this fantasy classic, master storyteller J.R.R. Tolkein creates a bewitching world filled with delightful creatures and thrilling dangers. Narrator Rob Inglis will hold listeners of all ages spellbound with his skillful portrayal of hobbits, dwarves, and enchanted beasts.

©1966 J.R.R. Tolkien (P)1991 Recorded Books

Critic reviews

"Rob Inglis expertly bridges the gap between the whimsical, childlike aspects of Tolkien's fantasy classic and the hints of darker things to come later in The Lord of the Rings. Though content to enjoy his cozy life, cheerful hobbit Mr. Bilbo Baggins agrees to help his wizard friend Gandalf aid a group of dwarves seeking their lost treasure. As their various adventures ensue, Inglis treats listeners to a tour-de-force performance rich in colorful characterizations and several engaging singing performances. This story should be the unquestionable starting point for those venturing into Tolkien’s Middle-earth. Listeners experience a vocal performance that is in turn charming, gripping, a little scary, and always engaging." (AudioFile magazine)

Featured Article: Who Is J.R.R. Tolkien? Celebrating the Incomparable Creator of Middle-earth


J.R.R. Tolkien, author of The Lord of the Rings epic, has an annual day devoted to reveling in his books. Established by the Tolkien Society in 2003. Tolkien Reading Day is held each year on March 25—the date marking the downfall of the terrible Dark Lord, Sauron (the Lord of the Rings). Before you dive into re-listening to your favorite passages, why not take learn more about the writer, scholar, linguist, and visionary behind the fantasy phenomenon?

Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

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What listeners say about The Hobbit

Average customer ratings
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5 stars for the (almost) 5 feet of bilbo

love the hobbit and rings books but the performance from this man made it mesmerising

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A fantastic adventure that never gets old

I've read the physical book and it was a nice change to listen to it for a second revisit of a classic.

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loved it !!!!

great listening well read, felt as if I were one the sidelines watching the story play out

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Great Tale, Poor Voice Work

Absolute classic story. The narration itself was wonderful, however, the various character voices were often very annoying. Perhaps I am just too used to the film versions, but his Gollum/Smeagol was nearly unbearable. I almost skipped the entire segment.

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Fun read and easy to follow.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves a good tale of old magic, good friends and Dragons.

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Classic version of a classic...

What made the experience of listening to The Hobbit the most enjoyable?

The chance to listen to a book which I had previously only read for myself was a nice surprise. Very well done performance.

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What can you say? It's The Hobbit.

Loved it. All of the background from. The master himself. You can see why LOTR is so popular as well.

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Incredible story, exceptional telling

I can't believe the breadth of this performance, and how truly it makes the story come to life. The voices of Gollum and the wood spiders are especially compelling, but everyone from the booming confidence of Gandolf to the humility and surprising courage of Bilbo are brought to sublime life. Couldn't recommend this audiobook more, for folks of all ages! This is an excellent children's story and an approachable telling--but as a full-grown man I insist that it will appeal to folks of all ages and backgrounds. Highly recommended!

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Narrator captured story

👍🏽👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿👏🏿. The book came to live thanks to narrator. Loved the story and wish they wrote em like this now

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classic

this is a great story and the narrator brings it to life by singing the songs and giving voices to each person.

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