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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

Continue Your Journey
Through Middle-earth

What listeners say about The Hobbit

Average customer ratings
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There is a reason it is a classic.

I enjoyed this book and its performance, even if a bit over acted at times. I will listen to it again.

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As good as always

Having read the book many times since I was a teen, and now watching the movies, I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the story. Ron Inglis does a wonderful job with voices and songs. I would highly recommend this audio book.

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PHENOMENON!!

The story was GREAT - ofcourse! But the NARRATOR MADE IS SO MUCH BETTER. He has such a wonderful voice. And he sings so well! If listen to this story again, which I probably will, I look forward to all the merrimaking and SINGING because this narrator is just THAT good!!!

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It's the Hobbit what else is there to say?

The Hobbit is a classic, so there is no need to give my personal opinion about that. But I will say the narrator did a fantastic job. I enjoyed this audio book very much.

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Wonderful

I have loved the reading of this book, very well done in my opinion. A great work that the imagination can enjoy

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Terrific

I’ve always loved this book. I️ just finished the audiobook and I️ must say the narrator truly brings the story to life. Dare I️ say I️ found it even more enjoyable to listen to than to read! I️ highly recommend this audiobook.

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Wonderfully performance

A wonderful story, read in a wonderful performance. The reader does a wonderful job making the Story come to life. You completely forget that it's only one reader. His voice is perfect

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beautiful

The performance of this book lifts it from story to legend. The world of Tolkien come to life through the narration, including the wonderful singing of the songs. So much better than I imagined for myself.

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A classic comes to life by spoken word

Where does The Hobbit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

In terms of fiction, near the top.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Too hard to say.

Which scene was your favorite?

Again, too hard to say.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

Again -- just too hard to choose one.

Any additional comments?

Listening to it in its entirety was a treat, just as spellbinding and hard to put down as the book.

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Got to love the Unabridged version.

What did you like best about this story?

Unique voices for all characters, that he sang poems and songs.

Which character – as performed by Rob Inglis – was your favorite?

Rob Inglis is a great story teller and brought all characters to life.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

Follow the story! Hint Hint Peter Jackson.

Any additional comments?

I love this book and wanted to listen to it before I saw the movies so I had a fresh memory of the book.

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