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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: The Best Fantasy Audiobook Series


There is nothing like a great fantasy series, one that invites you to bring yourself into an inventive world unlike our own. And a masterful fantasy audiobook can further enhance that feeling, taking an engaging reading experience and amping it up to the realm of total immersion. Marked by brilliant narration and perfect character voices, a stellar audiobook series takes an already amazing fantasy saga and transforms it into an unforgettable adventure. If you’re looking for the best fantasy book series to listen to, these titles are a great place to start.

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What listeners say about The Hobbit

Average customer ratings
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my favorite book ever.

I love love love this book. going to listen to Lord of the rings next.

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Welcome to middle earth.

Would you consider the audio edition of The Hobbit to be better than the print version?

I can't say.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I love Bilbo. Here is a hobbit who had no use for adventure, but he found out that there is more to life then just living in a hole.

What does Rob Inglis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He adds a great singing voice to the story when it is called for.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

I loved the chapters that involve the battle of the five armies.

Any additional comments?

I have listened to one other version of this book from my library for the blind, and I can tell you that the commercial version is much better, because the narrator is British, and as I stated above, He sings when it is called for.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

classic

Would you consider the audio edition of The Hobbit to be better than the print version?

no

Would you be willing to try another book from J. R. R. Tolkien? Why or why not?

not really. I was underwhelmed. I was happy enough, realizing I was listening to a classic. But it is for children, not adults.

What about Rob Inglis’s performance did you like?

It was well done.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

no

Any additional comments?

good listening. Family friendly.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

First Time Ever Reading The Hobbit

Shocking I know but I have never read The Hobbit. Always wanted to but never got around to it so when Audible released the audio version I immediately bought it. Overall I truly enjoyed the book and found it to be extremely entertaining from start to finish. Rob Inglis does an incredible job with the crazy amounts of voices and singing he does through the book.

Overall truly enjoyed The Hobbit, it wasn't the epic I originally thought it might be but was entertaining nonetheless.

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Love the narrator

I love the book and have read it six times. This is my seventh time, and my first listening to it. The Rob Inglis does an extraordinary job. I would recommend d this, along with The Lord of the Rings, also by Tolkien, and narrated by Rob Inglis.

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timeless excitement and adventure

hearing this book brought back the excitement of my first reading. don't miss hearing this!

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excellent performance of an excellent story

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

absolutely. I have read this book before but really enjoyed hearing it aloud, and the narrator did a great job of bringing the characters to life.

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Review of The Hobbit

I love it. This is such a good story that I don't think I need to say more. The reader's performance is fine and doesn't take away from the story at all.

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great

better than the movie! This makes more sense with how the story is told.

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Phenomenal

I have recommended this to everyone I know that likes to read books. What a great start to Tolkiens middle earth books.

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