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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 Family Audiobooks for All Ages


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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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  • LJ
  • 09-26-22

The classic original!

So wonderful to hear the master’s words as he wrote them! Much more genuine than all the media hype of the movies. Ingris sounds like Tolkien himself is telling the story. He is the voice I hear inwardly when I read The Hobbit each year.! This is a real keeper! Thanks Audible!

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A fantastic telling of this classic story!

I remember listening to this audiobook once when I was younger and being enthralled with Rob Inglis' performance. After finishing this again, I still am! The Hobbit is a great story that started one of the most famous fantasy series of all time, and I loved every moment listening to this on my way to and from work. Highly recommend this reading, and don't forget to watch the movie trilogy as well!

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars
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STOP SINGING!!!

The story is great, and the narration is good, for the most part, but the singing is absolutely God awful! Would be much better if the narrator read the songs as poems rather than singing because the singing is terrible.

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Time Flies

The narrator did a great job. I didn't even skip the songs and poems.

This was my first novel as a kid and it was better as an adult.

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Love this story so much

One of my favorite books ever. And the story teller was amazing. He's a good spur of the moment singer too

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Amazingly captivating

Rob Inglis does a wonderful job of pulling you into the most amazing story. I thought it would be merely entertaining, but in truth the story is much more. A true masterpiece.

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Masterpiece

The story is lovely, funny and oh so cozy. The performance by Rob Inglis is exceptional and I can’t wait to listen to the rest.

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Tolkein's books are the best get away adventures!

Mr Inglis read this book so very well! Definitely worth relistening at any time!

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Fantastic reader

I am sure most know The Hobbit itself to be a classic but this version of the recording is marvelous. Rob Inglis narrates the book in a delicious British accent bringing the various characters to life with many different voices. He is consistent in his quality from beginning to end in this unabridged version. Highly recommend.

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A classic!

Of course the book itself is amazing but the narration by Rob Inglis is just like a cozy chair. My kids love listening to his reading of the whole series. The new recordings by Andy Serkis are also great but in a different way. I think it is two different experiences, but this one is my favorite!

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