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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

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My favorite childhood book, performed brilliantly.

I absolutely love the performance of this reading of the Hobbit. Many of the voices reminded me of how my mom used to read it to me when I was a toddler. My only issue I had with it was that the audio was not leveled out to keep in the same volume spectrum throughout. Some of the voices were just so shrill that even though I did not adjust the volume, it SEEMED to be so much louder than the rest of the telling (namely the parts with Gollum). Other than that, I would highly recommend this rendition. It was also my very first audiobook I chose to listen to using this service. (And it will definitely be listened to repeatedly.)

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bookends

I was in my early twenties when I first read this book. The paperback still sits proudly on my shelf. I loved it then. I thought about it many times through my life. Now I am in my 70s and I've listened to it again. The love for the book has not died. Read and enjoy throughout your life.The narration is wonderful too.

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Excellent as always

I’ve read and listened to this series countless times. Always a pleasure and excellently done

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A well rendered audiobook of a classic

Of course everyone is aware the story is great. Thankfully the performance does justice to it!

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The Narrator was amazing

The narrator did an amazing job singing the songs in the book and narrating the book. The story was also much simpler than I expected. I kinda like the new stories in the movie like with Legolas, Tauriel and Kili. I think those additions made the movie better than the book. Overall, I liked the book! I’d give it a 7/10.

Also if you’d like to make your experience listening to the audio book even better… listen to LOTR ambience music from YouTube at the same. It makes it even better!

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a wonderful narration

Rob Inglis does a fantastic job with all the voices and songs in this adventure and The Lord of the Rings.

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love it

Rob was incredible. he has a great voice. the singing was wonderful as well. thank you

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Excellent story and story teller

This is one of my favorites books. Rob Inglis brings Tolkien's characters to life. I highly recommend this book to anyone. I found it very enjoyable.

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"This is quality! As good as it gets!"

The narrator is absolutely phenomenal! And of course, the story is too! Classic fantasy

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Such a wonderful story

One of my favorite books that I could listen to over and over again! Every child should be required to read

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