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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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Wonderful writing, story, and performance

What a treat to read and enjoy this work. The reader was splendid and of course the book itself was wonderfully written!

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Great book and well narrated.

There are a lot of books in life that I never got to experience when I was younger. Now I’m older, and with the invention of audiobooks I am now able to do stuff that I normally do but also able to listen to books and this is the coolest book ever the way it’s narrated. It makes you just want to sit down close your eyes and just imagine everything which I find myself doing a lot so whether young or old, it never hurts to take a few hours and listen to classic.

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There and back again

I’ve enjoyed all of Tolkien’s books and this one was no exception! Definitely recommend it.

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wonderful

Everything was first class, from the narration to the story itself. The book is rich in detail yet leaving room for the imagination.

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My childhood in 11 hours

I listened to this many times as a kid, checking it out from the local library on cassette tapes. This narrator is phenomenal... I'm so glad I was able to find it!

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There and back again...

It was a joy to listen to this, a wonderful tale read beautifully. Both the author and artist, masters of their craft. But don't take my word for it, listen for yourselves and see by and by why everyone loves The Hobbit.

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One of the best books ever!

I loved everything about this book. The reader was incredible, and the voices he did for each character left me stunned! Couldn’t have asked for a better time than listening to this. The story was extraordinary with so much detail and depth, and I could picture the beautiful scenery. Incredible.

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adventure

lots of adventure! only thing I didn't care for is the singing, and some of the adventures felt fast/rushed. still a classic.

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Great story

Loved the story and the way in which it is told. Prefer it to the movie version

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Ugh.

The singing. I could not take the awful singing. Other than that, totally enjoyable and brought back memories of when I first read it.

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