The Hobbit

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Rob Inglis

Length: 11 hrs and 5 mins

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)

Great performance by the narrator!

Listened to the same narrator perform the Lord of the Rings trilogy--this one doesn't disappoint. A definitely enjoyable listen.

sing not

great reading just don't sing wasn't poorly sung just better to use imagination for it

A wonderfull Adventure!

The narrorator did an amazing job! He sang the songs that where provided along with giving each character their own voice.

A Tolkien fan through and through I will make sure I pick him for the rest of the Lord of the Rings series!

Also the epic tail of Mr.Bilbo and the companions of Thorin OakenShield is and always will be a Classic. Love it!

The Hobbit, a real listening pleasure.

Would you listen to The Hobbit again? Why?

Yes, Audible is my new favorite way to "read" this book.

What did you like best about this story?

Wonderful voice actor.

What about Rob Inglis’s performance did you like?

Command of various character voices.

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

Super Tolkien fan here, everything moves me.

Any additional comments?

I've read the book silently and aloud (to my family) a number of times, but this is the best experience of it yet.

Great then. Great now.

I have never been an avid reader at any time in my life. I was in my mid-20's when I read The Hobbit. It was fascinating to me. Several years ago when they came out with the epic movie version, I had to watch it. I have it on my drive, and watch it about once a year.

Last week, I bought the Audible version. It is quite good. I generally like "full-cast" versions of books, but this is one of the best single narrator books I have ever heard. His many voices and singing of the songs is very well done.

I have one of my Kindles next to my bed, and listen to a chapter every time I lie down. It will also be a wonderful companion if I take a long drive.

If you have any interest at all in JRR Tolkiens works, this will be a delightful addition to your library.

great book. reader is very annoying with voices

this is one of my favorite books. unabridged which is nice. the reader is so annoying with the voice acting though. why do the characters need to be so exaggerated? at some point I turned it out an enjoyed it.

Love it!

I have always wanted to read this story and this was an enjoyable alternative. The narrator was quite good and his singing voice was awesome as well. On to read the Lord of the rings!

The hobbit is a great book highly recommended even for children

It is a great book my 11 year old daughter has listened to it so much that she can recite the verses from it. And my 14-year-old son loves this book my children go to sleep listening to it. My daughter says she likes it even for the movie. In highly recommend it great book great Arthur and each of the characters seem to have a different sound person who read it did a very good job.

Rob Inglis is amazing!

Rob Inglis is the dream voice of these stories! I love how he reads and especially how he sings! Amazing job!

Still a Tolkien classic

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

No not specifically. Audio and the written word both have there time and places.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Hobbit?

Meeting the trolls

What aspect of Rob Inglis’s performance would you have changed?

I imagine it is difficult and very personal to each listener, but he just did not portray enough character depth. For example John Lee. Or to have multiple readers such Audible did with Dracula or Cloud Atlas

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

Get Peter Jackson to Produce it.