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)

Always Love to Revisit This One

This is probably my 4th or 5th time reading The Hobbit, and it's always a joy to revisit this one. This time, I listened on audiobook on a trip home from the beach, with soothed a bit of my frustration about having to leave the ocean behind.

I love the progression of Bilbo from the first page to the last. This is a fun adventure in a fantastical world.

The narration is good.

Adventures galore!

My sons, now grown, have asked me to read The Hobbit for years! When I told them I had begun, they said, "Now you will understand us in a whole new way!" They were right. Best audible yet!!!

Rob Inglis is incredible.

If you love the writings of Tolkien, the best way to experience his work is by listening to Rob Inglis read it. He is extremely talented.

It's alright

Good performance. I listened to the book 2 weeks before the release of the movie. This book is a lot more fun when you're in the 4th grade vs. being 42. The movie does a good job of following the book.

an amazing book

I love ❤ this book so much. this is my fourth time reading it I can't wait to hear the Lord of the Rings series.

Quite good

I enjoyed the story and the voices done were quite nice. I did wish there was a bit more variety to how the songs were performed but that's just me getting picky.

An ever enriching classic<br />

I have read or listened to this tale multiple times since childhood. It never fails to make me laugh and sigh for sweeter times.

Classic Tale!

Yes! This is a classic book. This amazing journey follows the hobbit and the narrator brings every character to life!

the singing wasn't good

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

The Hobbit by now is such a classic that I don't think it needs to be recommended or if there are what you could call "special moments" - it is all a wonderful meandering story of friendship, adventure, travel and wisdom.

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

I do most fervently wish he wouldn't sing. He's got a lovely voice for narration but the same could not be said about his singing skills. I ended up fast forwarding every single moment when he tried to sing those lovely poems and songs in the test. Actually, I felt embarrassed - it was so bad. Quiet narrative instead would have been lovely. That's the only reason I put 3 stars for otherwise really good narration.

If you watched the movies first and...

If you watched the movies first and have listened to Roy Dotrice narrate A Song of Ice and Fire then your expectations are too high. The movies add so much more detail. 3, 3-hour long movies.. that's the same as Lord of the Rings. And those were 3 books all thicker than The Hobbit.
And few can live up to Roy Dotrice's performances. He's set the world record for most characters in a book by a single voice actor. Not to say this story and performance aren't bad. They're just underwhelming in comparison.