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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: Peregrin "Pippin" Took—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


Pippin is just a "tween" (between the ages of 20 and 33 for Hobbits) when he gets swept up in the greatest battle between good and evil that Middle-earth has seen in thousands of years. Faced with terror, danger, and impossible choices, Pippin matures over the course of The Lord of the Rings series. The young Hobbit who leaves the Shire because he loves his friends and wants to help them is not the Hobbit who returns, wiser and somber but still hopeful.

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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I finally see

I can understand why so many fantasy writers revear Tolkien now. He is really good. The singing was really on point too. Great performance.

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LOVED IT!

I'm a complete LOTR geek, so of course I enjoyed having it read to me immensely!

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Still wonderful

No matter if it's the first or the tenth time one reads The Hobbit, you will never tire of the courage, loyalty and life lessons it contains.

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Truly enjoyed the readings by Rob Inglis.

Looking forward to listening to The Lord of the Rings read by him. Tolkien is remarkable.

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Thoroughly enjoyed it

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

Yes - I particularly like the fact that the songs are song. So much better than reading words on a page

Who was your favorite character and why?

Clearly Bilbo. He is just full of surprises.

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As wonderful the 100th time as it was the first.

Would you listen to The Hobbit again? Why?

Oh yes, the story is amazing and the reader the best.

What does Rob Inglis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His reading brings the story to life.

Any additional comments?

That other readers would take lessons from Mr. Inglis.

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Excellent

This was an excellent book, written with craft and humor, and performed with sublime detail and art. A motion picture in the vivid imagination far surpassing even the foremost modern cinema.

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Wonderfully writen and spectacularly read!

This was always one of my favorite books. Rob makes it even better. It really reminds me of the old cartoon movie.

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All the Comforts of a Hot Chocolate and Warm Fire

What did you love best about The Hobbit?

I love the narrator's dynamic reading. His rendition of the dwarf songs added a layer of magic to the book that one can only get by listening. (I always skipped the songs in my readings because I am not musically inclined).

Who was your favorite character and why?

I'm rather fond of Gandalf the Grey. I think he embodies boldness, grit, and wisdom that engages my attention in new ways each time I encounter this story.

Have you listened to any of Rob Inglis’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

I have not, but I found this one enjoyable.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

No extreme reactions, but it was great fun.

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Great Book!

I love this book! The voice is very well done and puts the book to life.

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