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)

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.

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.

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.

Great Book!

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

Great narrator, crappy audio

The story and narrator are awesome, but the audio has fuzzy background noise that drops in and out. It’s quite annoying.

Very well done.

The Hobbit is a great story to begin with and Rob Inglis does a wonderful narration.

Simply Amazing! You will love it.

What did you love best about The Hobbit?

Growing up, I remember reading this story by my bedside and falling in love with the Shire. The way all of the food is described during the unexpected party always made me rush to the kitchen to find a nice cake to enjoy while reading! In this audio book, that feeling and the entire story is not only fully captured and re-mastered, I could not stop listening to it! The voice actor does an absolutely tremendous job with each character, and you feel like you are on the journey with Gandalf, the Dwarves, and of course Bilbo Baggins. I especially enjoyed hearing all of the songs that were written in the books, sung with real emotion and in tune.

What did you like best about this story?

I know the story well, and my favorite part of the story is definitely any and all of Bilbo's heroics. Both the mental heroics against Gollum's riddles, and the physical heroics against the Spiders and Goblins. Bilbo Baggins is a truly remarkable and honorable hobbitses.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Barrel ride!!

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

The story always leaves me with a sense of understanding what really matters in life. The life and values of Hobbits, although relatively modest, are lives we should all aspire to lead.

Any additional comments?

A must buy.

Captures the spirit of the book

What about Rob Inglis’s performance did you like?

Rob Inglis does an amazing performance.

It's hard not to compare every character's voice and performance etc. w/those in the Peter Jackson films, but even then Rob Inglis still manages to hold his own against them—and this was decades before the story became as famous as it is now.

The Hobbit audio

This was excellent! The reader was so intriguing and very well spoken. This was very well done!

Awesome!!!

Waited to see all of the movies before I read the books... loved being able to listen to this brilliant tell. Must listen to it again!!!