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)

Another great Listen

Would you listen to The Hobbit again? Why?

I really have enjoyed reading the Hobbit and the Lord of the rings. This year my wife bought me the lord of the rings audio books and so I picked up the Hobbit. Rob Inglis does a great job of walking us through the story and keeping the reading interesting. I enjoy each book I have heard him read. Thanks for another great offering for a great book.

Finally "read" The Hobbit

What made the experience of listening to The Hobbit the most enjoyable?

After having watched the film, I finally broke down and listened to The Hobbit. I have read the LOTR trilogy, and I have tried to read The Hobbit before, but I just couldn't get into it. Listening to it made the experience enjoyable. I finally found myself being engrossed by the tale.

What other book might you compare The Hobbit to and why?

LOTR, of course

Which scene was your favorite?

I liked that the thunder battle and the stone giants turned out to be a part of the book!

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

It's already a film!

Any additional comments?

At first, I found the narrator's Thorin and Gandalf voices to be very annoying. I almost stopped listening because I disliked the way he did these two characters' voices. However, after giving it enough time, I became accustomed to it.

Duh

Good book... but yeah, it's the hobbit. Why am I reviewing this right now. You already know it's good, duh.

excellent

great story and excellent narration. I would recommend this to young and old. thanks to the production team

Good memories

Best listened to with some Longbottom pipe weed and a mug of ale. Good memories, havent read in a while.

A MAGICAL ADVENTURE

The audio was absolutely magnificent. Golum's character was brought to life so beautifully and the other dwarves were voiced so wonderfully. Each character was brought to life with such variety and passion. I was able to tell who was speaking and there were 14 plus different characters who all needed different voices. The enthusiasm was brilliant and the book was so alive and enchanting to listen to. For those who don't think the hobbit is such an easy book to read on its own, this makes it so much easier! I would recommend this to anyone who seeks adventure and loves a great fantasy novel to pass down for generations!

Amazing story by Tolkien!

Narrator grew on me and he was very good. The Hobbit is a classic with adventure and humor.

Great Experience

Rob Inglis was the perfect reader for this book and doubled the quality with his intriging reading and dramatic flare. I highly recommend this book to any one who has a love of extrodanary things that come from the most ordinary places, and enjoys quality audio. FIVE STARS!!!!!

Excellent Listen

The narrator is excellent. I loved listening to him tell this amazing story. Highly recommend.

Classic

Obviously a well known, time honored story so I can't say much about the story itself. Rob Inglis' narration was perfect. I can't imagine anyone doing a better job at bringing the characters to life. Even though I've read the book a dozen times, I couldn't stop listening to the audio version.