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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: Elrond—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


If you love J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, then you know that all of the events of the story would be impossible without the half-Elf Elrond. Elrond, the Lord of Rivendell, lived in Middle-earth from the First Age to the beginning of the Fourth Age. It was with the help of Elrond that the evil Sauron was defeated and alliances were forged. Elrond is one of the most prominent characters throughout Tolkien's stories. But who is he and what is his story?

Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

Continue Your Journey
Through Middle-earth

What listeners say about The Hobbit

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a fantasy classic

I personally loved the narration but the singing was a bit rough but worth it.

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hate this narrator's singing

love the book but god he is awful at the songs ruins it for me

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Classic

What a great story. Always a classic. The intonation of the narrator adds so much to the story!

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Always is a good story to read and listen to!

As always, it is a pleasure to hear of Bilbo's adventure! It is full of adventure and a few hints of the Hero's Journey.... All and all, a good book to read and an even better one to have it read in audio format!

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Timeless Story

What did you love best about The Hobbit?

I loved hearing about Bilbo's adventures.

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

When the dragon died

What about Rob Inglis’s performance did you like?

He was able to perform each character differently. Even when there were songs, he sang them based on the character. Rob Inglis has a great vioce!

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

I enjoyed this book during my drives to and from work.

Any additional comments?

Now, I can watch the movie!!!

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Greatest so far!

The story got so fantastic and amazing I wasn't able to put it down! I had my phone playing the story day and day out!

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Best Narrator ever

Rob Inglis takes a wonderful story and makes it a full experience. From voices to song he brings you into the story.

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Love it

Perfect Book! Thank you Audible! Best Audible I ever heard! You don't need to fix anything in this Audible!

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This clears a high bar

This is my single favorite book in the world, and has been for nearly fifty years. I have read and re-read the book more times than I can count.. I approached the audiobook with a degree of trepidation, but the reader's treatment of this masterpiece is everything John Ronald might have hoped for.

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Amazing narration!!

I loved listening to this story so much. The narrator used so many voices. Each troll seemed to have their own voice. I couldn’t stop listening. I can’t wait to hear more stories red by Rob Inglis.

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