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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: Gimli—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


This guide will introduce you to Gimli son of Glóin, one of the nine members of the Company that sets out with Frodo to destroy the One Ring, and a major character in both The Lord of the Rings books and movies. Who is Gimli? Does he have any children? Does he die? What's the deal with his friendship with Legolas? Here's everything you could want to know about Gimli, the Dwarf who was embraced by a band of Hobbits, and the important role he plays.

Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

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What listeners say about The Hobbit

Average customer ratings
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  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    53,786
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    8,189
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    1,966
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Story
  • 5 out of 5 stars
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    49,127
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    6,209
  • 3 Stars
    1,678
  • 2 Stars
    353
  • 1 Stars
    310

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Exceptional classic

Worth every second of your time listening to this classic story. Will never go out of style.

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A classic tale read by a master Narrator

Tolkien's enchanting prelude to The Lord of the Rings is here read by a master of the craft. The story flows flawlessly and it keep the listener/reader engaged.

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An enjoyable journey through a familiar world

This audiobook was amazingly well done by Rob Inglis. It took me a chapter to get used to his style, but by the end of the book I was having dreams with his voice narrating the events.

The hobbit itself is an enjoyable book, and you can of course read better reviews of the story elsewhere. In terms of the audiobook though, I would highly recommend it if you wish to read the Hobbit.

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I loved this version of The Hobbit

The narrator was particularly good, even singing the dwarves songs ust the way I imagined them!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Timeless

This is the book that started fantasy. The story is the thing. This epic story is the ring cycle that rules them all.

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Perfect Narration!

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

The songs, the voices, the characters, everything is perfect. I can't wait to listen to the LOTR trilogy by Rob, Absolutely Brilliant.

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Love it!!

Rob Inglis is the best! Love his performance/reading of all the Tolkien books I have read so far. Couldn't ask for anyone better to have read them.

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Ho-ho-hum Hobbit

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

Although I rated it highly because it's a great book - listening grew tiresome toward the end.

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Best Fairytale there is!

I've read this many times. Great to have it on audiobooks now. Still love it.

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Best Book Ever!

Would you listen to The Hobbit again? Why?

yes! i love the surprises, cliff-hangers, and it kept me wondering what was going to next in each chapter!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Bombur! his weight was always getting him into trouble. love him!

Which scene was your favorite?

When Bilbo was deep in the mountain with Gollum and they were both guessing the answer to each others riddles!

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

Yes! it kept me wondering what was going to happen next!

Any additional comments?

loved it!

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