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)

Fun story

You know the story, but here is a performance filled with what seems like a thousand voices, and all of them are rich in personality and character!

A classic

Enjoyed listening for the first time after reading many times. Narration was well done. Recommended.

Reading Was Great!

The first chapter was a little bit of a struggle for me to listen to. After that, the book really takes off and narrator does a terrific job!

Can it get any better than this?

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

Of course.

Who was your favorite character and why?

All the Hobbits...I've read the entire series 3-4 times, and saw all the movies, sometimes twice.

Fantastic - A great way to experience the story!

If you could sum up The Hobbit in three words, what would they be?

Magical.
Transformative.
Wondrous.

Who was your favorite character and why?

I really enjoy the narrator character of this story. The book is set up as somebody telling you the story, and the narrator often adds funny little side comments throughout. This keeps the story fun and engaging.

Which scene was your favorite?

The dwarves first coming, uninvited to Bilbo's hobbit hole makes me laugh every time, regardless of how many times I've read it!

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

*SPOILERS*
Bilbo and Thorin reconciling at the end of the story is a very moving scene.

Any additional comments?

Great book, and a wonderful reading! Rob Inglis adds so much to the story, and really makes it come alive.

Wonderfuk!

Inglis does an absolutely wonderful job. This, along with The Lord of the Rings Trilogy, make for a long, and enjoyable listen.

Great book

The story was wonderful, of course! And the narration was on the whole very good, but the songs were all performed in the same dull manner with little regard to their feel.

Absolutely fascinating storytelling of a classic.

My family and I loved listening to this version. the narrator did amazing work with the voicing. It was amusing and entertaining.

Still Magical

This is a fun and magical book that is brought to life by Rob Ingles. I love the songs and rhymes. It is a fun book to escape into.

Super Audio Performance

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

My husband and I enjoyed listening to The Hobbit while staying at a peaceful B&B that had little electronic media. We very much enjoyed watching the fire as the story of the hobbits, elves, and other folk of middle earth unfolded. Rob Inglis is amazing as a storyteller.

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

The chapter of the entrapment of the dwarfs by the spiders and Bilbo's subsequent rescue of them was truly exciting (and creepy)!

Which scene was your favorite?

I loved the description of the shire and Misty Mountains.

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

The movie has been made and was wonderful in it's own way.