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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: The Best Family Audiobooks for All Ages


Sharing stories with your family can leave a lasting impression. As a parent, you probably remember the magic of having a book read aloud to you as a kid, and family audiobooks offer that same experience for your own children. Whether you’re looking to help increase literacy or discover the joy of group listening, our list has some of the best family audiobooks, from best sellers to newcomer favorites. Here are the best family audiobooks.

Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

Continue Your Journey
Through Middle-earth

What listeners say about The Hobbit

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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.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

My all time favorite

I've read this book more times than I can count. I find it inspiring and entertaining.

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Awesome

I am 8 and I love this story! Not too scary like my mom thought it would be. :) ha! Ha!

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Lovely at any age

This is such a great books for kids and adults alike. I’m listening to it for the first time as an 21 year old and even now it has the power to fill me with wonderment and joy.

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    4 out of 5 stars
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Better on Paperback

The Hobbit is a classic. If you are a lover of epic fantasy or a fan of Tolkien, this audio book is well worth your purchase. Tolkien's style can be a bit dry for some, or tedious: with his love of poetry and tendency to over describe landscapes.

I personally find the style endearing and warmly familiar, but it isn't for everyone and even for me I have to be in a Tolkien mood.

For those who might find the style to be difficult reading, an audio book is an ideal option.

However, if you're a fan of epic fantasy, unless you (like me) listen to audio books as something to distract while seeing to other tasks (jogging, household chores, etc) then I would recommend sticking to your hard copies!

The reader isn't bad, but I personally find his tones to be a bit dull and the rhythm of his voice makes me sleepy.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

The Hobbit

I've always loved this book, and I'm glad I got this to listen to at work. (I work the night shift) and the nights get very long and boring. Something to listen to is wonderful during the long nights.

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A great story

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

already said it- "A great story"

What did you like best about this story?

Tolkien is hard not to like. He was one of the first to truly wrap a fully conceived world around his story- and not just a world in the present tense- but a world rich with history.
This is probably my least favorite of his works, but is still fun to hear- when the new movie came out I realized I had given away my paperback copy and this was on sale.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Rob Inglis?

I would- he took a little getting used to, but for the right book he does a good job- I'd classify the hobbit as the right kind of book for him to narrate well.

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

It's a little long for all in one sitting

Any additional comments?

Enjoyed listening

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Awesome as ever

Great book and the narrator was wonderful. Definitely a reread in the future. If you need to fill some commute time this is the book.

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terrific story

i love this book. It is exciting from beginning till the end. the characters are very. colorful. The reader did an excellent job.

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goodness

really long and hard words for kids of the age of 10 and up enjoy!

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