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)

Great book (of course) & great narration!

While I was expecting a wonderful story, I was not expecting the narrator to be as great as he was! It was very easy to listen to and the voices he used for each character were well done.

Clear and Entertaining

Of all the audio books I've listened to, this is the most clear. The sound effects are very entertaining. Gandolf is my fav - He is always there when needed.

Still my favorite book

I read The Hobbit in high school and immediately fell in love with Middle Earth and it's people. This version is very well done and gives me the opportunity to re-live the book whenever I want. I fly several times a year, and listening to The Hobbit this is one of my favorite things to do to pass the time.

Better than the movie

My title says it all, this is better than the movies. I have always been a fan of the series and first read this one over 40 years ago. It is still as good today. The narrator does a great job and I thoughly enjoyed it.

Great performance of a classic

The reputation of the Hobbit stands on its own, but in this performance, I love the tune and performance that the many songs were given.

A Childhood Treasure...With Terrible Soundtrack

Throughout my life (25 years), I've read this book over twenty times, and was very excited to make this audible read my twenty-first! I was not at all disappointed; the story is as enchanting as ever and I know there will come a time, as there always does, when I want to enter the Shire and the Lonely Mountain with Bilbo again. The next time, I may go for this audiobook over my haggard paperback copy.

A word of caution to anyone who enjoys music, or who was raised (as I was) as a diehard fan of the animated Hobbit/LOTR movies: I am very attached to the soundtrack of these films and have embraced their renditions of the songs and poems as "how they're supposed to sound". By far, the most painful part of this audiobook is listening to Mr. Inglis (who does a wonderful job otherwise) butcher the songs of my childhood. I don't know if he has access to information about the score as it was originally intended by Tolkien, but if this was him improvising...I would prefer that he...not. Him reading the poems and songs would have been preferable to what I, regrettably, sometimes just HAD to fast-forward though.

Overall, still well worth the credit.

I mean, duh, it's the Hobbit.

Like, ofc it was great, it's iconic. I do, however, think that it's quite long winded and it took me a long time to get through it. still, really fun and one of my all time faves.

Classic Awesomeness!

This is just a wonderful classic that will never get old. I have read this many times and now listen to it when the mood is right. It was very well performed and I enjoy it often.

Magical!

Great voice of the narrator. he plays out the roles so well. It was as good as reading the book itself!

What a classic

How can you improve on Tolkien?
An adventure of a simple hobbit, mix in some elves, dwarves, goblins and a wicked dragon, and you have all the ingredients of the best fantasy novel written.