The Hobbit (Dramatized)

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: An Ensemble Cast

Length: 4 hrs and 13 mins

Publisher's summary

Here is the original American full dramatization of The Hobbit, as broadcast on National Public Radio.

Bilbo Baggins, a gentle hobbit who loves the comforts of home, reluctantly joins a company of dwarves on a journey to recover plundered gold from a fierce dragon. It's a tale of high adventure and astonishing courage, and a magical prelude to the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

They're precious! Listen to all of our classic NPR dramatizations of J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings series:

The Fellowship of the Ring (Dramatized)

The Two Towers (Dramatized)

The Return of the King (Dramatized)

©The J.R.R. Tolkien Copyright Trust (P)1979, 1994 HighBridge Company

Critic reviews

"The best available." ( Booklist)
"This collection...is a masterpiece." ( The Courier)
"Spirited productions...stirring music." ( Washington Post)

Just get the book, no dramatization needed

Found the music and sound effects didn't add as much as they distracted, and the voices didn't seem like a good fit.

Phenomenal!!

Since I was in third grade I have loved this book and this cast is just marvelous, it is just vividly laid out and just a wonderful story

wonderful story!

from start to finish a genuinely wonderful story that kept me captivated looking for more. I am grateful two of listened to this audiobook.

Perfect Dramatization

Exactly as I remember it from when I was a kid and would fall asleep listening to it every night

Outstanding performance

The actors and music add so much texture while leaving the pictures to our imaginations!

Terrible

Is there anything you would change about this book?

This is a fantastic story written by one of the best ENGLISH writers ever. This AMERICAN dramatization lacks every nuance and mastery of the original wording and language it was written in. And, Thorin - never in all my readings of this book (which are many) did I ever imagine Thorin to sound like Peter Fonda a la War and Peace. The actor, while likely fine in other roles - maybe a western?, has no affinity for the story or the character. And, he lacks any finesse in his tongue to wrap himself around the proper pronunciation of many of Tollkien's well-named places, characters or the elven or dwarfish words. In his mouth; words, the character, and the story actually sound painful to the ear (you know they are painful for him to say). The character sounds lazy and bored. And Thorin is neither; he's likely the most complex character in the book as he wrestles with his own pride, his affections for his fellow travelers, and what it means to lead this group. And, Bilbo, rather than sounding mostly innocent, ends up just sounding like an idiot. This could have been so good with the right cast - with an all-british cast. Instead, it's horrible and really not worth the money.

What did you like best about this story?

Tolkien's original story. Read that, you'll get more out it.

Who would you have cast as narrator instead of An Ensemble Cast?

Ben Kingsley, Hugo Weaving, Dan Stevens

Do you think The Hobbit (Dramatized) needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

NO - No please, not with this ensemble cast; please don't make anyone else suffer through this again. If you create a follow-up book or Hobbit with an ensemble cast, make sure it's an all-British cast that's been classically trained. One that can pronounce names and places correctly and that understands the evolution of these characters and brings that to the reading and their voices. Most American's really lack the finesse in language to tackle most English or foreign readings - we just aren't trained that way. And leave all Peter Fonda wannabes and sound-alikes out. That has it's own place and it's not in Tolkien.

Hobbit Fun

A must listen for you and your children. Fun, engaging, and wonderful theater of the mind.

Enchanting

I am a slow reader and don’t have the time to sit and read a book. I had always wanted to read Tolkien’s Hobbit and Lord of the Rings and listening to the story was my best option. I was so pleased with this dramatized version of The Hobbit. I was enthralled and captivated by the performances and give this recording five stars! I can’t wait for my next credit to listen to The Lord of the Rings trilogy! Those credits can’t get here fast enough!
Audible 20 review Sweepstakes Entry.

great book

This was a great story... and great dramatization. I enjoyed this almost as much as the movie.

Like watching the movie!

I really loved the dramatized version. Reminds me of the old radio programs. Granted I'm to young to have seen any. Can't wait to hear more!