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The Hobbit (Dramatized)  By  cover art

The Hobbit (Dramatized)

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: An Ensemble Cast
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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)

    Featured Article: Galadriel—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


    Galadriel is one of the most significant characters both in J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings trilogy and the wide history of Middle-earth more generally. If you've listened to The Lord of the Rings or seen any of the film adaptations, then you're likely well aware of who Galadriel is. But what, exactly, makes her so important? What is her history? This character guide is here to answer all of your questions about the powerful Elf Galadriel, the Lady of Lórien.

    Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

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    What listeners say about The Hobbit (Dramatized)

    Average customer ratings
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    • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    Story
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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      4 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Great for home, bad for car

    I selected this version because I wanted to listen to something engaging while driving with my family. Three story and performance of voice actors was great. Unfortunately the voices turned out to be hard to understand while driving. People in the back seats reported it as merely a noise.

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      5 out of 5 stars
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    • Ru
    • 02-05-23

    BEST BOOK loved the whole thing!

    My Favorite book of all time. The way you are transported to this world in this audio format is 10/10

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    LOVED IT!

    Would you listen to The Hobbit (Dramatized) again? Why?

    I enjoyed every minute of this Audiobook. Very very fun.

    Who was your favorite character and why?

    Bilbo for the win

    Which character – as performed by An Ensemble Cast – was your favorite?

    I liked everyone

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

    i liked when the king under the mountain told bilbo he liked the hobbits merry making ways better than the dwarves ways of hoarding gold.

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    4 people found this helpful

    • Overall
      3 out of 5 stars
    • Ed
    • 11-26-09

    Wishing for an unabridged version

    The sound is not so great since it probably was made for AM radio. I couldn't understand the dwarfs song at the beginning of the story. The dramatization and the voices are good though. Its a nice summary of the story since it covers everything (I read it long ago). I still want an unabridged version.

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    2 people found this helpful

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      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    I Always look for the dramatized version

    I think dramatized is better than regular makes it feel like a real immersive story.

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    1 person found this helpful

    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    Awesome

    I love reading this story, but I love it more when it feels like I'm experiencing it

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      5 out of 5 stars
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    it's a really good book.

    I liked it. kept me listing till the very end. I'm getting the rest for sure

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    A Wonderful Dramatization

    What did you love best about The Hobbit (Dramatized)?

    I love this dramatization because I feel it captures the moods of the story very well.

    What did you like best about this story?

    The music was perfect for each scene, making me feel like I was really there.

    What does An Ensemble Cast bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

    The different personalities and attitudes of the characters. I am rather black/white and dramatization helps me to see characters in new ways and helps me consider them better.

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

    The music for Imladris really makes me want to go there myself, along with the simple explanation that painted such a beautiful picture.

    Any additional comments?

    A wonderful dramatization all in all. Yes, there are a few things I would have done differently, but I love this dramatization and listen to it again and again. If you can let go of your hard and fast notions about Middle-Earth (yours truly), this production will take you on a wonderful journey.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars

    Lovely rendition

    A lovely story wonderfully dramatized. I only wish it were an unabridged version of the book. There are a few places where the dramatization (lack of full narrative) make the story a bit difficult to follow (but only a bit).

    Unfortunately, I find this rendition of the Dwarves' song tedious though in the story it is meant to be rousing. And on purely personal preference I can't get past the pronunciation of the Dragon's name. 'Smog' has never sounded right to me, though many claim it is the correct pronunciation.

    Despite nitpickings, I would absolutely recommend this version of J.R.R. Tolkien's classic to anyone who enjoys being read to and likes a good story.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    Just a fun classic adventure!! I love it!!

    A fun adventure with mystical and magical things. Great danger and great friends. the book all book lovers should read.

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