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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
    Overall
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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      1,923
    • 4 Stars
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    • 3 Stars
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    • 2 Stars
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    Story
    • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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    • 2 Stars
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      5 out of 5 stars
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      4 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    A Delightful Indulgence!

    What made the experience of listening to The Hobbit (Dramatized) the most enjoyable?

    This story was absolutely enjoyable. It's dramatized, so it's not just a person talking to you for hours; there are different voice actors for all the different characters. They all did a wonderful job. There were actually parts that I realized all my muscles were tense from the suspense!

    What did you like best about this story?

    The voice actors make the story extremely entertaining and make it seem so real. You don't want to stop listening when they're in so much danger!

    Which scene was your favorite?

    The scene where Gollum realized that Bilbo Baggins has stolen his "birthday present".... He goes absolutely insane!

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

    It was a very entertaining story.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    loved it!!!

    love the way the story is told makes you feel like your there with bilbo baggins on this great adventure

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    • Overall
      3 out of 5 stars
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      2 out of 5 stars
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      5 out of 5 stars

    i hate dramatized stories.

    i really hate it when stories are done like this they leave so much out and add to much of their own interpretation into it.

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

    Great abridged version.

    A little dated in its delivery, but a fun way to remember the tale. Worth the listen.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    I have always loved it

    I have a special attachment to this dramatization because I listened to the books on tape well over a hundred times. Many of the tapes had the film wear so thin from use they broke so now I just keep them for sentimental value. I love this story and for many of the voices I feel they choose the perfect voice actor to fit the role (although I don't love many of the elves' voice actors). I've read the original book a few times and there are some things left out. Still, I highly recommend this audio book, I love it to pieces.

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    • Overall
      3 out of 5 stars
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      4 out of 5 stars

    Horrible rendition of the hobbit

    I have heard the British version of the Hobbit and thought this was it. Didn't read that it was American until it was too late. A waste!

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    I've seen the movie before so I know what its

    This story is funny the movie is great this book will be good for you littles one or older kidos love it

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    Abridged but Excellent

    Abridged but Excellent!

    I had checked many times and was happy to find this version of the Hobbit finally on Audible.
    The entire Lord of the Rings is also finally avaiable in this version.
    For old timers this is "The Mind's Eye" production.

    I have read the softcover several times as well as unabridged audio a few times, but I have listened to this version many times. It has multiple performers, music, and songs. When I know I am going to be doing some mindless work or taking a drive lasing many hours, I will often turn to this as I can easily listen and (having heard it so many times) will not miss a thing even if slightly distracted. I purchased this on cassette, then CD, now again on Audible (just because it is easier).

    I really like this performance and don't mind the abridgements. I suspect I will never see those movies again but if I am lucky I will be listening to this version for years to come.

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    • Overall
      5 out of 5 stars
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    Perfectly Casted

    This is still of the best unabridged recordings. I have been listening to it for the last 25 years. I was glad when audible came out, because I wore out the tapes in my childhood

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      5 out of 5 stars
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    Great

    I enjoyed it thoroughly. I thought each of the characters was very well done. A+

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