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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: Peregrin "Pippin" Took—A Lord of the Rings Character Guide


Pippin is just a "tween" (between the ages of 20 and 33 for Hobbits) when he gets swept up in the greatest battle between good and evil that Middle-earth has seen in thousands of years. Faced with terror, danger, and impossible choices, Pippin matures over the course of The Lord of the Rings series. The young Hobbit who leaves the Shire because he loves his friends and wants to help them is not the Hobbit who returns, wiser and somber but still hopeful.

Continue Your Journey Through Middle earth

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What listeners say about The Hobbit

Average customer ratings
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The Hobbit is the bomb!!!!!!!!!!! ❤️

I love this book!! It is the best love the story and the voice of the narrator!!

The hobbits are going to Isengard! To Isengard! To Isengard!!

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Rob Inglis- the man!

I love the story, it has plenty of lovely ideas and architypes mixed into a great narrative form. There are some funny ways Tolkien handles introducing the reader to the story, but it's still an amazing classic, and Rob Inglis kills it with his narration.

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LOVE

If I knew how easy it was to listen to Tolkien, I might have done this earlier. Loved this book. Can not wait to listen to the rest.

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Love Tales

Great Narration! Enjoyed hearing this story again. I will hear again now that it’s in my library and I have the patience for it

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Get ready for an adventure

This book takes you in.
I was there, went on a long journey. The narrator is excellent too! Go for it.

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Amazing

I could never get into Audible before this. The songs and reading by Ron Inglis captured my imagination. Great narration of a masterpiece.

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the best story written in 100 years or more

voice acting/singing was a bit cringy though. he did have an appropriate voice for the story though.

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Enjoyable journey

I have always loved this book, and Rob Inglis' narration brings it alive. Because he sings the songs, the listener can actually engage with them rather than just skipping them, which I know many people do.

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I've been spoiled by the Trilogy

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

The book itself - it is a good story.

What other book might you compare The Hobbit to and why?

Lord of the Rings, of course. This is a good book, although it does not grab my attention as well as the trilogy.

What aspect of Rob Inglis’s performance would you have changed?

A little faster cadence. His voice on the songs bothered me, but I think that is more related to the story and length of songs, rather than anything on the narrator's part.

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

No, it is more of an adventure novel, and I certainly was not looking for inspiration or emotional connection.

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Family Tale

This book is great for the family on a long car ride. The author does a great job at narrating the book

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