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)

An exceptional Audiobook!

Would you consider the audio edition of The Hobbit to be better than the print version?

Considering that these books have been favorites of mine for years, I was pleasantly surprised at the quality of the Audiobook and how much I enjoyed it.

What did you like best about this story?

The different voices.

Which scene was your favorite?

I think I like it when the Bilbo sneaks away from the mountain to meet with the others and bargains away the Arkenstone.

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Would you consider the audio edition of The Hobbit to be better than the print version?

since there is no way to mark books as read in the library I thought this might be a way to mark them

Make sure to get his LOTR

I did not choose to buy this book until after finishing the Lord of the Rings. I was not sure which version to buy until I found that Rob Inglis also narrated this one. That sold me and I recommend that you keep him as your narrator through the entire Middle Earth experience.

Glad to know how it started.

Wonderful story. Wonderfully done. We are ready for the Fellowship of the Ring. We've read the Ring cycle before but not the Hobbit. Now we are excited to listen to the others for a different experience.

Tolkien's classic - nuff said

Not much to say about a Tolkien book that hasn't already been said. Brilliant - period.

Narration is great! I love that this guy sings the songs and his interpretation of them.

Worth listening to again and again

What an enjoyable experience! Like many people, I read "The Hobbit" as a child, and re-visiting it was magical. Rob Inglis, one of my favorite readers, brings this novel home- my only hesitation is the singing of the Dwarves' songs is often a bit more jovial than the lyrics suggest- in my head, many songs that were dirges became shanties in Inglis' interpretation. With that small hiccup aside, I have already listened to this 3 times, with many more to come I'm sure.

great story telling

Where does The Hobbit rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Iv only listened to the the one. So I cant say. But it is great entertainment.

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

The fellowship of the rings

What does Rob Inglis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

He brings it to life! Almost as if I was with them on there quest.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes. But it was far to long. Great for late nights by the fire.

Great story. Narrator was excellent!

I was impressed with this story. I hope to find more novels with the same narrator. Enough said here.

AJB.

Great adventure narrated with great spirit

If you could sum up The Hobbit in three words, what would they be?

adventure, classic, overcoming

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

It's hard to compare Tolkien to other books, as his writings are often the inspiration for many other great adventure stories.

What does Rob Inglis bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

I loved that Rob Inglis sings Tolkien's songs! When I read the book before, I found myself scanning the written verses, but it was a real joy to hear them sung as Tolkien intended.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

If anything it restored a great sense of joy that I felt the first time I ever read the story. There's just something about a little person of no consequence becoming the unlikely hero of a great adventure story.

Any additional comments?

Even if you've read this book before, like I have, this book is worth the listen. Rob Ingles manages to distinguish the voices of the 13 dwarves, the hobbit, Gandalf and does an excellent Golum. His singing of the songs in the book is the real icing on the cake of this well written and narrated story.

Great performance by the narrator!

Listened to the same narrator perform the Lord of the Rings trilogy--this one doesn't disappoint. A definitely enjoyable listen.