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)

loved.. most of it!

I loved most of the book and reading. However, I found the singing to hard to listen to, I wasn't a fan.

This is a terrific book, well read and sung!

The only thing I can say is that The Silmarillion was the perfect appetizer, even though I struggled mightily to finish listening to it. By the time I got to The Hobbit, it seemed warmly written and inviting. It was an interesting and satisfying adventure indeed!

My all-time favorite book

My all-time favorite book. A beautiful story of adventure and friendship filled with deeper meanings, simple lessons, sad sorrows and happy endings. a book to judge all other fantasy books by.

Classic

Very different from the movies. more about the journey and less about the Hollywood explosions. The 30 months that pass in the movies seems only a few weeks. Where the book feels like forever and you understand all the down time from the goblin caves and gollum to the murkwood Forest with the spiders and wood elves. You get a feel for how long they really spend on the journey.
the narrator had a voice for every character and is very enthusiastic. Even sings the songs. 10/10 would recommend.

Loved it!

Rob Inglis did a fantastic job narrating this wonderous classic! I'm so happy I downloaded it!

Inglis's work is wonderful

One of my favorite stories since I was very young, brought to life beautifully by Rob Inglis. I look forward to his renditions of The Lord of The Rings.

just amazing.

loved it!!! every single second. the book blows the movie out of the water!!!

Just a wonderful, time tested tale.

I've always had a certain affinity with the Lord of the Rings movies and have wanted to enjoy the series in it's truest forms as Tolkien had originally written. I can see how this is one of the original fantasy's of our time, although somewhat primitive at moments for a fantasy novel his world building and character races in the Hobbit are beyond original for the time they were written. I quite love this novel for all of its originality, but also do not expect myself to listen or read it again for some time. Where it stands it's ground with a tone that is quite unmatched, it also falls with what feels like rushed through moments on their quite extensive quest. Some moments are so descriptive you feel you are there watching in person from afar, seeing it all play out, others feel like they pass you in the blink of an eye and there were many times I had to rewind seconds, minutes, even a chapter to capture what was written and read. To me this is the perfect children's bed time story of a wonderful epic adventure of a timid, unexpected individual and look forward to the days where I can read it to my growing children as they lay down while I fill their heads with an unexplored world. All in all this is worth the purchase if you love fantasy and respect the genre, have an affinity for the Lord of the rings series, or are looking for your kids next long series past harry potter. Thank you Mr. Tolkien for unlocking a genre that probably wouldn't reach the places it has without your helping hand.

The songs!

It sounds to me like The narrator knows only one tune. The songs don’t sound at all like I thought and I began to flinch every time he started to sing. The story I love and would love it even better if the narrator did not try to sing. I still listened to it twice, but I wish there was another narration of someone who could sing lighthearted songs in a lighthearted way and did not turn them all into a dirge with an operatic lilt.

Excellent audiobook

Quite pleased with the VO in this book, the singing is not the best however.