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)

Victory after all, I suppose!

There are a rare handful of children's books and fantasy novels that definitely deserve to be experienced in different ways (books, movies, audio) and at different times (youth, middle age, etc). I remember my first exposure to this wonderful piece of high fantasy as a child. I loved the world Tolkien created and the way he was able to balance fantasy, poetry, humor and drama. I read it again during the whole 'Lord of the Rings' (LOTR) movie period, and now I've just listened to it on Audible with my own kids in anticipation of taking them to the movie. Wow!

When judging 'the Hobbit', it is tempting to grade it straight against the LOTR trilogy. There is a trap, however, in reading 'the Hobbit' AFTER reading the LOTR. While these works by Tolkien are obviously related, they are very, very different. Tolkien's approach, tone, style and intended audience was a different. If you separate LOTR from 'the Hobbit', gently, it is easier to see the greatness of 'the Hobbit' on its own.

As an adult, I now view 'the Hobbit' more as a Bildungsroman rather than a traditional quest novel. Listening and reading this with my kids, I found myself once more transported not just to middle-earth, but back to my own youth and innocence.

Gather Around and Listen!

If ever a book was meant to be read aloud, it's this one! The storyteller is a tremendously important part of "The Hobbit", and Inglis just does a wonderful job enthralling us all with this adventure.

The tone and significance of this work is very different from that of "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. As long as you recognize that and accept "The Hobbit" for the children's book it basically is, you will enjoy this version of a classic. And, when it comes to a good tale, there's a child in each of us who will absolutely love it!

Such a classic.

The Hobbit is, of course, a JRR Tolkien classic. I’ve read several times and always loved it. So I just listened again and shared it with my 11-year son.

I knew he was really enjoying it when he kept asking me to play it when we weren't in the car and when I noticed him incorporating elements of the story into his play.

Highly, highly recommended to adults and kids of all ages.

Thankful

Whenever a favorite book is interpreted in a new medium I get worried that it'll be made into something else,. This was really well done.

Only one caution....

This performance is of such quality that readers will be swept right into the pages of JRR Tolkien's book and feel like a member of the community.

To prevent others from interrupting this audio book, it is my suggestion that all listeners grab a hard copy of the book and follow along with the narrator. The names of the people and places will jump right in front of the eyes and the reader will be there: on the path, in the battle, with the treasure, and with all the creatures of Tolkien's imagination.

I had to go to the book to gain the peace to follow with this rich performance because my headphones were not enough to guarantee an uninterrupted afternoon.

Exquisite! Bravo! Bravo!

loved it, will listen again sometime

my favorite book of all time. I've lost track of all time. lost track of how many times over read/listened to it

A Joy to Revisit

I first read The Hobbit when I was a student, many years ago. It was a joy to have Rob Inglis read the story to me. I had forgotten many of the details of the story, and found myself feeling the suspense, even though I knew that things would work out in the end. Pure pleasure to listen to this classic of fantasy literature!

an epic story

my family and I enjoyed it very well. we listened to it at evenings, just like bilbo would.

Fun listen!

I love Tolkiens works and rhe narrator gives a fantastic performance!
I enjoyed it most at 1.25x speed

Exceptional experience

The narration was fantastic. This iteration was an enthralling and immersive audiobook experience. Highly recommend to anyone who has read The Hobbit a thousand times or never before. Will definitely listen to again one day when the time is right.