Smith of Wootton Major

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

Length: 1 hr and 6 mins

Publisher's Summary

Tolkien's acclaimed modern classic 'fairie' tale, read by Derek Jacobi.

Smith of Wootton Major journeys to the Land of Faery thanks to the magical ingredients of the Great Cake of the Feast of Good Children.

©1967, 2005 The Tolkien Trust (P)1999 HarperCollins Publishers

Charming

I loved this imaginative book, full of wonderful characters. It is such a fun read.

A lovely and hopeful story.

I really enjoyed hearing this story read aloud. I had read the story myself years ago, but this was a real treat. In fact I listened to the last 5 minutes sitting in the grocery store parking lot😉😉.

A delightful journey along the edges of Faery.

J.R.R. Tolkien is best known for his epic masterpiece, The Lord of the Rings, and the children's book, The Hobbit, with which it begins. But his shorter works are delightful and Smith of Wootton Major is a little gem. Don't miss it!

Wonderful story. Highly recommend.

Tolkien creates something wonderful here, a story truly worth reading. It is a story that lodges itself in the soul, long after it has been read.

What a pleasure

JRRT has created such wonder in his stories. this one is a good one read masterfully.

A Tolkien classic

Readers of the LotR and the Hobbit could possibly be disappointed by a read of this title, however those a little more familiar with Tolkien and his fondness for ancient European myths and folktales will enjoy this work in that spirit. Light and fun with somber, mysterious undertones, it's a short and fantastic reverie into the mind of a fantasy founder. Well performed and enjoyable, suitable for an older adult or even a child's bedtime story!

An enchanting little fable from the great Tolkien

A charming tale from the master of fantasy himself, whimsical and imaginative with excellent narration. Perfect for children and adults alike. Rest in peace, to the great author and now his son, who carried on his father's legacy throughout his many years.

An Old Favorite

this is a great story for children. I like to listen to it again on my favorite hikes

Great short story!

Would you listen to Smith of Wootton Major again? Why?

Sure. I don't have any kids at this time, but if I did this is one of those stories that would be great to share with them while getting ready for bed.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Smith of Wootton Major?

With a story this short, I wouldn't say that it is developed enough to really separate and say that there is a certain section that I can't wait to get to. However, being so short it is one of those stories that is still able to flesh out good characters and be a simple, enjoyable listen.

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

I think Derek Jacobi does a great job at treating this as a great story for children and as such treats it in a way that would be enjoyable to them.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would the tag line be?

J. R. R. Tolkien. .. More than just an epic fantasy novelist!

Any additional comments?

This may not be for all people. It is not your typical adventure story. Probably something more along the lines of a subdued adventure story.

i found the music clashed w the story turning the

i found the music almost ruined a lovely story. it clashed and jarring and too loud and not mystic like the story but silly. annoying to hear but the story overcame it

Enchanting

Quite possibly my favourite Tolkien story (besides The Lord Of The Rings and The Hobbit of course).

Lovely short story

I really enjoyed this - and Derek Jacobi has a wonderful voice, would listen to anything he narrated!

Wonderful and Magical

A great story from the pen of the great Tolkien. Perfect bedtime reading or listening for children and adults alike.

Really love this story

J R R Tolkien at his best. And you can even see whispers of concepts within this tail reflected in later works.

Tolkien on faery

A short story by tolkien, showing his passion for fay or faery. Beautifully written and very well read.

A curious tale

This is an odd story, yet I find that I like it. Jacobi performs well. However, I much prefer the actual physical book with its mysterious illustrations.