The Adventures of Tom Bombadil

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Sir Derek Jacobi

Length: 1 hr and 22 mins

Publisher's Summary

The Adventures of Tom Bombadil is a collection of poetry written by J. R. R. Tolkien and was first published in 1962. The audio is read by Sir Derek Jacobi and is a collection of 16 poems that contain an assortment of bestiary verse and fairy tale rhyme. It is a stunning recording that captures all the characters in their own charming and mysterious ways. Throughout Jacobi's performance we will encounter all of these, including the Oliphaunt, a Princess, the man in the moon and even a giant turtle-fish called Fastitocalon.

©2010 HarperCollins Publishers (P)2010 HarperCollins Publishers

More Bombadil please!

Would you listen to The Adventures of Tom Bombadil again? Why?

I will definitely listen to this again. I am not a fan of poetry, but The Adventures of Tom Bombadil were written by a master and the reading by Jacobi is excellent.

What about Derek Jacobi’s performance did you like?

Derek Jacobi's reading is brilliant. The poetry flowed smoothly and his reading was never dull and boring like it can be if someone becomes a bit monotone. He never does and I could probably listen to a thousand page book read by him and probably still be enjoying it.

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

Yes it was as the poems are only short and it was a joy to read and listen.

6 people found this helpful

One of those books

It is poetry and so it is one of those books that actually is better to listen to then to read.

2 people found this helpful

It’s Bombadil

Make of it what you want... good stuff.

Lots of explanation of how and why Tom was the enigma of the fellowship

2 people found this helpful

Great little Read

This is a nice little read giving you a bit more info on Middle-earth is short but a lot is packed into it won't be for everyone but if your a fan of Middle-earth you'll want to give it a listen Narrator is great.

1 person found this helpful

Almost disappointing

If you're considering reading this book, chances are, you are already a fan of the Professor's works. Here you will find a selection of poetry, containing a few familiar items from the Lord of the Rings, and a number of more obscure poems that are worth reading, as they show some themes that are found throughout his works. There are also a lot of cool poetic effects that J.R.R shows, demonstrating his virtuosity as a poet, though many of the poems are themselves rather light works.
Now, I love just about everything Tolkien, and when I saw that Sir Derek Jacobi was reading these poems, I was really excited, as I've enjoyed his renditions of other Tolkien works. Sadly, I have some issues with how he has chosen (or been directed to) read these poems. Tolkien is very definitely an aural author; you need to read his works aloud, whether they be poetry or the Lord of the Rings. The sound of his language is as important as the content.
Sir Derek's eccentric reading of the difficult rhythms of some of these poems obscures their technical brilliance. It's not awful, which is why I'm able to give the performance three stars, but it's not the tour de force I was expecting.
Your mileage (or kilometerage) may vary, as these are entirely subjective comments.

2 people found this helpful

One of my favorite stories!

JRR Tolkien and Sir Derek Jacobi together are an inspired combination. Will become a repeated travel listen. for sure.

Tolkien's Plucky Poems Are Priceless!

A lyrical adventure through Middle Earth and beyond! This is a lighthearted journey of poetry, beautifully written with Tolkien's whimsical side shining throughout! Narrated a bit slower than he reads his own works, but enthusiastically and skillfully done. A joy for the ears!

No volume control

Great collection of poems, but poor sound design. One minute I can't hear what's being said, the next it's screaming in my ears.

Miscellaneous poems by J. R. Tolkien

Collections of miscellaneous J. R. R. Tolkien verses about Middle Earth. Great performance by Derek Jacobi

not worth it. not a Tom history.

I thought I will know more about Tom with this book but wasn't the case. it's full of histories and with such a poetic language with words unknown by me, that didn't get anything or understood what was about.

the reader does a great job acting the verses.

4 people found this helpful

After the forword back to the forword and then onward...

A very pleasant collection of tale in poem form. A trip through the land of hobbit and human and elf..

2 people found this helpful

Really Great!

Best ready after The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings Trilogy. Can be difficult to grasp because it is poetry, but is very good to listen to I find.

1 person found this helpful

enjoyed storytime

loved this audio beautifully read by one
of my favourite voices, the reading
was well crafted recommend

1 person found this helpful

Not the book I was expecting

The story is very short on Tom, rest is the red book musings on life.

Tolkien & Jacobi = Perfection!

Three of my most beloved people. Well okay, ones a work of fiction but who cares about that?

not so hot

not my cup of tea!!!

1 person found this helpful