The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

J.R.R. Tolkien (Author), Full Cast (Reader)

Book Description

Series: J.R.R. Tolkien

A BBC Dramatization
3 hours 35 minutes, 5 CDs

Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, is a peaceful sort who lives in a cozy hole in the Shire, a place where adventures are uncommon—and rather unwanted. So when the wizard Gandalf whisks him away on a treasure-hunting expedition with a troop of rowdy dwarves, he's not entirely thrilled.

Encountering ruthless trolls, beastly orcs, gigantic spiders, and hungry wolves, Bilbo discovers within himself astonishing strength and courage. And at the ultimate confrontation with the fearsome dragon Smaug, the hobbit will brave the dangers of the dark and dragon fire alone and unaided.

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

A BBC Dramatization
3 hours 35 minutes, 5 CDs

Bilbo Baggins, the hobbit, is a peaceful sort who lives in a cozy hole in the Shire, a place where adventures are uncommon?and rather unwanted. So when the wizard Gandalf whisks him away on a treasure-hunting expedition with a troop of rowdy dwarves, he's not entirely thrilled.

Encountering ruthless trolls, beastly orcs, gigantic spiders, and hungry wolves, Bilbo discovers within himself astonishing strength and courage. And at the ultimate confrontation with the fearsome dragon Smaug, the hobbit will brave the dangers of the dark and dragon fire alone and unaided.

About the Author

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien was born on January 3, 1892, in Bloemfontein, South Africa. After serving in the First World War, he embarked upon a distinguished academic career and was recognized as one of the finest philologists in the world. He was a professor of Anglo-Saxon at Oxford, a fellow of Pembroke College, and a fellow of Merton College until his retirement in 1959. He is, however, beloved throughout the world as the creator of Middle-earth and author of such classic works as The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. He died on September 2, 1973, at the age of 81.


From the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Listening Library; Abridged edition (February 27, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0807288845
• ISBN-13: 978-0807288849
• Product Dimensions: 5.6 x 5 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 2.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (21 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,860,836 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #23 in Books > Books on CD > Authors, A-Z > ( T ) > Tolkien, J.R.R.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Worthwhile listening to, October 23, 2004

By 

Laura De Giorgio "hypnotherapist" (Canada) - See all my reviews
(TOP 1000 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) (Audio CD)

The story itself is on four CDs, the fifth CD contains several songs. This audio production won't replace reading the book, but may serve as an overview of the book. The sound effects at times seem a bit overdone - you'll hear a lot of huffing and puffing. As a previous reviewer noted, children may enjoy this set of CDs more than adults and the sound effects can help to hold their attention. Gollum sounds rather spooky, and Bilbo sounds as if he were out of breath most of the time.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Delightful Trip into the Misty Mountains!, June 21, 2002

By 

Charles A. Fletcher (Spokane, WA USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) (Audio CD)

This wonderful set of audio CDs has been a delight in my family. About 10 years ago we got rid of our television, and we spend a lot of time listening to audio drama and reading to each other. My five children have spent countless hours listening to this series, with its fantastic dramatizations of Tolkien's characters. The music and sound effects are also a real treat. It's also a great companion to the BBC's other Tolkien series, "The Lord of the Rings."

It's my precious!!

11 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

2.0 out of 5 stars Hard to follow..., September 29, 2003

By A Customer

This review is from: The Hobbit (J.R.R. Tolkien) (Audio CD)

This telling of the classic story seems to have had good intentions, however the attempt to bring the action to life through the use of actors portraying elves, dwarfs etc. leaves the listener confused as to who is saying what and exactly what is going on in the story. Having not read to book I found myself having to listen and re-listen to certain portions to prevent losing the plot in all the ruckus and jabbering voices. Additionally, many of the main charactor voices sounded so similar that it was hard to know who was speaking. For fans already familiar with the story or children who may enjoy the sound effects this could be a good option, but for those wanting to hear the plot unfold unencumbered the classic reading would definitely be a better choice.