The J.R.R. Tolkien Audio Collection [Abridged, Audiobook] [Audio CD]

J.R.R. Tolkien (Narrator), Christopher Tolkien (Narrator)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 2, 2001

For generations, J.R.R. Tolkien's words have brought to thrilling life a world of hobbits, magic, and historic myth, woken from its foggy slumber within our minds. Here, he tells the tales is his own voice.

Of historic note, these selections from The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings are based on a tape recording Tolkien made in 1952, which inspired him to continue his own quest to see his vision in print. Also included is a never-published poem, "The Mirror of Galadriel," originally intended for inclusion in the trilogy, yet edited out. And, finally, Tolkien's son, Christopher, reads selections from his father's The Silmarillion, the epic foundation upon which rests the whole of his work.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892-1973) was a major scholar of the English language, specializing in Old and Middle English. Twice Professor of Anglo-Saxon (Old English) at the University of Oxford, he also wrote a number of stories, including most famously The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955), which are set in a pre-historic era in an invented version of the world which he called by the Middle English name of Middle-earth.

From AudioFile

This collection consists mainly of historic readings by J.R.R. Tolkien, made in the 1950s.The sound quality of the oldest recordings isn't very good, but it's nevertheless interesting to hear Tolkien's characterizations of his own soon-to-be-famous characters. Those expecting Tolkien to sound like a dowdy professor will be surprised when they hear the gusto and bluster he brings to the mighty Tom Bombadil and the sinister glee he injects into the voice of the evil cave-dwelling Gollum. The collection is rounded out by newer recordings of the author's son, Christopher, reading from his father's works. J.P.M. © AudioFile 2001, Portland, Maine-- Copyright © AudioFile, Portland, Maine

Product Details

• Audio CD
• Publisher: Caedmon; Abridged edition (October 2, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0694525707
• ISBN-13: 978-0694525706
• Product Dimensions: 5.7 x 5.1 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (20 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #435,383 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #60 in Books > Books on CD > Literature & Fiction > Short Stories

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

61 of 61 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Tolkien has fun with Tolkien, April 24, 2002

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Zack Davisson "japanreviewed" (Seattle, WA, USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The J.R.R. Tolkien Audio Collection (Audio CD)

According to the inserts, these recordings were made before the "Lord of the Rings" books were even published. J.R.R. Tolkien performed these snippets for friends, in order to get their opinion of his new story as well as inspire himself to pursue publication. It is pretty fortunate that they were recorded.

Of course, the recording quality of these informal chats is not top-notch, but I would expect nothing different. These are not professional recordings, but probably just someone with a recording machine in a living room while Tolkien performs. They are intimate, and a wonder to hear. Imagine if you could have been there, with Professor Tolkien trying to interest you in his funny little stories!

Tolkien reads excerpts from several of his books, including "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings." He reads "The Adventures of Tom Bombadil," and sings a few of his songs. It is great fun to hear the "gollum" noise as he envisioned it, as well as the Elvish language spoken by it's author.

I highly recommend these recordings. They are a window into the past.

19 of 19 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars J. R. R. Tolkien is a great reader of his own work., September 30, 2002

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E. Palladino "epalladino" (Bronx, NY USA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The J.R.R. Tolkien Audio Collection (Audio CD)

It's too bad that Tolkien didn't get a chance to read the whole of "Lord of the Rings" and "The Hobbit". But, it's wonderful that these recordings survived for us to hear them since they were not professionally made and most were done before "Lord of the Rings" was even published, let alone popular. Also, also my thanks to who ever decided to put all these on CD. My LPs of these recordings are worn out.

21 of 22 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Tolkien Audio Collection [abridged] a most marvlous expe, January 26, 2003

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R. Foret Jr. "Barefoot Ray" (Houma, la. United States) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: The J.R.R. Tolkien Audio Collection (Audio CD)

Ever wanted to actually HEAR the voice of the author of "The Lord of the Rings" books reading some of his own wanderfull work? Well, whith this collection, you CAN!!! Yes, it's true, Tolkien reading his own writing!!! Among the many treasures contained in this fabulous four disk collection is a sample of Tolkien reading the two lines of writing on the ring, "one ring to rule them all..." No, he doesn't read it in the black speech, but I'd like to think that he DID record that. there's a pretty good sprinkling of Elvish here too: both spoken and sung. You will just love the first item in this collection. Here, Tolkien reads the passage about Gollum from "the Hobbit". It should be noted that He reads at a fairly fast rate so you may have to listen somewhat more closely than you might otherwise. This one will just keep you coming back again and again and again!!!!! You'll NEVER tire of it.