I too thought I might glean some insight about daily life from the major works of JRR Tolkien. but it was not so. For the most part, the author pushed his own agenda, straight from a reimagined 1960s counter-culture. For another, the practical advice was limited to a soup recipe and a plan for creating a raised bed for gardening. (I don't consider the mots-justes at the end of each chapter regarding taking walks, eating right, etc, to be wisdom specifically from the Shire.)
Overall, I dislike reading books when I feel scolded by the author, and that was the case here. Moreover, there were numerous errors regarding Tolkien's works. Adding to this, the author constantly defined terms or personages from Tolkioen's legendarium. I wondered whom the book was intended for, if not fans of Tolkein's writings. Does any fan of JRRT not know who Earendil was? Beren? Galadriel? Even the organization of footnotes was poor, in that the author used only asterisks, rather than a system so one could easily identify multiple footnotes on a page. Save your money; I wish I had and bought Tolkien's Tale of Kullervo instead,

The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life
Audible Audiobook
– Unabridged
See all formats and editions
Hide other formats and editions
Price
|
New from | Used from |
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial |
Audio CD, Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$9.82 | $5.90 |
©2012 Noble Smith. Foreword 2012 by Peter S. Beagle (P)2013 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Read & Listen
Switch between reading the Kindle book & listening to the Audible narration with
Whispersync for Voice.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $7.49 after you buy the Kindle book.
Get the Audible audiobook for the reduced price of $7.49 after you buy the Kindle book.

- Click above to get a preview of our newest plan - unlimited listening to select audiobooks, Audible Originals, and podcasts.
- You will get an email reminder before your trial ends.
- $7.95 a month after 30 days. Cancel online anytime.
List Price: $13.96
You Save: $4.01 (28%)
By completing your purchase, you agree to Audible’s
Conditions Of Use
Sold and delivered by Audible, an Amazon company
Add to book club
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
People who viewed this also viewed
Page 1 of 1Start OverPage 1 of 1
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
- Audible Audiobook
Product details
Listening Length | 4 hours and 47 minutes |
---|---|
Author | Noble Smith |
Narrator | Simon Vance |
Whispersync for Voice | Ready |
Audible.com Release Date | January 22, 2013 |
Publisher | Blackstone Audio, Inc. |
Program Type | Audiobook |
Version | Unabridged |
Language | English |
ASIN | B00B47HBEG |
Best Sellers Rank |
#224,110 in Audible Books & Originals (See Top 100 in Audible Books & Originals)
#947 in Science Fiction & Fantasy Literary Criticism (Books) #1,011 in Science Fiction History & Criticism #1,127 in Literary History & Criticism |
Customer reviews
4.2 out of 5 stars
4.2 out of 5
67 global ratings
How are ratings calculated?
To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzes reviews to verify trustworthiness.
Top reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018
Report abuse
Verified Purchase
4 people found this helpful
Helpful
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2014
Verified Purchase
Often it seems that todays hectic, hi-tech, hyper-connected, gotta have more world is more than a little empty and unsatisfying. So, a small but growing number are looking for more meaning in their lives. Noble Smith's book The Wisdom of the Sire suggests we take a look at the mythical world created by J.R.R. Tolkien.
This books explores Tolkien's thoughts on simple pleasures and enduring values. The simple pleasures can be such things as hearty simple food and drink, long walks, singing and a good nights sleep. Enduring values explored here include things like friendship, courage, honesty and conserving our natural world.
My only real quibble is that there a lot of topical references in the book. Tolkien's work is timeless. But, if your kids or grandkids pick up this book years from now, some of the references may be lost on them.
If you think you may want to be more hobbitish, then fix a plate of stuffed mushrooms and some good cheese, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, relax in a comfortable chair and read The Wisdom of the Shire. As, Thorin said when he reconciled with Bilbo, "If more of us valued your ways - food and cheer above hoarded gold - it would be a merrier world."
This books explores Tolkien's thoughts on simple pleasures and enduring values. The simple pleasures can be such things as hearty simple food and drink, long walks, singing and a good nights sleep. Enduring values explored here include things like friendship, courage, honesty and conserving our natural world.
My only real quibble is that there a lot of topical references in the book. Tolkien's work is timeless. But, if your kids or grandkids pick up this book years from now, some of the references may be lost on them.
If you think you may want to be more hobbitish, then fix a plate of stuffed mushrooms and some good cheese, pour a glass of your favorite beverage, relax in a comfortable chair and read The Wisdom of the Shire. As, Thorin said when he reconciled with Bilbo, "If more of us valued your ways - food and cheer above hoarded gold - it would be a merrier world."
5 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2017
Verified Purchase
If you are a Middle-Earth aficionado, you do not need to read this book. For one thing, it won’t tell you anything you don’t already know. For another, the misspelled names and inaccurate quotes will irritate you. On the other hand, if you are new to Tolkien fandom, or aren’t sure whether to risk getting involved in a “fantasy world,” this little tome will not only introduce you to the charms of The Shire, but will show you its deep roots in the soil of our own beautiful Earth.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2014
Verified Purchase
I enjoyed this short book, read unabridged by Simon Vance. The wisdom of the Shire (and the rest of Middle Earth) is well presented and I learned a few tidbits that I didn't previously know. For instance, Gollum was 500 years old when he first met Bilbo! The book is full of little details such as that. Today I made the Hobbit Stout and Mushroom Soup - which was delicious. Note that you should add salt and pepper, which were left out of the recipe and improve the soup considerably. I found the section on the comfort of the hobbit hole really hit home for me, and I am going to be working to make my environment more comfy.
Because I enjoyed the audible version so much, I ended up buying the Kindle version too. As Peter Beagle says in his foreword: "I'd buy it like a shot, give copies away to deserving friends, and keep it by the bed for bad nights." Exactly, Peter!
Because I enjoyed the audible version so much, I ended up buying the Kindle version too. As Peter Beagle says in his foreword: "I'd buy it like a shot, give copies away to deserving friends, and keep it by the bed for bad nights." Exactly, Peter!
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2012
Verified Purchase
I received my copy of the Wisdom of the Shire today in the mail and have already read it. I think I have read the LOTR trilogy over 10 times. I consider myself a big fan but not one that was particularly obsessed by the books. I never really thought about applying the lessons of the Hobbits to my everyday life. Mr. Smith very cleverly points out how the hobbits love of food, drink, laughing, loving and leading a simple and natural life can be a model for how we should live our lives. It was an easy read with a lots of added interesting facts in the margins. It will make a great Christmas gift for the LOTR fan amongst your family and friends.
2 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2014
Verified Purchase
This is a "good" book. The author's intentions are good, and he does have some insights worth considering; however, his numerous contemporary pop culture references detract from the mood that could have been attained, and will soon render the book "dated" and obscure.
4 people found this helpful
Report abuse
Top reviews from other countries

A C OSt
5.0 out of 5 stars
Words to live by
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2020Verified Purchase
Absolutely loved this book. A thought provoking and joyous read for any aspiring hobbit. I shall keep it by the bedside as my hobbit bible.

Margaret Russell
3.0 out of 5 stars
Wishful thinking
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2016Verified Purchase
Quite a good read, but somewhat naïve in its message.

Regina
5.0 out of 5 stars
Loved it!
Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2013Verified Purchase
For anyone who is a JRR Tolkien fan,..this book just adds to the enjoyment of the LOTR trilogy. It made me chuckle in parts, and had me dreaming of life in the Shire,.. and how I might achieve to create a hobbit hole cozy feeling in my own home. I loved it!

Fashion Icon Jaylien Kay
5.0 out of 5 stars
Although I finished it in 2 days it was a ...
Reviewed in Canada on November 30, 2015Verified Purchase
Although I finished it in 2 days it was a superb read indeed. Something I will return to when tougher roads lay ahead.

Jean Maclean
5.0 out of 5 stars
Five Stars
Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2015Verified Purchase
Excellent book, full of really good ideas for a more fulfilling lifestyle!
There's a problem loading this menu right now.
Get free delivery with Amazon Prime
Prime members enjoy FREE Delivery and exclusive access to music, movies, TV shows, original audio series, and Kindle books.