In The Wisdom of the Shire, Noble Smith sheds light on the life-changing ideas tucked away inside the classic works of J. R. R. Tolkien and his most beloved creation—the stouthearted Hobbits.

Drawing on The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and other tales of Middle-earth, Smith shows how a snug hobbit-hole is actually just a state of mind and how even the smallest person can have the valor of a Rider of Rohan. He explores subjects dear to a halfling’s heart, such as beer, food, and friendship, as well as more serious concerns, such as courage, living in harmony with nature, and good versus evil.

How can simple pleasures such as gardening, taking long walks, and eating delicious meals with friends make you significantly happier? Why is the act of giving presents on your birthday instead of getting them such a revolutionary idea? And how can we carry the burden of our own "Ring of Power: without becoming devoured by it? The Wisdom of the Shire holds the answers to these and more of life’s essential questions.

Noble Smith is an award-winning playwright who has worked as a video game writer, documentary film producer, and media director of an international human-rights foundation.

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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

5 star		64%
4 star		15%
3 star		8%
2 star		4%
1 star		9%

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Top reviews from the United States

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Loves to Knit

If you're a Tolkien fan, dont bother

Reviewed in the United States on January 1, 2018

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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,

4 people found this helpful

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DLY49

Unleash your inner hobbit.

Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2014

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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."

5 people found this helpful

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Janet L.

For Shire newbies only

Reviewed in the United States on December 11, 2017

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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

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Amy Nicolai

Worth more than one listen

Reviewed in the United States on June 1, 2014

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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!

2 people found this helpful

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Richard S

A witty and inspirational book

Reviewed in the United States on October 30, 2012

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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

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Wounded Combat Veteran

well-intentioned

Reviewed in the United States on May 7, 2014

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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

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Top reviews from other countries

A C OSt

Words to live by

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 13, 2020

Verified 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

Wishful thinking

Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 25, 2016

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Quite a good read, but somewhat naïve in its message.

Regina

Loved it!

Reviewed in Canada on April 29, 2013

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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

Although I finished it in 2 days it was a ...

Reviewed in Canada on November 30, 2015

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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

Five Stars

Reviewed in Canada on April 26, 2015

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Excellent book, full of really good ideas for a more fulfilling lifestyle!

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The Wisdom of the Shire: A Short Guide to a Long and Happy Life Audible Audiobook – Unabridged

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