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The Hobbit

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The Hobbit

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Andy Serkis
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About this listen

This brand-new unabridged audio book of J.R.R. Tolkien’s beloved The Hobbit is read by the BAFTA award-winning actor, director and author, Andy Serkis.

Bilbo Baggins is a hobbit who enjoys a comfortable, unambitious life, rarely travelling further than the pantry of his hobbit-hole in Bag End. But his contentment is disturbed when the wizard, Gandalf, and a company of thirteen dwarves arrive on his doorstep one day, to whisk him away on a journey ‘there and back again’. They have a plot to raid the treasure hoard of Smaug the Magnificent, a large and very dangerous dragon…

The prelude to THE LORD OF THE RINGS, THE HOBBIT has sold many millions of copies since its publication in 1937, establishing itself as one of the most influential books of the twentieth century.

©1937 J. R. R. Tolkien (P)2020 HarperCollins Publishers Limited Classics Dragons & Mythical Creatures Fantasy Fiction Magic Mythology Celebrity

Critic Reviews

"The Hobbit belongs to a very small class of books which have nothing in common save that each admits us to a world of its own. Its place is with Alice and The Wind in the Willows." (Times Literary Supplement)

"One of the best loved characters in English fiction...a marvellous fantasy adventure." (Daily Mail)

"Finely written saga of dwarves and elves, fearsome goblins and trolls...an exciting epic of travel, magical adventure, working up to a devastating climax." (The Observer)
All stars
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Probably the best performance I’ve ever listened to on Audible. Andy Serkis brings new charisma to familiar characters, with hints borrowed from the beloved Peter Jackson films. I’m so glad that one of my favourite books of all time has received such treatment. Highly, highly recommend.

Incredible performance

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Great story and great delivery, Andy Serkis is brilliant.
Very easy to listen too.
Highly recommend this version for any LOTR fan.

Excellent !

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Wonderful classic story well narrated. Unfortunately the Gollum sounds are too loud. I had to keep adjusting the volume between regular talking and Andy's Gollum screeching. Otherwise excellent.

Great story

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Thankyou to the Tolkien estate, the publishers and Andy for making this happen. It is absolute heaven for any fan. Andy is flawless. Thank you, thank you, thank you! (LoTR next? *fingers crossed*)

Heaven for any fan!

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LOVE BOOK it is amazing Bilbo Baggins is my favourite character amazing great book LOVE BOOK

GREAT

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If there is a global award for narration, Andy Serkis would win it for The Hobbit. Andy Serkis’ work eclipses the existing Hobbit, Lord of the Rings etc versions narrated by Rob Inglis.

This work alone shows he belongs in the select company of Stephen Fry for audiobook magic.

I hope Andy Serkis is working on bringing the other Tolkien works to new audiobook life e.g. the magnificent Lord of the Rings trilogy. He has the makings of a top narrator and a stellar future if he chooses to add narration to his repertoire.

Award-winning Narration

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Any Serkis is amazing in this. Brings the story to life with all the voices.

Very easy to listen to. Andy does an amazing job with this story.

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A beautifully produced and spoken rendition of this wonderful work. My son and I have listened through it and loved every minute. The narration whisks you away lost in Middle Kingdom and the adventures of the hobbit. Thank you.

Well done, beautifully spoke, just like being there.

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Listening to this much loved tale, took me back 55 years to my first reading of this adictive book. In my time I've purchased the book at least three times but my now with failing eyesight I can once again revel in the adventures of Bilbo and company thanks to Audible.

Reliving memories.

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Whether you enjoy the story or not, this one is worth it for Andy Serkis’ performance alone! Utterly compelling from start to finish.

The most amazingly performed narration!

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