Book description
Imagine hearing The Hobbit not just as a childhood adventure, but as Tolkien himself is whispering its secrets into your ear. That's the magic of this annotated edition, perfectly suited for audiobook listening. Douglas Anderson's brilliant commentary isn't just footnotes-it's a warm, knowledgeable companion guiding you through Middle-earth's hidden corners. You'll hear Tolkien's original line drawings and maps described vividly, feel the weight of his revisions (like why Gollum's story changed to fit the Ring's true nature), and even discover the full, lost tale of The Quest of Erebor-Gandalf's own explanation for Bilbo's journey-read aloud for the first time in decades.
Anderson connects Tolkien's world to ours in surprising, beautiful ways: you'll suddenly hear echoes of Beowulf in the dragon Smaug's lair, or trace the playful spirit of The Marvellous Land of Snergs in Bilbo's early adventures. These aren't dry academic notes-they're stories within stories, revealing how Tolkien's life, his love of language, and even his grief shaped every hobbit, dwarf, and dragon. It's like sitting with a professor who's utterly in love with the book, sharing fascinating tidbits over tea.
The audiobook shines because Anderson's voice (or the reader's) makes the scholarship feel personal, not textbook-y. You'll hear the humor in Tolkien's corrections, the emotion in his maps, and the sheer joy in his world-building. It transforms a familiar tale into a living, breathing universe, layer by layer. Whether you're a lifelong Tolkien fan or hearing Bilbo for the first time, this isn't just an annotation-it's an invitation to hear the story as Tolkien intended, with all its hidden melodies and deep roots. You won't just listen to The Hobbit again; you'll finally understand why it's stayed in our hearts for generations. This is the companion every Middle-earth journey deserves.
TulipCake
ListenBook's support for various download methods means I can acquire new content in a way that suits me best. This app's customizable features, like playback speed and bookmarks, have transformed my experience. I'm amazed at how this app has made my daily routines more enjoyable and intellectually stimulating. The playback speed adjustment is a game-changer for busy individuals. Time saver! Automated artwork and metadata retrieval make my audiobook library look organized and polished.
Campfire Mama
The app's compatibility with various devices ensures I never miss a moment of my book. I've rediscovered the joy of reading through the convenience of audiobooks. The narrators' voices on this app are so soothing β it's my relaxation therapy. ListenBook is a game-changer β it plays a wide variety of formats without any conversion needed.
Flint
Audiobooks have become a source of inspiration and motivation, thanks to this app. π The simplicity and functionality of this app are top-notch. I can start a book with just a tap and immerse myself in the story instantly. π±π Unlimited length audiobooks with ListenBook Pro are a huge plus!
Baked ZD
I'm hooked on this app's ability to make reading fit into any moment. Audiobook journey simplified β this app's functionality is a wonderful surprise. Effortless audiobook management β this app's usability is a winner. I love the ability to change the playback pitch. Itβs a unique feature. My house has never been cleaner! I kept finding chores to do just to keep listening. The narrator's energy matched the tone of the book perfectly.
Freeway
I'm rediscovering my favorite classics in a whole new way β through audiobooks! ListenBook's seamless audio player has turned my listening sessions into moments of pure delight. I can't get enough of this app's user-friendly interface β it's a true delight. The interface is sleek and intuitive, making my audiobook experience a joy.
Sky
The ListenBook app is a must-have for anyone who loves to learn and be entertained through audiobooks. ListenBook's support for various download methods and audio formats ensures that I can always find what I'm looking for.
Fire Sass
Listening to audiobooks while cooking has made meal prep much more enjoyable. The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile.
Helmet Destroyer
I'm thrilled to finally have a way to enjoy books while keeping up with my busy schedule. Listening to audiobooks has never been this convenient and enjoyable! ListenBook's extensive statistics feature adds a new level of insight to my audiobook habits. Supports all my playlists and bookmarks seamlessly. Very convenient.
ForumFusion
With ListenBook, I can immerse myself in captivating stories and enriching knowledge, all in one app. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature is a game-changer for immersive listening in any environment.
LoreLoomer
πͺ Doubling the impact of my workouts β exercising and exploring stories, all thanks to this app! πͺπ§ Kudos to the creators for crafting an app that understands audiobook lovers. With smooth playback and thoughtful design, it's a true companion for book enthusiasts. ππ The app supports a wide range of formats. ListenBook is very versatile. The app is so versatile. It works with all my devices.
Midnight Bat
πΌ Workday blues? Not anymore β this app turns my office hours into reading time! π»π π Adding a touch of magic to mundane tasks β this app turns errands into epic quests! ππ ListenBook's sharing options make it easy to share the joy of captivating stories with friends and family. ListenBook is the best audiobook player Iβve ever used. The app is reliable, fast, and packed with features like customizable themes and playback speed. The sleep timer is a lifesaver for bedtime listening. Great job, developers!
Doughboy, Esq
The voice actors are incredible β they make the characters come alive. I love the ability to change the background color. Itβs a nice touch.
Fadey
ListenBook's extensive format support makes it the ultimate audiobook app for any audiobook lover. Library organization is brilliant. No more cluttered audiobook collection.
Delirious Supernova
This app has brought stories to life in a way that traditional reading never could. Audiobook multitasking made easy β this app's functionality is a marvel. Looping playback has revolutionized my language learning journey. I'm making rapid progress.
Dove Dolce
ListenBook has turned my ordinary moments into extraordinary journeys of the mind. Looping playback is my favorite study tool. It's a game-changer for mastering challenging content. ListenBook Pro's noise reduction feature has significantly enhanced my audio quality. The app is so user-friendly. Even my grandma can use it!
Accidental Genius
ListenBook's commitment to enhancing the audiobook experience is evident in its thoughtful features and design. This app has made my road trips and flights infinitely more enjoyable. ListenBook's player features, including chapters and bookmarks, are invaluable for a seamless experience. ListenBook has revolutionized the way I consume content. It's like having a personal tutor in my ear. The app is so intuitive. I didnβt even need to read the instructions.
Sun Runner
This app has turned my daily routine into a source of excitement and joy. No more straining my eyes β this app lets me 'read' with my ears! ListenBook's drag-and-drop download feature from web browsers is incredibly convenient. Downloading audiobooks has never been this easy. Adjusting playback speed has transformed the way I consume audiobooks. I can tailor the pacing to match my learning style and preferences.
Coffee
Navigating audiobooks seamlessly β this app's design is top-notch. ListenBook's support for looping and shuffling playback adds versatility to my audiobook enjoyment. The adjustable playback speed feature is a true innovation. It adds a personalized touch to my listening. I love how easy it is to download audiobooks with ListenBook. The app is incredibly convenient. Good but not great. The narration was competent but lacked the extra spark that makes some audiobooks truly special. Still worth a listen though.
WittyWordsmith
ListenBook has turned my daily routines into audiobook-driven journeys of imagination. I can't believe how seamless the integration with Apple Watch is. My workouts just got better.
Nessie
This app has transformed my screen time into valuable learning and entertainment. π± Carrying my library in my pocket β this app makes every moment a reading opportunity! ππ π Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. π±π§ ListenBook Pro's unlimited audiobook length is a boon for those who enjoy deep dives into lengthy narratives. Flawless support for various audio formats. Very happy with it.
Playing a wide variety of audio formats
Works on all devices with iOS 13 and newer
Huge amount of features for a small price
Frequent updates to add new features and improve existing ones
Advanced playback controls
Live sound processing
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice and noise reduction
Translated into more than 20 languages
If you love listening to fiction audiobooks, ListenBook has features to make the process easier.
Edit book data: title, author, cover
Use equalizer to make the sound comfortable for you
Adjust the playback speed
Enjoy dark and light app themes
Supported formats: MP3, M4B, AWB, FLAC, OGG audio files and many more (must be DRM free)
Auto-Bookmarks make it easy to find your place
AirPlay support allows redirection of audio output.
VoiceOver support
Dark mode for night owls
Convenient bookmarking system helps you mark the most important places.
Unlimited bookmarks for each audiobook
Put your own cover on the wager
Share your audiobook with friends
Lock-screen control
Customise app with extensive options
Sleep timer with shake to reset, set custom notification sounds, and a few unique options
Auto rewind depending on paused time, customize rewind times to your liking
Removing background noise from recordings made in classrooms and meetings
Changing the timbre of the reader's voice for a better listening experience