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.
42nd Street
This app has added a new layer of enjoyment to my downtime – I'm truly grateful. ListenBook has all the features I need. My go-to audiobook app!
RedMouth
This app is a game-changer for anyone who's always on the go – it's like carrying a library in my pocket. The intuitive interface and efficient navigation make this app a pleasure to use every day.
Tea Kettle
Audiobooks have turned road trips into unforgettable journeys of imagination. Hands down, the best audiobook collection I've ever come across. It has everything I want to listen to. Automatic artwork and metadata extraction keep my audiobook library organized and visually appealing. ListenBook is the best audiobook player I’ve 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!
True Sweetness
I'm blown away by how this app has made my commutes productive and my downtime entertaining. 🚗 Turning road trips into unforgettable adventures – audiobooks keep me entertained on the journey! 🚗📖 💼 Enhancing work-from-home productivity – audiobooks make even the most routine tasks a delight. 💻📖 ListenBook's noise reduction feature in the Pro version is a testament to the app's commitment to audio quality. ListenBook has become an essential part of my routine. It's more than an app – it's a companion.
Night Train
I'm discovering books I wouldn't have considered before, and my reading horizons are expanding. AirDrop and sharing make it easy to spread the audiobook love with friends. Looping playback of a single track helps me master difficult concepts. So helpful! The app is perfect for road trips. It keeps me entertained for hours. This app is a must-have for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is intuitive, and the app supports all formats. I love the auto-bookmark feature—it saves my place automatically, so I never lose track. Highly recommend!
Nacho
Listening to books in their original language has improved my foreign language skills. ListenBook’s bookmarking feature is incredibly useful. I never lose my place in a book. The sleep timer is a lifesaver. I fall asleep listening to my books every night.
Sass Burst
This app is perfect for anyone who loves audiobooks. The interface is sleek and modern, and the playback controls are super responsive. I also appreciate the cloud integration, which lets me access my books from anywhere. Great work! This audiobook was an absolute pleasure to listen to! The narrator's voice was rich and expressive, perfectly capturing the tone of the material. I found myself completely immersed in the story, often sitting in my car longer than necessary just to hear what happened next. The production quality was excellent with clear audio throughout.
ThermalMode
Thanks to ListenBook's binaural audio processing, my extended listening sessions are fatigue-free. I'm hooked on this app's ability to turn any moment into a reading opportunity. Apple Watch compatibility enhances my audiobook experience. It's a convenient way to control playback.
ChatterChampion
Binaural audio processing reduces listening fatigue. Fantastic feature! The ability to download audiobooks directly is fantastic. ListenBook is very convenient. The interface is beautiful and functional. ListenBook is my go-to app for audiobooks. I’ve tried several audiobook players, but ListenBook stands out for its reliability and ease of use. The equalizer and voice boost features make every book sound amazing. Plus, the dark mode is perfect for nighttime listening. Great job, developers!
Mt. Indiana
As a visually impaired person, this app has opened up a new world of stories for me. This app's compatibility with different formats ensures that I never miss out on a great audiobook. With this app, I've discovered a new way to make my workouts and downtime more engaging and insightful. ⭐️ Who knew cleaning could be this exciting? This app turns chores into adventures! 🧹🏰 Sharing audiobooks through AirDrop is a great way to spread the joy of storytelling with friends.
Hella Fella
With ListenBook, I've found a reliable and enjoyable way to listen to audiobooks and expand my knowledge. The drag-and-drop download feature on ListenBook is incredibly convenient – no more complicated processes. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app. ListenBook's compatibility with CarPlay is a major convenience during road trips. is a time-saver. It's convenient for accessing my content.
Daffy Neo
I appreciate the minimal ads – it's all about uninterrupted enjoyment. Kudos to the developers! ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. Unlocking a world of literary possibilities, this app's extensive compatibility and user-friendly controls have made audiobook enjoyment an everyday joy. 📱🔊 ListenBook has breathed new life into my audiobook collection. I can't imagine using anything else. I've recommended ListenBook to all my fellow bookworms. It's a true companion for audiobook lovers.
RiddleRover
The versatility of this app is mind-boggling. It's like a one-stop solution for audiobooks. I love the chapter navigation feature. ListenBook makes it easy to find specific sections. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Screwtape
🎶 Forget background music, I've got enchanting stories to accompany my chores! 🎵📚 Downloading audiobooks is a breeze, thanks to the variety of options available. One of the best audiobooks I’ve heard! The story was compelling, and the narrator’s delivery added depth to every scene. I found myself looking for excuses to listen just a little longer. Will definitely revisit this one!
Wonder Lady
With this app, every moment becomes an opportunity to indulge in fantastic stories. The controls, layout, and seamless playback are a reader's dream. 📚🎧 I love the ability to change the font size. It makes reading the titles so easy.
DZE
I've found my new favorite way to relax – cuddled up with an audiobook. CUE playlist support is a fantastic organizational feature. It keeps my audiobooks neatly arranged.
Scrapple
This app is my secret weapon for making the most of my free time. 🌌 Transforming my mundane routine into a captivating journey – thank you, this app! ✨📚 📚 Accessing my favorite authors and genres is a breeze with this app's user-friendly functionality. 📱🎧 The app is perfect for people who love to listen to books at night.
Cabbie
🏝️🎧 Packing for vacation just got better – this app is my getaway entertainment! 🌴📖 ListenBook's auto-rewind feature is a thoughtful addition that ensures I never miss a single word. ListenBook has redefined how I enjoy audiobooks. It's an essential tool for my literary pursuits. Adjusting the tone of the voice is a creative feature. It allows for a unique and personalized experience. The app's compatibility with Apple Watch elevates my workouts, making them more engaging and productive.
Bug Blitz
No more fighting over the radio during family trips – we're all hooked on audiobooks now. ListenBook's commitment to excellence shines through in its powerful features and seamless performance. This app's simplicity has made me fall in love with books all over again. ⭐️ Turning mundane tasks into exciting adventures – this app makes folding laundry a breeze with audiobooks! 👚🎧 The app is so reliable. I’ve never had any issues with it.
Nessie
ListenBook has made managing and enjoying audiobooks a seamless and delightful experience. ListenBook's innovative features, from audio filters to statistics, make it a standout app.
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