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A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: J. R. R. Tolkien
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Publisher's summary

J. R. R. Tolkien was an English writer, poet, philologist, and university professor best known as the author of fantasy works like The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. Listen as Tolkien reads The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, The Hoard, Perry-The-Winkle, and The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon. Also included is a reading of A Elbereth Gilthoniel in Elvish and "The Road Goes Ever on," sung by William Elvin with music by Donald Swann.

©2011 Rick Sheridan (P)2011 Rick Sheridan
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What listeners say about A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien

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  • Overall
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    3 out of 5 stars

A collection of poems of Middle Earth.

Impressive to hear Tolkien's own voice narrate these poems, some of which are featured in Lord of the Rings in some form or another, the songs as well. Quite the collection. A wide range of subjects, of battles, characters and more.

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Incredibly Beautiful

Indubitably one of the most generally beautiful and ... that feeling felt by all at their first discover of Lord Tennyson's poetry? That, but at the wonder of how beautifully Tolkien reads. Moreover, the music at the end of the all too short experience was quite the equal of Der Earl-Konig as sung by Fischer-Diskau. To be truthful in all respects, this is indescribably, at least to my abilities, wonderful. Therefore I compare it to things, glints of pure joy and beauty I have felt at other times. This is one of the things that has given me that. If I were to number the times I have felt wonder at the beauty of something to a similar extent, with this and the other two instances mentioned, that number would be six. To conclude, this is beautiful, and I give it full marks in all respects, and without reservation recommend it.

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1 person found this helpful

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A very rare treat

To hear in his own voice, a selection of J.R.R.Tolkien's poetry and a few elvish words is a great treat. Perhaps I may have preferred to hear the songs with harp or pipe, rather than piano. Did Middle Earth have a piano? Regardless, the poetry is a joy.

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14 people found this helpful

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Exceptional surprise for a Tolkienite!

This was really something special to hear Tolkien tell some of his stories. You can hear in his voice how much he loved it!

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3 people found this helpful

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Neat to hear him read

For those who love Tolkien's work. this is a neat set of recordings of him reading his own writings.

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Great to hear him read his on work

This kept popping up for me every time I would finish something on audible, and as it’s 42 minutes long, and includes him reading some of his own work, I decided to spend the credit on it. It’s definitely awesome. This has actually been released multiple times apparently so ‘rare’ doesn’t really work. Also, despite the audible picture used, this definitely sounds like him as an older man.

Description:

Listen as Tolkien reads The Adventures of Tom Bombadil, The Hoard, Perry-The-Winkle, and The Man in the Moon Came Down Too Soon. Also included is a reading of A Elbereth Gilthoniel in Elvish and "The Road Goes Ever on," sung by William Elvin with music by Donald Swann.

This is definitely worth checking out if you have the time. You can really hear the lyrical and poetic prowess Tolkien had. And how cool to hear him read it himself? I wish there was more, but of course it’s not an actual audiobook.

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    5 out of 5 stars

this is super cool 👍👍👍

man u have always loved Tolkien's works but never heard him, this is incredible

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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The Master at Work

If you could sum up A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien in three words, what would they be?

Inspirational, Rare, Perfect

What other book might you compare A Rare Recording of J. R. R. Tolkien to and why?

I have no other books to compare. Hearing Tolkien read his own work is a phenomenal joy! The way he pronounces things, the cadence of his tone and the tombre of his voice bring form the magic of Middle Earth to a new generation.

What about J. R. R. Tolkien’s performance did you like?

His beautiful low voice reading these poems the way he intended for them to be read is magical. The old Oxford Professor knows how to tell a great tale and the beautiful thoughtful tone in which he reads his own work is captivating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes and many times since! I love this recording.

Any additional comments?

Buy it. Listen. Sit at the feet of the Professor and enjoy his work from a new perspective. It's worth the time.

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9 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Very awesome

This is a voice that could be listen to four hours. Some of the poetry has been lost and is wonderful to hear if red so clearly and so poetically. Listening to his single as well has his rate has been a true delight. RP Rouse

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2 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    4 out of 5 stars

Hard core Tolkien fans will love it

The quality of the recording is poor, but tis fascinating to hear Tolkein'a aged voice. The songs are very well done, tho. I wish that there was at least an introduction or perhaps a foreword explaining what is being read and song.

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