The Adventures of Tom Bombadil

By: J. R. R. Tolkien

Narrated by: Derek Jacobi

Tolkien’s acclaimed modern classic ‘fairie’ tale, read by Derek Jacobi.

‘Here is something that no devotee of the Hobbit epic can afford to miss, while awaiting a further instalment of the history of these fascinating people – a selection [of verses] offered as an ‘interim report’ to those interested in Hobbit-lore, and to any others who may find amusement in this mixed bag of old confections.’

One of the most intriguing characters in The Lord of the Rings, the amusing and enigmatic Tom Bombadil, also appears in verses said to have been written by Hobbits and preserved in the ‘Red Book’ with stories of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and their friends. The Adventures of Tom Bombadil collects these and other poems, mainly concerned with legends and jests of the Shire at the end of the Third Age.

This special edition has been expanded to include earlier versions of some of Tolkien’s poems, a fragment of a prose story with Tom Bombadil, and comprehensive notes by acclaimed Tolkien scholars Christina Scull and Wayne G. Hammond.

Critic reviews

‘Professor Tolkien revealed in the verses scattered through The Hobbit that he had a talent for songs, riddling rhymes, and a kind of balladry. In The Adventures of Tom Bombadil the talent can be seen to be close to genius.’
LISTENER

Short but good info

seemed a bit all over the place but gave some good background information on some of Tolkien history

Miscellaneous poems by J. R. Tolkien

Collections of miscellaneous J. R. R. Tolkien verses about Middle Earth. Great performance by Derek Jacobi

Fantastic

S was a great rendition of the Adventures of Tom Bombadil. I loved the rhythmic sound of Derek Jacobi’s voice. It was performed so well especially as some of the words must have been hard to pronounce. Highly recommended.

Sir Derek Jacobi and Tolkien

this is so charming and so well read what else can be said I LOVED IT.

poetry

anyone who truly loved Tolkien's writings will fall in love with it all over again with these poems of the largest enigma in middle earth. these verses were meant to be read and heard aloud. And here it is well done.