This set of LP records include an eight-page booklet with pictures of J.R.R. Tolkein and reader Nicol Williamson; track list/synopses; notes on the recording by Argo founder Harley Usill; and essay by producer Lissa Demetriou. This rare, eight-side version of 'The Hobbit' is one of the great spoken-word recordings of the past fifty years and a must-have for all lovers of Tolkein's classic.
An anonymous reader/reviewer at Amazon's UK site wrote, "My favourite version is read by Nicol Williamson - This recording is one of the few actually authorised by Professor Tolkien. The story is well edited and Nicol Williamson's narration is brilliant. The accents he uses for the various characters are perfect: Bilbo is from the West Country; the spiders are Irish; Gollom is Welsh; and so on. The edition is a bit difficult to track down now - I wish someone would re-release it."
(Of course, this blogmaster has a copy)!
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3 comments:
The first time I heard this recording was at midnight on Friday, December 20, 1974, man it's been a long time. It is one of the best readings I've heard.
While Nicol Williamson uses some accents he doesn't over do it, so between that and the judicious use of music, it makes for great listening. I wish they'd re-release it on CD.
I do have a copy, I've just never opened it, I listen to the tape I made off the air.
I just looked and there's actually a copy on eBay for $60 right now and no, I'm not the one selling it. :)
Anyway, thank you for putting up a post on the Hobbit LP, it brought back pleasant memories.
http://www.nicolwilliamson.com/?p=125 !!!
As far as I know there are no plans for a re-release, which is a shame as it is a truly marvelous recording. Anyone who has ever listened to this has had a story to tell me regarding how it touched their life in some way, and that really means a lot to me.
Luke, son of Nicol, webmaster www.nicolwilliamson.com
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