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Farmer Giles of Ham

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Farmer Giles of Ham

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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About this listen

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

Farmer Giles of Ham is one of Tolkien’s most popular stories, full of wit and humour, set in the days when giants and dragons walked the earth. He did not look like a hero. He was fat and red-bearded and enjoyed a slow, comfortable life.

Then one day a rather deaf and short-sighted giant blundered on to his land. More by luck than skill, Farmer Giles managed to scare him away. The people of the village cheered: Farmer Giles was a hero.

His reputation spread far and wide across the kingdom. So it was natural that when the dragon Chrysophylax visited the area it was Farmer Giles who was expected to do battle with it!

Two further stories in this collections are Smith of Wooton Major which tells of the preparation of the Great Cake to mark the Feast of Good Children, and the strange events which follow, and Leaf by Niggle, which recounts the strange adventures of the painter, Niggle.

 Dragons & Mythical Creatures Epic Epic Fantasy Fantasy Fiction Historical Classics

Critic reviews

‘A fabulous tale of the days when giants and dragons walked the kingdom’
Sunday Times
All stars
Most relevant
Yet another great Tolkien story. Short, but impeccably written. An essential read for all ages.

Awesome story

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Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

This is entertaining: amusing and enthralling; a well crafted and well written tale with a perceived depth to it that JRR had a way of producing. Derek Jacobi reads it so very well: his voices and the pace of his reading are spot on, a real joy that I have listened to many times on long car journeys. I only wish that it were longer.

What about Derek Jacobi’s performance did you like?

DJ's acting skills are well known, but this combination of voice acting and narration is a wonderful performance and a joy to listen to. I can at one time lose myself in the story a dn just go along with it and at another time listen to his reading of it and enjoy it on that level alone. Really very good indeed.

A cracking tale, beautifully read.

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a beautiful little story, very easy to listen to when you just want to relax.

absolutely charming tale of dragons and unlikely knights

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What a splendid little romp! Masterful use of the English language, as one would expect from Tolkien and superbly narrated. Well worth a listen!

Splendid!

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I loved it. It was engaging and vibrant right to the end. I may listen to it again.

Yes

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