Gandalf calls on Bilbo: a reading from the first chapter of The Hobbit

[@sumpterino]

What i love about 'The Hobbit' is how Tolkien recognize the appeal and need of homeliness and downright coziness. I mean, the amount of weight he puts on his characters resting after a great meal, relaxing with a lit pipe and conversing with friends is palpable in both The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. We'd all do well not to forget the value of these small yet incredibly important moments.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Well said!

[@matthewsawczyn6592]

"Well earned comforts" as Pippin called them 😊

[@Cosper79]

I agree completely and feel like that is the secret ingredient of The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings. It grounds the world in realism.

[@expertscav89]

Same I think of malcolm as a wonderful neighbor that invites me over for a bit of pipe smoking and discussing Tolkien.

[@antr7493]

Malcolm reading the entire Hobbit and Lord Of the Rings would be amazing

[@AmericanImperium2112]

Agreed. 👍

[@noahthegreat190]

tbh someone could just sample a few minutes of his voice from previous videos and use ElevenLabs (AI Text to Speech Service) to replicate an entire reading by him. You just need a few hundred dollars probably.

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

AI can do one, I'd love to see and hear the real thing, with the pauses for pipe smoking and drinking of beer included

[@cwnorton]

Yes indeed ​@@Dunkelzeitgeist

[@mrgibbygibs]

@@noahthegreat190 seeing this guy read and then thinking "we could fake it with AI" is the most depressing, point-missing thing i've seen today

[@elizabethmcmeens1436]

I was 12 years old when I was introduced to the magical realms of J.R.R. Tolkien. My father had passed away and I was lost. One of my eldest sisters presented me with a paperback copy of The Hobbit. I will be be 62 in December and have never left the adventures of Bilbo, Frodo, Sam and the rest of the company behind. When my mother passed last November at the age of 100, there was no question where I would go. I wish I could hug the neck of Mr. Tolkien for giving that 12 year old girl this gift that has been with me all these years. It has been life giving. Magic does exist. 🧚🏽‍♀️ I’m so glad I found you here!! 🪶

[@teajuanaltd]

I'm truly sorry for your losses and hope Tolkiens magical world still has the power to whisk you away from this world's unpleasantries... Even if only for a moment.

[@kaisailor1]

It seems that we share a bit of history. My young life sounds to be a parallel but I was 14 and lost, just beginning my 9th grade year when I found Mr. Tolkeins world in the schools library. It provided a comfortable escape and opened my mind up to fantasy literature. My life was forever altered that day and happily...I was exactly what I needed. I like to think that he wrote his stories with children like us in mind, perhaps from his own unfortunate experiences. He gave us all so much.

[@Ranger-Luke]

The smoke rings were a great touch 🧙🏻‍♂️

[@asharmstrong6730]

I fondly remember Nicol Williamson's reading of The Hobbit, for Argo Records, on 4 LPs. I saved up to buy it in the mid-70s from our Redifusion record shop.

[@GabrielMattixPoetry]

These are all lovely. My wife and I are enjoying working through your backlog of these. Thank you for the wonderful recitations and analysis.

[@nikonuzr1]

How lucky I am at 55 years of age, I’ve discovered your channel while reading the Hobbit for the first time myself and rekindling a pipe habit from 30 years ago. Enjoying some Rivendale in my Peterson while you read. Cheers sir, and please continue.

[@Nighttrainpiper]

Dr. Guite, you may have become Gandalf, beaconing others to adventures with your sharing of tales.

[@hobbitonpiper]

A beautiful read, thank you! There is so much joy and encouragement to be found in Tolkien’s books. It always makes me smile to see good folk connect with them as I have.

[@OHAREAVIATION]

More reading excerpts from The Hobbit or Lord of the Rings are always much appreciated. Thanks so much for this treat!

[@michaelkelleypoetry]

It's amazing. I've both read and listened to the Hobbit being read many, many times, to the point that I can almost recite any passage verbatim, and yet, it never gets old. It's always so pleasurable. Tolkien just had a way of writing that forces a smile, especially if I happen to be reading it wth my own pipe between my teeth.

[@evandempsey7613]

What a great coincidence! Not only did I eat second breakfast today, but I discovered a surprise copy of The Hobbit on a bookshelf at my place of employment. Looking forward to listening.

[@thepipersmantel]

Many are called but few are chosen. Great reading!

[@EdMcF1]

0:51 A delightful blackbird is heard.

[@tsundru]

You are a treasure and have enriched my life by finding you. God bless.

[@meanhe8702]

What a special treat today! Thank you, you made my day! I love your pipe and the fine reading of the ever enchanting, The Hobbit. Just came from working in the garden, in my “good tilled earth” the smell of the soil, the love for growing things, but for the big hairy feet, I can relate to the Hobbits.

[@billydavisband]

I would pay so much money to have a a recording of you reading the whole book. What must I do to help make this happen?

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

I second this

[@diegok3661]

We simply must petition for it! I’d wager we’d get at least 20 thousand signatures!

[@greyfeather7857]

Such a wonderful way to view older age ,as a series of adventures . Who knows what treasures we may yet discover? Thank you for sharing and taking the time to read this 🙏🏻 📖

[@josephhilditch8792]

I would love that!

[@stonylawncottagepipe4429]

Much appreciated as I listen from my cozy chair...😂

[@Catonius]

Lovely. Cosiest channel on the internet. Good morning!

[@NatsuOsugosuHotaru]

Thank you, Malcolm, for stirring long ago memories of my own father reading Bilbo's adventures to me as a boy. It seems both our fathers set us upon our own adventures of the page and the pipe. Tonight's weed is a mix of Balkan Sobranie flake and Virginia, accompanied by my father's favourite dram of cognac. Wishing you blessings on this late spring eve. Cheers.

[@georger868]

Loved it! Thank you Malcolm!

[@dancoomer8090]

I do love your readings! A very lovely choice of Gandalf and Bilbo.

[@jat2319]

A pipe and a chapter from Malcolm at a time? Would pay to hear that!

[@jazzsprite10]

I would love to see a full reading of the Hobbit by you Malcolm! One of my favourite books!

[@AndyRoberts-bs2vv]

Good evening… I’m also guilty of harbouring a compelling desire for adventure in middle age. Thank you for confirming that it’s still a possibility!

[@MarkBirmes-m9y]

Only book I read EVER read back to back and felt as if I were in another world.

[@MichaelSmith-ys4ki]

I enjoyed it very much! Thank you

[@hardysscalemodels]

I came across your channel completely by accident and I’m glad I did. I really enjoy watching your love of stories, pipes and all things Tolkien. Cracking stuff. 👏🏻

[@the8thgable]

Who better than Malcolm Guite to take us on a stroll through The Hobbit?

[@andrewmiddleton1762]

When a child, I lived in these books, with their characters, nuances, home comforts, the world of fey -all beautfiully juxtaposed . Farmer Giles of Ham and Smith of Wootton Major - also superb tales Yesterday I worked with my very nice young assistant home from uni for Easter - he laughed endlessly that I said superfluous, then polyglot - he checked on his mobile phone that they really were words - so sad to have such a limited vocabulary - and I am far from educated I seem to remember - 'he' chose a low place in the hedge, and hopped through

[@oldandintheway1955]

I'm currently reading Humphrey Carpenter's biography of Tolkien, wonderful information and background to his astounding catalog. Thank you Malcolm, great timing Serene smokes, Gary

[@nicks4802]

Its a sunny, breezy afternoon… A fine day for some concerning pipeweeds.

[@missworm]

One of my favourite jumble sale finds is the second impression of the first edition (the warehouse fire edition). Alas, the previous owner wrote her name in felt tip in it, but for 5p I’m not really complaining!

[@marybrewer2203]

So lovely to hear on a pleasant Wednesday evening. I wish you well.

[@joegiuffrida6779]

absolutely delightful!

[@Musrusticus-]

One of the most wonderful stories ever written and very much loved in our family too. Thank you.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@nicholasbrown321]

Didn't have a pipe tonight, but definitely poured some 15 year old Bowmore, and found myself fully emersed in you reading Tolkein, to have my wife join me. We love these! Warm Regards from Tennessee!

[@blinndorsey210]

We’ll sir, I could sit and listen to you read for hours! I recall my first read of the Hobbit at age 11: similar magic. Thank you! And you should always smoke a church warden… It suits you!

[@johnmooney9403]

Fabulous video Malcolm your an excellent narrator. You bring out the World and words of Tolkien Superbly!

[@joeytongue3982]

I have never read any Tolkien. I haven’t even seen any of the movies. Your reading has motivated me to do some reading, and yes I had a nice bowl of blackberry aromatic as I was lounging on a drifting pontoon boat while you were reading. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheIsaacman100]

Blowing smoke rings on that pipe was pretty slick

[@ElzevereBlock]

I started watching Malcolm simply because his study resembles my bedroom. Books, books and more books. Just all laying there on sunken shelves and only asking to be appreciated though the years. Hearing Malcolm read, relaxing in his comfortable chair, is a pure joy to see. Malcolm and his books.............................I salute you Sir.

[@DanielKellyFolkMusic]

Fabulous reading of a fabulous book Malcolm, thankyou!

[@danlong82]

Nice smoke rings! I'm enjoying a bowl of Old Toby as I listen.

[@beckyramos5952]

Dear Malcolm you are the perfect person to read The Hobbit! Thank you for bringing the characters vividly back to me from first time reading it many, many years ago.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@markwallace1251]

What an adventure!

[@TerryC69]

Such wonderful images does my imagination produce while listening to your readings.

[@StDavidpipes]

With much trash on KZbin besides the YTPC (KZbin Pipe Community) you Sir are a breath of fresh air or a puff of a good ole’ Burley!

[@sharilewis4533]

Thank you so much for doing this. What a pleasant way to spend an evening. I truly hope that you continue doing this. I'm going to light a pipe and listen to this short story again and again!

[@Wolkenbruch7]

Have a good Adventure.

[@scotthartley7837]

Sir, if you did a live stream were you read different books ect chronologically I would watch every week. Your content is wonderful

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

That's a great idea!

[@zita-lein]

Loved this so much! Masterful expression! And love the pipe!

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

Thank you kindly!

[@VenanzioCortese]

I just read this chapter aloud to my three year old daughter. She was spellbound as she fell asleep.

[@les6186]

Thank you for the wonderful reading, it reminded me of the incredible writing and wit and humor within Tolkien's world.

[@Dunkelzeitgeist]

Wonderful read, loved this once again Malcolm; I personally enjoy the Christian and Indeed masonic hints here and there in the books, very well done indeed from Tolkien

[@beverlybullock8960]

Magnificently wonderful episode! 💚

[@TruckinPiperBob]

One of my favourite authors which I do message when you do these, keep doing more, church warden is my next pipe to purchase, just purchased children of Huron for my holiday read, thank you sir for channel 😊

[@GODSPEAKS490]

I thank you so much..Live your work..I am out here in Puerto Rico a fan

[@andrewpeterson5882]

Well, that's that - I do believe it's time to read the Hobbit again. I'll read it outside in my garden on a beautiful sunny morning with a pipe of tobacco and I can't imagine a more delightful way to spend my Saturday morning.

[@seanmcgrath1326]

Thank you! Absolutely wonderful!

[@Scotch5ailor]

Thank you for the excellent content.

[@Ahmed-yassin]

I love the hobbit. Thank you for reading sir and enjoy 👌👍💨

[@sarahburke8955]

I'm currently reading The Lord of the Rings, as I do just about every year, but I think I'll pause for a bit to revisit The Hobbit just for a bit of fun. I would dearly love to have a recording of you reading the entire tale; your voice and style is so suited to the writing!

[@Barondogboy]

I approve of this... The wisdom is profound. The only thing I don't agree with is lighting the pipe with a Zippo. Matches are king. Bless you all the same & thank you x

[@xavierpaquin]

Cheers! 😄

[@wendy-moore]

Ha, nice job on the smoke rings 🤍

[@josephhilditch8792]

We need a whole reading of the Lord of the rings! I would pay 💰

[@Finny14754]

There is always something very relaxing about someone smoking a pipe , my uncle used to smoke one and I used to love the smell .

[@StDavidpipes]

Brilliant session mind.

[@ronaldpoppe3774]

Just started reading the Hobbit for the second time. Cheers Ron

[@11Bravo84]

Nice pipe , thanks for the read.

[@shotgunstanbo]

I would love to hear you read the first chapter of The Video Game Player from planet Earth. It would be a fabulous read for any, a fine hobbit.

[@paulwalker5822]

Completely agree with the other comments. Malcolm can we have the full narration please?

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

I wrote to ask them permission but sadly they refused it

[@paulwalker5822]

That is such a shame, thanks for trying Malcolm.

[@Gamepad0]

Could you please do a full audio book reading? 🥺

[@IveWitnessed]

Sir you are the only company I have when I smoke my pipe and I’d have it no other way

[@clivenewton7609]

Dear Malcolm, please could you advise which Churchwarden pipe you were smoking? Thank you for this wonderful dip into this masterpiece, so very much appreciated at this time. Kindest regards from deepest Dorset.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

It was a Peterson Churchwarden

[@nerdvana101]

I really love this old fart

[@Freakaboogie]

very nice!

[@yusufsayed1583]

Awesome 👌 thanks for sharing and taking time to have a pipe with me 😊 Greetings from south africa 🇿🇦

[@TheWineGuild]

That pipe you are smoking looks beautiful. Would you mind sharing the brand name? Thanks for the reading.

[@Coyotebongwater97]

They smoking that one ring to rule them all pack in middle earth we all know it 😅

[@inklings85]

I'm reading The Hobbit to my girls in the States. How do you pronounce "eyrie" in England??

[@jat2319]

Ee-rie

[@ericdingler672]

Good stuff! 💨💨💨💨

[@leadrevolver]

Nothing like smoking a good pipe on a sunny Shire morning

[@-oldhope-]

READ THE WHOLE BOOK PLEASE?! 😅

[@charlespayne2002]

Less noise and more green. .....

[@dennissmith5954]

Who was the publisher of this edition of The Hobbit? Thanks. Enjoy your videos.

[@MalcolmGuitespell]

harper collins

[@acratone8300]

Hi, my granddaughter wants to pass a small message. She wants a doll and a wagon for Christmas. Thank you.

[@dewservices]

I noticed you dont tamp your tobacco BEFORE lighting it. Maybe try and packing it BEFORE lighting as to allow it to burn longer. Give it a try.

[@tillybinkieking7258]

What was wrong with your dottle?

[@georger868]

First view😃

[@jimbojet8728]

I just wish you wouldn’t invoke your god , during your vids. You remind me that even the nicest of people can be deluded to believe without compellable evidence. Such a dangerous thing to do. I don;t suppose for a moment, that you care about what I think, so I shan’t listen to you again. Good luck to you.