2013 Lo Hobbit (Edoardo Camponeschi)

The Hobbit

Release Date: 2013.12.30
Reader: Edoardo Camponeschi
Language: Italian
Translator: Giadrossi/Napoli
Organisation: Ménéstrandise
ISBN: n/a
Duration: 9 hours 44 minutes
Unabridged: Yes
Country: Italy
Licenced: No
Formats: Digital

A high-production independent labour of love that filled the void for years before major publishers stepped in. Born in Rome (1988), Camponeschi is a professional actor and voice artist who has become a prominent figure in the Italian audiobook industry who views himself as a Cantastorie (troubadour). By releasing the full, unabridged reading on YouTube, he made Middle-earth accessible to an entire generation of Italian listeners who did not have an official audiobook option at the time.

Uses the original Elena Giadrossi translation (revised by Prince Quirino di Napoli), first published by Adelphi in 1973. This was the version that introduced The Hobbit to Italy and features Italianized names (e.g., Beorn remains Beorn, but the Trolls are more “folkloric” in tone). The modern Riccardo Ricobello version uses the newer 2004 Bompiani revised translation.

By releasing the full, unabridged reading on YouTube, he made Middle-earth accessible to an entire generation of Italian listeners who did not have an official audiobook option at the time.