Leaf by Niggle Audiobook By J. R. R. Tolkien cover art

Leaf by Niggle

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Leaf by Niggle

By: J. R. R. Tolkien
Narrated by: Derek Jacobi
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Buy for $8.40

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

Leaf by Niggle recounts the strange adventures of the painter Niggle, who sets out to paint the perfect tree. But he senses that he will be snatched away from his work long before it is finished – if indeed it could ever be finished in this world. For it is in another and brighter place that Niggle finds his tree is finished, and learns that it is indeed a real tree, a true part of creation.

Written in the early 1940s at the same time as The Lord of the Rings was taking shape, ‘Leaf by Niggle’ is a passionate adult fairy tale about a man who has ‘a long journey to make’, thought to be an allegory of Tolkien’s own life.

 Fantasy Fiction Heartfelt Fairy Tales Epic Witty Feel-Good Historical Funny Classics Scary

Critic reviews

‘As with all good short stories, this one expands in the imagination. Mighty oaks from tiny acorns grow, indeed.’ The Times

‘Brings a wistful charm to complex issues of truth, beauty, duty and creative aspiration.’ The Herald

‘A haunting and successful demonstration of the qualities of faerie’ New York Times

Featured Article: The Lord of the Rings—The Essential Guide to the Peoples, Places, and History of Tolkien's Middle-earth


Welcome to Middle-earth, the main continent of Arda and the setting for J.R.R. Tolkien's The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings trilogy, and a host of other in-universe stories. Middle-earth is a fantastical realm rooted in detailed world-building and mythos that have since gone on to inspire many other fantasy works. Read on for everything you need to know.

Featured Article The Lord of the Rings The Essential Guide to the Peoples Places and History of Tolkien's Middle earth
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Masterful Storytelling • Philosophical Depth • Excellent Narration • Relatable Protagonist • Heartwarming Tale

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I have long loved this story and this performance did not let me down!

A nice pace and enjoyable tone. I will definitely add this to the entertainment playlist!

An ending we would all envy!

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My favorite of Tolkien's short works and my favorite actor make this a perfect listen.

A Perfect Reading by Sir Derek Jacobi

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it's a must buy, especially for the price. it's a work of tolkien that's not aswell known but it iS FANTASTIC. Also the narrator does a wonderful job with the characters etc..just a pleasure to listen to.

wonderful short read.

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loved this children like story. I highly recommend it for its whimsy and joy.

delightful

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This is a wonderful short story about an aspiring painter Mr. Niggle who lives in a town in which the leaders and his closest friend and neighbor Mr. Parrish do not appreciate art. Mr. Niggle is working on a large canvas painting of a tree but when he is drawn away from his project to help Mr. Parrish and his life takes a turn. At its start I thought this would be a light hearted tale but it turned out to be rather deep and affecting. Mr. Niggle's experience is an allegory for something but I won't say as I don't want to give any spoilers.

I bought this on Audible for a buck and some change. A fine investment, I listened to it twice. The narration by Derek Jacobi was perfect. All the stars!

Wonderful short tale by Tolkien

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