J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of cinema's greatest trilogies. Tolkien's epic tale of good versus evil explores timeless themes of friendship and heroism. With Rings of Power entering its second season and a new Lord of the Rings film slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.
For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth (and its companion works), this guide offers two reading orders: chronological and by publication date. Gather your blankets, dim the lights, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.
How Many Books Are in The Lord of the Rings Series?
Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King). Numerous companion books and collections have been published posthumously; seven of the most significant are detailed below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned collector, several excellent book sets are available. While we favor the leather-bound illustrated editions, many styles cater to diverse preferences.
The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
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The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition
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The Lord of the Rings Reading Order
This guide divides Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' journeys, presented chronologically. The supplementary section, ordered by publication date, includes works published after Tolkien's death. Plot summaries are kept brief to minimize spoilers.
1. The Hobbit
Chronologically and publication-wise, The Hobbit is the first Middle-earth book. Published in 1937, it predates The Lord of the Rings by 17 years. This adventure follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. The story introduces Gollum and reveals Bilbo's acquisition of the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, this begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he bequeaths the One Ring to Frodo Baggins. Unlike the film adaptation, a 17-year gap separates Bilbo's birthday and Frodo's quest, initiated by Gandalf's urging to remove the Ring from the Shire. Frodo assembles the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in Mount Doom. The Fellowship faces betrayal, leading Frodo and Samwise on a solitary journey towards Mordor.
3. The Two Towers
Continuing the Fellowship's journey, The Two Towers follows the divided party: Frodo and Sam, and the remaining members. One group confronts orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum, continuing their perilous quest.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume concludes the Fellowship's journey. The heroes battle Sauron's armies, while Sam and Frodo complete their mission. The hobbits face a final adversary in the Shire (a sequence absent from the film). The book details the fates of each character, concluding Frodo's epic journey.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
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Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, encompassing Middle-earth's history from creation through the Third Age. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers myths and stories spanning Arda's history.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
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Another Christopher Tolkien-edited collection, Unfinished Tales, contains stories about the origins of the five wizards, the Gondor-Rohan alliance, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's pre-Lord of the Rings search for the One Ring.
7. The History of Middle-earth
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This twelve-volume series (1983-1996), edited by Christopher Tolkien, analyzes The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings. The History of The Hobbit (edited by John D. Rateliff, 2007) provides separate analysis of The Hobbit.
8. The Children of Húrin
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A complete version of Of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion, this First Age tale follows Húrin Thalion and his children, exploring the consequences of Húrin's defiance of Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
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A First Age love story, compiled from various versions by Christopher Tolkien, following Beren and Lúthien. Inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife, Edith.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
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A complete version of tales found in The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, recounting Tuor's divinely-guided journey to Gondolin and the events leading to Morgoth's defeat. Connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son, Eärendil. The last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.
11. The Fall of Númenor
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Published in 2022, this collection, edited by Brian Sibley, compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, covering Númenor's rise and fall, the Rings of Power, Sauron's rise, and the Last Alliance.
How to Read The Lord of the Rings By Release Date
The Hobbit (1937) The Fellowship of the Ring (1954) The Two Towers (1954) The Return of the King (1955) The Silmarillion (1977) Unfinished Tales (1980) The History of Middle-earth (1983–1996) The Children of Húrin (2007) Beren and Lúthien (2017) The Fall of Gondolin (2018) The Fall of Númenor (2022)
For Further Reading:
[New Fantasy and Sci-Fi Books] [Best Books Like Lord of the Rings] [How to Watch The Lord of the Rings Movies in Order] [Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set]
