J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is not just a cornerstone of fantasy literature but also the inspiration behind one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. Delving into timeless themes of good versus evil, friendship, and heroism, Tolkien's world of Middle-earth continues to captivate audiences. With the excitement building around the second season of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's no better time to immerse yourself in the intricate lore of Middle-earth.
For those yet to embark on this epic journey through Tolkien's works, including the main saga and its companion books, we've crafted a detailed guide on how to read them in order, be it chronologically or by release date. So, snuggle up, dim the lights, and grab a reading lamp for what promises to be one of the greatest adventures in literary history.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).
Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, several other collections and companion books have been published. Below, we've listed the seven most relevant to enhance your understanding of Middle-earth.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're stepping into the world of LoTR for the first time or looking to expand your collection, there are various book sets that cater to different tastes. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though numerous styles are available to suit any reader's preference.
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 Books Reading Order
We've organized Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga, which chronicles the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronology, while the additional reading section includes works published posthumously and is ordered by publication date.
To accommodate newcomers, the plot summaries below offer mild spoilers, focusing on general plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit is the first Middle-earth book both in-universe and by real-world publication, released in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company—a group consisting of Gandalf, 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on their quest to reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. This journey introduces us to Gollum and the acquisition of the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring marks the beginning of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as one story, it was edited and split into three volumes for publication. The story starts with Bilbo's 111th birthday and his passing of the One Ring to Frodo. A 17-year gap follows before Frodo's adventure begins at Gandalf's urging. Frodo assembles a fellowship to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, facing betrayal by the end of the volume, yet continuing on with Samwise at his side.
3. The Two Towers
In The Two Towers, the fellowship splits into two groups: Frodo and Sam continue their quest towards Mordor, encountering Gollum, while the rest of the fellowship battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman.
4. The Return of the King
The Return of the King concludes the journey, detailing the final battles against Sauron's forces and the completion of Frodo and Sam's mission. Post-climax, the hobbits confront one last challenge back in the Shire—a segment not shown in the films. The book closes with the resolution of each character's story and Frodo's departure.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
The Silmarillion
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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and stories that trace the history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from its creation through the Third Age.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth
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Unfinished Tales offers over a dozen stories and histories edited by Christopher Tolkien, delving into the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and other significant events leading up to The Lord of the Rings.
7. The History of Middle-earth
The Complete History of Middle-Earth
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The History of Middle-earth is a twelve-volume series spanning 5,400 pages, analyzing The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings. It excludes analyses of The Hobbit, which are covered in The History of The Hobbit by John D. Rateliff.
8. The Children of Húrin
The Children of Hurin
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The Children of Húrin presents the complete narrative of Of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion, set in the First Age. It's a tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, detailing the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, is a love story set during the First Age. Christopher Tolkien compiled various versions to create a cohesive narrative of the adventures of mortal Beren and immortal Elf Lúthien.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
The Fall Of Gondolin
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The Fall of Gondolin expands on tales from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, focusing on Tuor's divine quest to Gondolin and its eventual downfall. This story connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, the father of Elrond.
11. The Fall of Númenor
The Fall of Númenor
5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon
The Fall of Númenor, published in 2022, compiles Tolkien's works related to the Second Age of Middle-earth, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the rise of Sauron.
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)
(Part of the main four-book Lord of the Rings saga)*
For Further Browsing:
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
