J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. The saga delves into timeless themes of good versus evil, friendship, and heroism, and with the excitement of Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to immerse yourself in the lore of Middle-earth.
For those eager to embark on this epic journey but unsure where to start, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to reading Tolkien's Middle-earth saga. Whether you prefer to follow the chronological order of the story or the sequence of publication, we've got you covered. So, cozy up with a reading lamp and dive into one of the greatest adventures ever told.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
The core of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga consists of four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
In addition to these primary works, several other collections and companion books have been released since Tolkien's passing in 1973. We've selected seven of the most significant for your reading pleasure.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a newcomer to the world of Middle-earth or looking to expand your collection, there are numerous book sets available to enhance your bookshelf. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though there are many other styles to choose from.
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 divided Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two categories: The main Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is presented in narrative chronological order. The additional readings, published posthumously, are listed by their publication dates. Our summaries are designed to be spoiler-light, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit, both the first book in the Middle-earth timeline and the first published, introduces us to Bilbo Baggins in 1937. The story follows Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield on a quest to reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, they encounter Gollum, and Bilbo acquires the One Ring. The adventure culminates in the Battle of Five Armies, famously depicted in the final Hobbit film.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien released The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Initially conceived as a single narrative, it was split into three volumes for publication, each containing two books. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. Unlike the film, there's a 17-year gap before Frodo embarks on his journey at Gandalf's urging. Frodo forms the Fellowship with Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of the book, Frodo decides to continue alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.
3. The Two Towers
The Two Towers continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided. Frodo and Sam press on toward Mordor, encountering Gollum, while the rest of the group faces orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman.
4. The Return of the King
The Return of the King concludes the epic journey, with our heroes battling Sauron's forces. Frodo and Sam reach the climax of their quest, and the hobbits face one final challenge back in the Shire—a scene omitted from the films. The book wraps up with the fates of the characters and Frodo's departure.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
The Silmarillion
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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977 and edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of myths and stories spanning the history of Arda, the world in which Middle-earth exists, from its creation to the Third Age.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth
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Unfinished Tales, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien in 1980, is a collection of stories and histories providing further depth to Middle-earth's lore, including the origins of the wizards and the 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, a twelve-volume series spanning 1983 to 1996, offers a comprehensive look at the development of Tolkien's works, edited by Christopher Tolkien. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are found in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff and published in 2007.
8. The Children of Húrin
The Children of Hurin
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The Children of Húrin, set during the First Age, is a tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, exploring the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien, a love story set in the First Age, was compiled by Christopher Tolkien from various versions of the tale. The story is said to be inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife, Edith.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
The Fall Of Gondolin
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The Fall of Gondolin, the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien, tells the story of Tuor and the divine quest leading to the defeat of Morgoth. This tale connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son, Eärendil, and his descendant, 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, is a collection of stories from the Second Age of Middle-earth, assembled by Brian Sibley. It covers 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
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