J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a foundational work of fantasy literature that has inspired one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. The saga weaves a timeless narrative of good versus evil, deeply rooted in themes of friendship and heroism. With the release of Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, now is an excellent time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.
For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, this guide offers a structured approach to reading Tolkien's works, whether you prefer chronological order or by publication date. So, prepare yourself for a journey through one of the greatest literary adventures by cozying up with a reading lamp and letting the magic of Middle-earth envelop you.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
There are four books in Tolkien's primary Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit and the trilogy comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Additionally, numerous companion volumes have been published posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. We've curated a list of the seven most pertinent additional works.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're embarking on your first journey through Middle-earth or enhancing your collection, there are several exquisite book sets to consider. Our top recommendation is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though various styles are available to suit different tastes.
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 categories: the core Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The saga, detailing the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is presented in chronological order, while the additional readings, published after Tolkien's death, are listed by their publication date. Here are brief, spoiler-light summaries to guide new readers.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, both in-universe and in publication order, first released in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company—a group consisting of Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' homeland from the dragon Smaug. This journey introduces us to Gollum and explains how Bilbo acquires the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien published The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally intended as a single narrative, it was published in three volumes due to its length. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo embarks on his quest to destroy the Ring, forming the Fellowship with Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. The volume ends with Frodo deciding to continue alone to Mordor, accompanied only by Sam.
3. The Two Towers
In The Two Towers, the second volume, the Fellowship splits into two groups: Frodo and Sam continue their quest to Mordor, encountering Gollum along the way, while the others face battles with orcs and confront the corrupted wizard Saruman.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume, The Return of the King, brings the saga to a close as the heroes confront Sauron's dark forces. Frodo and Sam complete their mission to destroy the One Ring, and the hobbits return to a transformed Shire, facing one final challenge. The book concludes with the fates of the characters resolved, marking the end of Frodo's journey.
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 legends detailing 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, another posthumous work edited by Christopher Tolkien, contains over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth, offering deeper insights into its lore and characters.
7. The History of Middle-earth
The Complete History of Middle-Earth
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The History of Middle-earth is a comprehensive twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, analyzing Tolkien's major works and providing extensive background on Middle-earth. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are found in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff.
8. The Children of Húrin
The Children of Hurin
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The Children of Húrin expands on the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, set during the First Age and exploring the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien presents the romantic tale of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien during the First Age, inspired by Tolkien's own love story with his wife Edith.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
The Fall Of Gondolin
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The Fall of Gondolin narrates the divine mission of Tuor to the city of Gondolin, leading to the eventual downfall of Morgoth. This tale connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond.
11. The Fall of Númenor
The Fall of Númenor
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The Fall of Númenor, published in 2022, compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, 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 those eager to explore more, consider these additional resources:
