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 resonates with timeless themes of friendship and heroism. With The 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 explore the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.
For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth (and its companion works), this guide provides reading order options: chronologically or 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 collections and companion books have been published posthumously (since 1973), seven of which are highlighted below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned collector, several excellent book sets are available. We particularly recommend the leather-bound illustrated editions, but many styles cater to various 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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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 supplemental readings. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' journeys and are presented chronologically. Supplemental works, published after Tolkien's death, are listed by publication date. Plot summaries offer minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
Chronologically and by release date (1937), The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth book. It follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they journey to reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. This adventure 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 first volume of The Lord of the Rings begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he bequeaths the One Ring to Frodo Baggins. A seventeen-year gap (unlike the film adaptation) follows before Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo gathers companions, forming the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The volume concludes with Frodo's decision to continue to Mordor with Samwise Gamgee.
3. The Two Towers
The second volume continues the Fellowship's journey, now divided. One party confronts orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum and press on towards Mordor.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume concludes the Fellowship's journey to Mordor, depicting battles with Sauron's forces and the hobbits' final confrontation in the Shire (omitted from the films). The fates of the characters are revealed as Frodo's journey ends.
Additional Lord of the Rings Reading
5. The Silmarillion
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Published in 1977, The Silmarillion is a collection of legends of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers Arda's history from creation through the Third Age (the setting of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings).
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
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This collection of stories and histories, edited by Christopher Tolkien, includes tales 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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A twelve-volume series (1983-1996), edited by Christopher Tolkien, compiling and analyzing The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings. The History of The Hobbit (edited by John D. Rateliff, 2007) offers a separate analysis of The Hobbit.
8. The Children of Húrin
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A complete version of "Of Túrin Turambar" from The Silmarillion, set in the First Age. It tells the tragic tale of 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 by Christopher Tolkien from various versions. It follows the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
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The complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, telling the story of Tuor and his journey to Gondolin, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil. This is 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, gathers Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, covering the rise and fall of Númenor, the creation of the Rings of Power, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.
Reading Order 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)
Note: The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King comprise the main four-book Lord of the Rings* saga.
[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]
