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 Rings of Power entering its second season and a new Lord of the Rings film slated for 2026, exploring Middle-earth's rich history is more compelling than ever.
For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth (and its companion works), this guide outlines reading orders—chronologically and by publication date. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure!
How Many Books Are in The Lord of the Rings Series?
Tolkien's core 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 since his death in 1973; seven key additions are detailed below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned collector, several excellent Lord of the Rings book sets grace bookstore shelves. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated edition, but 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 Books: Reading Order
This guide divides Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and supplemental readings. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' journeys, presented chronologically. Supplemental works, published posthumously, are ordered by publication date. These synopses offer minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit, chronologically and publication-wise the first Middle-earth book, introduces Bilbo Baggins. Published in 1937, it precedes The Lord of the Rings by 17 years. Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves journey to reclaim their ancestral home from Smaug, encountering Gollum and the One Ring along the way. The adventure culminates in the Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, Fellowship of the Ring begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, with the One Ring's inheritance to Frodo. Unlike the film, a 17-year gap exists before Frodo's adventure begins. Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo gathers companions, forming 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
The Two Towers continues the divided Fellowship's journey. One party 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. Heroes battle Sauron's armies; Sam and Frodo complete their mission. The hobbits face a final adversary in the Shire (omitted from the film). The fates of the characters are revealed as Frodo's journey ends.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
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Published posthumously in 1973, The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, encompassing Middle-earth's history from creation to 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 on the origins of the wizards, the Gondor-Rohan alliance, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's pre-Lord of the Rings actions.
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) covers 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, telling the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children.
9. Beren and Lúthien
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A First Age love story, compiled from various versions by Christopher Tolkien, detailing the adventures of Beren and Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's romance with his wife.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
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A complete version of tales from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, telling Tuor's story and its connection to The Lord of the Rings through his 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) assembles writings on the Second Age, covering Númenor's rise and fall, the Rings of Power, Sauron's rise, and the Last Alliance.
Reading 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 Exploration:
[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]
