J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of cinema's most celebrated 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, there's no better time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.
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 collections and companion books have been published posthumously (since 1973). This guide highlights seven key additions.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned collector, several beautiful book sets are available. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated edition, but many styles cater to diverse 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: Reading Order
This guide divides Tolkien's works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins's stories chronologically. Supplementary works, published after Tolkien's death, are ordered by publication date. Plot summaries offer minimal spoilers.
1. The Hobbit
Chronologically and by release date (1937), The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth book. It introduces Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from Smaug the dragon. The journey introduces Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, this begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, with the One Ring's bequeathal to Frodo. Unlike the film, a 17-year gap follows before Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo gathers companions, forming the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in Mordor. The Fellowship faces betrayal, leading Frodo and Samwise on a solo journey.
3. The Two Towers
Continuing the story, the Fellowship is split. One group battles orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum and press onward to Mordor.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume concludes the Fellowship's journey. Our heroes battle Sauron's forces, and 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.
Additional Lord of the Rings Reading
5. The Silmarillion
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Published in 1977, The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, encompassing Middle-earth's history from creation to the Third Age (the setting of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings). Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers myths and stories across Arda's history.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
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Another Christopher Tolkien compilation, this contains stories on 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) covers The Hobbit.
8. The Children of Húrin
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A complete version of a Silmarillion story, 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 romance with his wife.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
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A complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, telling the story of Tuor and his quest to Gondolin, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil. The last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.
11. The Fall of Númenor
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Published in 2022, this compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men. Edited by Brian Sibley.
Lord of the Rings: 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)
For 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]
