J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. The narrative, centered on the timeless themes of friendship and heroism, continues to captivate audiences, especially with the upcoming Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026. Now is the perfect time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.
For those new to Tolkien's universe, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the series, whether you prefer chronological order or by publication date. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey by settling in with a cozy blanket and a reading lamp.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit, and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King).
Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional collections and companion books have been released. We've highlighted the seven most significant ones in our list below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're embarking on your first journey through Middle-earth or expanding your collection, there are several exceptional book sets to consider. Our top pick is the 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 sections: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and are arranged by their narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published posthumously, ordered by their publication date.
These brief plot summaries are designed for newcomers and contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both chronologically and by publication date, first released in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company—a group including Gandalf and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was edited and split into three volumes for publication. 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 companions including Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. By the end of the volume, Frodo decides to continue alone to Mordor, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.
3. The Two Towers
The Two Towers continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided into two groups. One group battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, press on toward Mordor.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume, The Return of the King, sees the Fellowship's journey to Mordor reach its climax. The heroes confront Sauron's dark forces, while Frodo and Sam complete their mission. After the main conflict, the hobbits face a final challenge back in the Shire, a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's fate and Frodo's departure.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
The Silmarillion
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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and stories edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It covers 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, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien, contains over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It includes tales about the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's search for the One Ring.
7. The History of Middle-earth
The Complete History of Middle-Earth
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The History of Middle-earth is a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It compiles and analyzes The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings, spanning over 5,400 pages.
8. The Children of Húrin
The Children of Hurin
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The Children of Húrin is a complete version of the story Of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. Set during the First Age, it follows the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, as they face the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, is a love story set during the First Age. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it follows the adventures of the mortal man Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.
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's divine quest to Gondolin and the events leading to Morgoth's defeat. It 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, is a collection of Tolkien's works related to 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, the rise of Sauron, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.
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
