J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies ever made. With its compelling narrative of good versus evil, woven with themes of friendship and heroism, Tolkien's work remains timeless. As excitement builds for Season 2 of Rings of Power and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026, there's never been a better time to dive into the expansive world of Middle-earth.
For those eager to embark on this legendary journey but unsure where to start, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth saga. Whether you prefer to follow the chronological order of the story or the sequence of their release, this guide will help you navigate through one of the greatest adventures in literary history. So, cozy up, dim the lights, and prepare for an unforgettable reading experience.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
There are four books in Tolkien’s main Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King).
Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, several additional collections and companion books have been published, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. Below, we highlight seven of the most significant works to complement your journey through Tolkien's universe.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a first-time reader or looking to expand your collection, there are several exquisite book sets available. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though various styles cater to 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
Below, 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, listed according to their narrative timeline. The additional reading section includes works published posthumously, arranged by their publication date.
With newcomers in mind, these synopses contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit marks Tolkien’s initial foray into Middle-earth, both in its story timeline and real-world publication. First released in 1937, this tale introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group comprising Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along their journey, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring. Their adventure culminates in the Battle of Five Armies, famously depicted in the final Hobbit film.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Nearly two decades after The Hobbit, Tolkien published the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a singular narrative, the story spanned over 9,250 pages from 1938 to 1955, eventually being divided into three volumes for publication, each containing two books.
The Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film, there's a 17-year gap before Frodo embarks on his journey at Gandalf's urging. Frodo forms the Fellowship with Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of the volume, Frodo faces betrayal and decides to proceed alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.
3. The Two Towers
In The Two Towers, the second volume of The Lord of the Rings, the Fellowship splits into two groups. Frodo and Sam continue their perilous journey towards Mordor, encountering Gollum along the way, while the rest of the Fellowship battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman.
4. The Return of the King
The Return of the King, the final volume, brings the Fellowship's quest to a close. As our heroes confront Sauron's dark forces, Frodo and Sam press on towards Mount Doom. After the climactic events, the hobbits face one last challenge in the Shire, a plot omitted from the films. The book concludes with the fates of each character, marking the end of Frodo's journey.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
The Silmarillion
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The Silmarillion, first published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends edited by Tolkien’s son, Christopher. It details the history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from its creation through to the Third Age, the setting for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth
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Unfinished Tales, another collection edited by Christopher Tolkien, features over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It covers topics such as the origins of the five wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's quest for the One Ring before The Lord of the Rings.
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. This extensive 5,400-page collection compiles and analyzes The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are covered separately in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff and published in 2007.
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 Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, in a tragic tale of defiance against Morgoth, the primary antagonist before Sauron.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien, a love story from the First Age, was first included in The Silmarillion. Christopher Tolkien compiled various versions into a cohesive narrative, telling the tale of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien. This story is deeply personal to Tolkien, inspired by his relationship with his wife Edith, with the characters' names etched on their gravestone.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
The Fall Of Gondolin
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The Fall of Gondolin provides a complete version of the story found in both The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, detailing the divine quest of Tuor to Gondolin. The events orchestrated by the god Ulmo lead to the defeat of Morgoth. This tale connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, the father of Elrond, who plays a crucial role in the Fellowship's formation. The Fall of Gondolin is the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.
11. The Fall of Númenor
The Fall of Númenor
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Published in November 2022, The Fall of Númenor is a collection of Tolkien’s writings related to the Second Age of Middle-earth, assembled by Brian Sibley. It includes stories from The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and The History of Middle-earth, covering the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, the construction of Barad-dûr, 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*
For those looking to expand their horizons beyond Middle-earth, consider exploring:
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
