"Mastering the Order: A Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings"

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. With the second season of "Rings of Power" on the horizon and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a better 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 Middle-earth saga, whether you prefer chronological order or by publication date. So, prepare for an epic 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 pertinent ones in our list below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're embarking on your first journey through the LoTR books or expanding your collection, there are several excellent 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 main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronology. The additional reading section, featuring works published posthumously, is ordered by publication date.

Our plot summaries are designed to be spoiler-free, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions for those new to the series.

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 their 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

Seventeen years after "The Hobbit," Tolkien released the first volume of "The Lord of the Rings." Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was published in three volumes due to its length. "The Fellowship of the Ring" begins with 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. The volume ends with Frodo and Sam setting off alone toward Mordor.

3. The Two Towers

"The Two Towers" continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided. 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 its climax as they confront Sauron's forces. Frodo and Sam complete their mission, and the hobbits face a final challenge back in the Shire, a scene not included in the film adaptation. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's story.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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"The Silmarillion," published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It spans 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 by Christopher Tolkien and published in 1980, offers over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth, including the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, 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," a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It excludes analyses of "The Hobbit," which are covered 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," set during the First Age, expands on the story of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, from "The Silmarillion." It explores the tragic consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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"Beren and Lúthien," a love story set in the First Age, was compiled by Christopher Tolkien from various versions of the tale. It's inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife Edith, whose gravestone bears the names of these characters.

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 and the divine quest that leads to the defeat of Morgoth. 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, compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, edited by Brian Sibley. It covers the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the rise of Sauron.

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 Further Browsing:

• 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