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Reading Order for The Lord of the Rings Books

by Mila May 05,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is an iconic work in the realm of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. The narrative explores profound themes such as good versus evil, friendship, and heroism, which continue to resonate with audiences today. With the excitement building for Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, delving into the expansive history of Middle-earth has never been more timely.

If you're new to J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth saga or looking to revisit it, we've crafted this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the series, whether you prefer to read them chronologically or by their release dates. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey by getting comfortable, dimming the lights, and perhaps setting up a reading lamp for one of the greatest adventures in literature.

How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?

There are four primary books in Tolkien's Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King).

Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous other collections and companion books have been released, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. Below, we've highlighted seven of the most pertinent additions to the series.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're embarking on your first journey through the Lord of the Rings books or expanding your collection, there are several splendid book sets to consider. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, although various styles are available to suit different 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

We've organized Tolkien’s Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed according to its narrative chronology. The additional reading section, featuring works published posthumously, is organized by publication date. To accommodate new readers, our plot summaries are designed to avoid major spoilers, focusing on broad strokes and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both chronologically and by release date, first published in 1937. This tale introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group consisting of Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, and thirteen dwarves—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along the journey, Bilbo encounters Gollum and gains possession of the One Ring, setting the stage for future events. The story reaches its climax at the Battle of Five Armies, which also serves as the title for the concluding film in the Hobbit trilogy.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien released The Fellowship of the Ring, the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a single narrative, the story was divided into three volumes for publication, each containing two books. The tale begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film adaptation, there is a 17-year gap before Frodo embarks on his quest to destroy the Ring. Joined by a diverse group of companions, they form the Fellowship of the Ring, tasked with destroying the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of this volume, Frodo faces betrayal and decides to continue alone, with the loyal Samwise at his side.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers continues the saga, following the fragmented paths of the Fellowship. Frodo and Sam, now separated from the others, push forward toward Mordor, encountering Gollum along the way. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fellowship engages in battles against orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

In the final volume, The Return of the King, the saga reaches its climax as the Fellowship confronts the dark forces of Sauron. Frodo and Sam's mission to destroy the Ring reaches its critical juncture, while the other members of the Fellowship engage in epic battles. Following the main storyline's resolution, the hobbits face a final challenge back in the Shire, a sequence not depicted in the films. The book concludes with the fates of the characters, providing a poignant farewell to Frodo's journey.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, was edited by Tolkien's son Christopher. This five-part collection delves into the mythic 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, another posthumous work edited by Christopher Tolkien, offers over a dozen stories and historical accounts of Middle-earth. It covers topics from the origins of the five wizards to the backstory of Gandalf's involvement in The Hobbit.

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 edited by Christopher Tolkien and published between 1983 and 1996, compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings on Middle-earth. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are found 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 recounts the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, amidst their struggle against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's own love story with his wife Edith, presents a detailed narrative of the romance between the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien during the First Age.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin is a comprehensive retelling of a tale found in both The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. It follows Tuor's divine mission to Gondolin, which ultimately contributes to the downfall of Morgoth. This work connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

The Fall of Númenor, published in November 2022, is a collection of Tolkien's writings related to the Second Age, compiled by Brian Sibley. It includes stories about the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the rise of Sauron.