J.R.R. Tolkien's *Lord of the Rings* saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies in history. With its enduring themes of friendship and heroism, the saga continues to captivate audiences. The excitement around *Rings of Power* Season 2 and the announcement of a new *Lord of the Rings* movie set for 2026, makes it an ideal time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth. For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, here's a comprehensive guide on how to read the series, either by chronological order or by release date, to fully immerse yourself in one of the greatest adventures ever told.
How Many Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
There are four books in Tolkien’s primary Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).
In addition to these core works, numerous companion books have been published posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. Below, we list the seven most significant of these additional volumes.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
For those embarking on their first journey through Middle-earth or looking to expand their collection, various book sets cater to different tastes. Our top recommendation is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though numerous other styles are available to suit every reader's preference.
### The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition
0See it at Amazon
### The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
2See it at Amazon
### The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition
4See it at Amazon
### The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition
4See it at AmazonThe Lord of the Rings Books Reading Order
We've organized Tolkien’s Middle-earth works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading materials. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronological order. The additional reading section, comprising works published after Tolkien's death, is ordered by publication date. These summaries are crafted to be spoiler-light, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien’s Middle-earth saga both in-universe and in real-world publication, first released in 1937. It chronicles the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, including Gandalf and thirteen dwarves—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 introduced 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 celebration, 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
In The Two Towers, the second volume, the Fellowship splits into two groups. One group, including Frodo and Sam, continues their journey toward Mordor, encountering Gollum. The other group battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman, advancing the overarching narrative of the quest to destroy the One Ring.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume, The Return of the King, brings the saga to a close as the remaining members of the Fellowship confront Sauron's forces. Frodo and Sam reach the climax of their mission at Mount Doom. After the main battle, the hobbits return to the Shire to face one last challenge, a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's journey.
Additional Lord of the Rings Reading
5. The Silmarillion
### The Silmarillion
7See it at AmazonThe 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
7See it at AmazonUnfinished Tales, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien in 1980, offers a collection of stories and histories that delve deeper into Middle-earth's lore, including the origins of the wizards and the events leading up to The Lord of the Rings.
7. The History of Middle-earth
### The Complete History of Middle-Earth
8See it at AmazonThe History of Middle-earth, a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, provides an extensive analysis of Tolkien's writings, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It excludes The Hobbit, which is covered in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff.
8. The Children of Húrin
### The Children of Hurin
5See it at AmazonThe Children of Húrin, published in 2007, expands on the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. Set in the First Age, it explores the tragic consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
### Beren And Lúthien
3See it at AmazonBeren and Lúthien, published in 2017, compiles various versions of the love story between the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, set during the First Age. The tale is deeply personal to Tolkien, inspired by his relationship with his wife Edith.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
### The Fall Of Gondolin
8See it at AmazonThe Fall of Gondolin, published in 2018, tells the story of Tuor and the divine quest to Gondolin, leading to the downfall 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
5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at AmazonThe Fall of Númenor, published in 2022, compiles stories from the Second Age of Middle-earth, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power, edited by Brian Sibley.
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
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