How to Read The Lord of the Rings Books in Order

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work in the fantasy genre, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. At its core, Tolkien's narrative weaves timeless themes of friendship and heroism, pitting good against evil in a richly detailed world. With the excitement building around the second season 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 delve into the expansive history of Middle-earth.

For those yet to embark on this epic journey through Tolkien's Middle-earth saga and its companion books, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read them, whether you prefer chronological order or by their release dates. So, prepare for an unforgettable adventure by getting cozy, dimming the lights, and perhaps setting up a reading lamp.

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 (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).

Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional collections and companion books have been published. We've highlighted the seven most relevant in the list below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're a first-time reader or looking to expand 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 divided Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and LotR books follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and are listed by their narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes Middle-earth-related works published posthumously, ordered by their publication date.

For those new to the series, these plot summaries contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks Tolkien's first foray into Middle-earth, 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

Nearly two decades 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 story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Gandalf prompts Frodo to leave the Shire, leading to the formation of the Fellowship tasked with destroying the Ring in Mount Doom.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume of The Lord of the Rings, The Two Towers, follows the split Fellowship. One group, including Frodo and Sam, continues toward Mordor, encountering Gollum, while the others battle orcs and confront Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, concludes the epic journey. The heroes face Sauron's forces, and Frodo and Sam complete their mission. The story ends with the hobbits confronting a final adversary in the Shire, a scene not included in the film adaptation, and we learn the fates of the beloved characters.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion is a collection of myths and stories edited by Christopher Tolkien. 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 by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of stories and histories about 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 edited by Christopher Tolkien, compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, excluding The Hobbit, which is covered in The History of The Hobbit by John D. Rateliff.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin, set during the First Age, tells the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, exploring the 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, follows the adventures of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien. Inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, their names are etched on the couple's gravestone.

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, 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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Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor, assembled by Brian Sibley, covers the Second Age of Middle-earth, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, 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*

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Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set