How to Read The Lord of the Rings Books in Order

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of cinema's most acclaimed trilogies. Tolkien's epic tale of good versus evil resonates with timeless themes of friendship and heroism. With Rings of Power entering its second season and a new Lord of the Rings film slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to explore the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth (and its companion works), this guide offers two reading orders: chronological and by publication date. Prepare for an unforgettable adventure!

How Many Lord of the Rings Books Are There?

Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King). Numerous companion books and collections have been published posthumously (since 1973), seven of which are highlighted below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned collector, several stunning book sets are available. We particularly recommend the leather-bound illustrated editions, but many styles cater to diverse 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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Lord of the Rings Reading Order

This guide presents Tolkien's Middle-earth works in two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' journeys, presented chronologically. Supplementary works, published after Tolkien's death, are listed by publication date. Plot summaries below offer minimal spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

Chronologically and by release date (1937), The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth tale. It follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from Smaug the dragon. This adventure introduces Gollum and reveals Bilbo's acquisition of the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, this first volume of The Lord of the Rings begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, with the One Ring's inheritance by Frodo Baggins. A seventeen-year gap (unlike the film) follows before Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo assembles the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in Mordor. Betrayal leads Frodo and Samwise to continue their quest alone.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume continues the Fellowship's journey, now split. One party confronts orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume concludes the Fellowship's quest. The heroes battle Sauron's armies, and Sam and Frodo complete their mission. The hobbits face a final adversary in the Shire (omitted from the films). The book details the fate of each character.

Additional Lord of the Rings Reading

5. The Silmarillion

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Published in 1977, The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, encompassing Middle-earth's history from creation to the Third Age. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers myths and stories spanning Arda's history.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

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This collection, edited by Christopher Tolkien, contains stories about Middle-earth's wizards, the Gondor-Rohan alliance, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's search for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

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A twelve-volume series (1983-1996), edited by Christopher Tolkien, analyzing The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings.

8. The Children of Húrin

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A complete version of a story from The Silmarillion, set during the First Age, detailing the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children.

9. Beren and Lúthien

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A First Age love story, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, about the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

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A complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, about Tuor's journey to Gondolin and its fall.

11. The Fall of Númenor

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Published in 2022, this collection covers the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the Rings of Power, and the Last Alliance.

Lord of the Rings Reading Order 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)

Note: The Hobbit, Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, and Return of the King comprise the main four-book saga.

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