by Skylar Mar 17,2025
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!
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.
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.
[See it at Amazon]
[See it at Amazon]
[See it at Amazon]
[See it at Amazon]
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.
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.
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.
The second volume continues the Fellowship's journey, now split. One party confronts orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum.
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.
[See it at Amazon]
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.
[See it at Amazon]
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.
[See it at Amazon]
A twelve-volume series (1983-1996), edited by Christopher Tolkien, analyzing The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings.
[See it at Amazon]
A complete version of a story from The Silmarillion, set during the First Age, detailing the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children.
[See it at Amazon]
A First Age love story, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, about the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.
[See it at Amazon]
A complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, about Tuor's journey to Gondolin and its fall.
[See it at Amazon]
Published in 2022, this collection covers the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the Rings of Power, and the Last Alliance.
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.
[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]
CD Projekt Confirms Witcher 4's Protagonist Shift
Metroid Prime Artbook Releasing as Nintendo x Piggyback Collab
Introducing LOK Digital on iOS & Android: Standalone Puzzle Innovation
Squid Game: Season 2 Release Date Revealed
Chill invites you to pause for a while with a little bit of mindfulness, out now on iOS and Android
Exclusive: Beloved CN Games Removed from Online Stores
Diablo 4: Roguelite Origins Revealed
State of Play Reveals Exciting Updates: PlayStation February 2025 Showcase
The new Iron Man game could be revealed as early as next week
Mar 17,2025
Game of Thrones: Kingsroad drops new trailer featuring the three playable classes
Mar 17,2025
Hollywood Animal Release Date and Time
Mar 17,2025
Pokémon Fans Wildly Speculate On Why Legends: Z-A Has an E10+ Rating
Mar 17,2025
Atomfall Previews Highlight Post-Apocalyptic RPG Adventure
Mar 17,2025