Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence

J.R.R. Tolkien's epic Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. The saga, centered on the timeless battle between good and evil, weaves themes of friendship and heroism throughout its narrative. With the second season of "Rings of Power" on the horizon and a new Lord of the Rings film slated for 2026, there's never been a more exciting time to delve into the vast world of Middle-earth.

For newcomers eager to embark on this literary journey, and for seasoned fans looking to revisit the tale, we've crafted this guide to help you navigate the series. Whether you choose to read chronologically or by publication date, prepare for an unparalleled adventure. So, cozy up with a blanket, dim the lights, and let a reading lamp guide you through one of the greatest stories ever told.

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

Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Additionally, numerous companion volumes and collections have been released since Tolkien's passing in 1973, with seven of the most pertinent included in our list.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're a first-time reader or a collector looking to expand your library, there are several enticing book sets available. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though a variety of styles cater to 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 organized Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two categories: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and the Lord of the Rings books follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, arranged by their in-universe chronology. The additional reading section includes works published posthumously, listed by their release dates.

With new readers in mind, these summaries include only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

As the first book in Tolkien's Middle-earth timeline and the first published in 1937, The Hobbit introduces us to Bilbo Baggins. This tale follows Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' mountain home from the dragon Smaug. Along the journey, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien released the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally written as one continuous narrative, it was later divided into three volumes for publication. The Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap not shown in the films, Frodo embarks on his quest to destroy the Ring. Joined by companions Samwise, Pippin, Merry, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, they form the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of this volume, Frodo decides to continue alone, accompanied only by Sam.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume, The Two Towers, follows the split Fellowship. One group, including Frodo and Sam, continues toward Mordor, encountering Gollum along the way. The other group battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume sees the Fellowship's journey reach its climax as they confront Sauron's forces. Frodo and Sam's mission to destroy the Ring is completed, and the hobbits return to the Shire to face one last challenge. The book concludes with the fates of the characters, marking the end of Frodo's journey.

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 spans the history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from 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 and published by Christopher Tolkien, contains over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth, providing deeper context for events in The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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This twelve-volume series, published between 1983 and 1996, offers detailed analysis and compilation of Tolkien's Middle-earth writings, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It excludes analysis of 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

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The Children of Húrin, set in the First Age, expands on the story of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, as found in The Silmarillion. It's a tragic tale of defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien, a love story from the First Age, was compiled into a cohesive narrative by Christopher Tolkien. It's said to be inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife Edith.

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, completes the tale of Tuor's divine quest and the eventual defeat of Morgoth. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor, edited by Brian Sibley, compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power.

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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How to Watch The Lord of the Rings Movies in Order

Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set