"Mastering the Order: A Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings"

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the greatest film trilogies of all time. The narrative's exploration of good versus evil, woven with themes of friendship and heroism, continues to captivate audiences. With the excitement building around Season 2 of "Rings of Power" and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026, now is an ideal time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.

For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, understanding the best way to approach Tolkien's works can enhance your appreciation of this rich universe. Whether you prefer to follow the chronological order of events or the sequence of publication, we've crafted a guide to help you navigate through the Middle-earth saga. So, cozy up with your favorite reading setup and embark on one of literature's greatest adventures.

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

Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous other collections and companion books have been released. We've highlighted the seven most significant additions to the Middle-earth lore 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 compelling book sets available. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though a variety of styles cater to different preferences.

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 sections: The Lord of the Rings saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, and additional reading materials. The main saga is presented by in-universe chronology, while the additional works are listed by their publication dates. Our summaries are designed to be spoiler-light, focusing on general plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is the first book in the Middle-earth timeline and was Tolkien's initial published work within this world. Released in 1937, it narrates the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group including Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—in their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. This adventure introduces us to Gollum and explains how Bilbo acquires the One Ring. The story concludes with the epic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published almost twenty years after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Initially conceived as a single narrative, it was later divided into three volumes, each containing two books. The story begins during Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he leaves the One Ring to Frodo. Unlike the film, there's a seventeen-year gap before Frodo's journey begins, prompted by Gandalf's warning. Frodo, accompanied by a group that eventually forms the Fellowship of the Ring, sets out to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of this volume, Frodo and Sam strike out on their own toward Mordor.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers continues the saga, focusing on the divided paths of the Fellowship. One group, including Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli, battles against orcs and faces the corrupted wizard Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, with Gollum as their guide, press on toward Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, culminates in the epic battle against Sauron's forces and the completion of Frodo and Sam's quest. After the climax, the hobbits return to the Shire to face one last challenge, a storyline not included in the film. The book concludes with the fates of the characters and Frodo's departure from Middle-earth.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, offers a comprehensive look at the mythology and history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it spans from the creation of Arda through the Third Age, setting the stage for The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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Unfinished Tales, another collection edited by Christopher Tolkien, delves into over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It includes narratives on the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's quest 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 is a twelve-volume series, published between 1983 and 1996, that compiles and examines Tolkien's writings on The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other works. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it does not include an analysis of 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, expands on the story of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, as told in The Silmarillion. It explores the tragic 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, draws inspiration from Tolkien's relationship with his wife Edith. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it compiles various versions of the tale into a cohesive narrative.

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 and the divine mission to Gondolin, leading to Morgoth's defeat. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, who fathers Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, released in 2022 and edited by Brian Sibley, compiles stories from 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