J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work of fantasy literature, captivating readers with its epic tale of good versus evil, intertwined with themes of friendship and heroism. With the much-anticipated Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to delve into the intricate world of Middle-earth. For those yet to embark on this legendary journey, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the series, whether you prefer a chronological approach or by publication date. So, cozy up, dim the lights, and let a reading lamp guide you through one of the most enchanting adventures in literature.

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

Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga consists of four essential books: The Hobbit, followed by the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Beyond these core texts, numerous companion books and collections have been published posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. We've highlighted seven of the most pertinent additions to this expansive universe.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For newcomers and seasoned collectors alike, there's a variety of Lord of the Rings book sets that can enhance your library. Our top recommendation is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, but there are countless styles to suit every taste.

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 core Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is presented in narrative chronological order. The additional readings, published after Tolkien's passing, are listed by their publication dates. Our summaries are designed to be spoiler-light, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga 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 including Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. This adventure introduces us to Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring launches the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Gandalf convinces Frodo to leave the Shire with the ring. Frodo assembles a fellowship including Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of the book, Frodo, betrayed, decides to continue alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers continues the saga, with the fellowship now divided. One group, including Frodo and Sam, presses on 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, The Return of the King, brings the fellowship's quest to a dramatic close. As the heroes confront Sauron's dark forces, Frodo and Sam strive to complete their mission. After the climax, the hobbits return to the Shire to face one last challenge, a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's journey.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It spans 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, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, offers over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth, including the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, 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 comprehensive twelve-volume series, published between 1983 and 1996, that delves into the creation and evolution of Tolkien's works, excluding The Hobbit, which is covered in The History of The Hobbit.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin expands on the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion, set during the First Age. 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, inspired by Tolkien's own love story with his wife Edith, recounts the tale of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien during the First Age.

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, details the divine quest of Tuor and the eventual downfall of Morgoth, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, published in 2022, compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the rise of Sauron.

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