"Lord of the Rings Reading Order Guide" %v

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is an iconic work of fantasy that has inspired one of the most beloved film trilogies of all time. The saga's timeless themes of friendship and heroism continue to captivate audiences, especially with the release of the second season of Rings of Power and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026. This is the perfect moment to delve into the expansive history of Middle-earth.

If you're new to Tolkien's universe, or if you're looking to revisit it, we've compiled a guide on how to read the Middle-earth books, both chronologically and by their release dates. So, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey through one of the greatest literary 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 (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).

Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional collections and companion books have been released. Below, we've listed the seven most relevant works.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For newcomers or collectors looking to expand their library, there are several stunning book sets available. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated versions, though various styles exist 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 divided Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and is listed by narrative chronology. The additional reading section features works published posthumously and is organized by publication date.

These summaries offer broad plot points and character introductions, keeping spoilers to a minimum for those new to the series.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is the first book in Tolkien's Middle-earth universe, both by in-universe chronology and real-world publication. Released in 1937, it introduces Bilbo Baggins' journey with Thorin and Company—a group consisting of Bilbo, Gandalf, and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—to reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug. This adventure introduces us to Gollum and the discovery of the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring kicks off the epic tale of The Lord of the Rings. Initially written as a single story across 9,250 pages between 1938 and 1955, it was later divided into three volumes for publication.

The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. A 17-year gap follows before Frodo sets out on his quest, urged by Gandalf. The Fellowship forms with Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, tasked with destroying the Ring in Mordor. By the end, Frodo decides to continue alone, but Sam remains steadfastly by his side.

3. The Two Towers

In The Two Towers, the second volume, the Fellowship splits into two groups. One group, including Frodo and Sam, journeys toward Mordor while encountering Gollum. 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 saga to a close as the heroes confront Sauron's dark forces. Frodo and Sam reach their destination, and after the climactic events, the hobbits return to face one last challenge in the Shire, a plot point absent from the films. The fates of the characters are revealed, and Frodo's journey concludes.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of stories edited by Christopher Tolkien. It provides a legendary 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, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien, is a compilation of over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It includes narratives about the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and Sauron's search 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 released between 1983 and 1996. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers analyses of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings. Note that The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff, was published separately in 2007.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin expands on the story of Of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. Set in the First Age, it follows the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, exploring the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien is a love story from the First Age, compiled by Christopher Tolkien from various versions into a cohesive narrative. Inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, the tale follows the adventures of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin tells the story of Tuor's divine mission to Gondolin, leading to Morgoth's defeat. This tale connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond. It's the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, published in 2022, compiles stories from the Second Age of Middle-earth. Edited by Brian Sibley, it covers the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.