J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated film trilogies ever made. With its timeless themes of friendship and heroism, the saga continues to captivate audiences, especially with the excitement surrounding Rings of Power Season 2 and a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026. Now is the perfect time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.
If you're new to Tolkien's world or looking to revisit it, we've crafted this guide to help you navigate the series, whether you prefer to read chronologically or by publication date. So, prepare for an epic journey, dim the lights, and let's begin one of the greatest adventures in literature.
How Many 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).
Additionally, several companion books and collections have been released since Tolkien's passing in 1973. We've included the seven most relevant titles in our guide below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're embarking on your first journey through Middle-earth or expanding your collection, there are several exceptional book sets to consider. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, but there are various 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 divided Tolkien’s Middle-earth works into two categories: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and is presented in narrative chronological order. The additional reading section includes works published posthumously and is arranged by publication date.
Here are brief plot summaries to guide new readers, with only minor spoilers.
1. The Hobbit
Tolkien's first foray into Middle-earth, The Hobbit, introduces us to Bilbo Baggins. Published in 1937, this tale follows Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield on a quest to reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.
2. The Fellowship of the Ring
Published nearly two decades later, The Fellowship of the Ring begins the epic tale of The Lord of the Rings. The story starts at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo embarks on his quest to destroy the Ring, forming the Fellowship with Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. By the end of the book, Frodo decides to continue alone towards Mordor, accompanied only by Sam.
3. The Two Towers
In the second volume, The Two Towers, the Fellowship splits into two groups: Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor, while the others confront orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman. Frodo and Sam's path leads them to Gollum, whose presence adds tension to their perilous quest.
4. The Return of the King
The final volume, The Return of the King, brings the saga to a close as the Fellowship battles Sauron's dark forces. Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom, fulfilling their mission. After the climactic battle, 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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Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion is a collection of myths and stories edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It covers 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 is another collection edited by Christopher Tolkien, featuring over a dozen stories about Middle-earth. It includes tales 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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A twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, The History of Middle-earth compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, excluding 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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Set during the First Age, The Children of Húrin expands on the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. It follows the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, and their struggle against Morgoth.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien is a love story set in the First Age, compiled by Christopher Tolkien from various versions of the tale. It follows the romance between the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's own love for his wife Edith.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
The Fall Of Gondolin
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The Fall of Gondolin recounts the tale of Tuor, sent on a divine mission to Gondolin, leading to the city's eventual downfall. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, who fathers Elrond, a key figure in the Fellowship.
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 compiles Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, covering 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*
For further exploration:
- 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
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