J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga remains a cornerstone of fantasy literature, renowned for its epic storytelling and profound themes of friendship and heroism. With the excitement building around the second season of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a more thrilling time to delve into the expansive universe of Middle-earth.
For those new to Tolkien’s world or looking to expand their collection, we've crafted a comprehensive guide to reading the Lord of the Rings series, both chronologically and by release date. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of the greatest literary adventures ever written.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
Tolkien's core Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings (comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King).
Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional collections and companion books have been published, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. Here, we highlight seven of the most significant works.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're embarking on your first journey into the world of Middle-earth or expanding your existing collection, there are several compelling book sets to consider. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though a variety of styles are available to suit different tastes.
### The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition
0See it at Amazon
### The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set
2See it at Amazon
### The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition
4See it at Amazon
### The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition
4See it at AmazonThe Lord of the Rings Books Reading Order
We've organized Tolkien’s Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed by narrative chronology, while the additional readings, published posthumously, are ordered by publication date.
For those new to the series, these summaries are designed to provide a gentle introduction, with minimal spoilers.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit serves as the chronological and publication starting point of Tolkien’s Middle-earth. First released in 1937, it introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, including Gandalf and 13 dwarves—on a quest to reclaim their mountain home from the dragon Smaug. This journey introduces pivotal characters like Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the epic 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 intended as a single narrative, it was split into three volumes for publication. The Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he leaves the One Ring to Frodo. The story then leaps 17 years ahead, with Frodo setting out on his perilous journey to destroy the Ring. He's joined by the Fellowship, a diverse group tasked with escorting the Ring to Mount Doom in Mordor. By the book's end, Frodo and Sam strike out alone toward their daunting destination.
3. The Two Towers
In The Two Towers, the Fellowship splits into two groups. One group battles orcs and confronts the corrupt wizard Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, continue their trek toward Mordor. This volume delves deeper into the complexities of Middle-earth's politics and conflicts.
4. The Return of the King
The final installment, The Return of the King, sees the culmination of the Fellowship's mission. As the armies of Sauron wage war, Frodo and Sam face their ultimate challenge in Mordor. The story concludes with the hobbits returning to the Shire, facing one last threat, and the resolution of each character's journey.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
### The Silmarillion
7See it at AmazonThe Silmarillion, edited by Christopher Tolkien and published in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends that trace the history of Arda, the world in which Middle-earth resides, from its creation to the Third Age.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
### Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth
7See it at AmazonUnfinished Tales, edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a treasure trove of stories and histories that provide deeper insights into 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
8See it at AmazonThe twelve-volume History of Middle-earth, edited by Christopher Tolkien and published between 1983 and 1996, offers a detailed analysis of Tolkien’s writings, including The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Note that The History of The Hobbit is a separate work edited by John D. Rateliff.
8. The Children of Húrin
### The Children of Hurin
5See it at AmazonThe Children of Húrin, set during the First Age, recounts the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, exploring themes of defiance and its consequences against the backdrop of Morgoth's tyranny.
9. Beren and Lúthien
### Beren And Lúthien
3See it at AmazonBeren and Lúthien, a love story from the First Age, was compiled by Christopher Tolkien from various manuscripts. It's a poignant tale inspired by Tolkien’s own romance with his wife, Edith.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
### The Fall Of Gondolin
8See it at AmazonThe Fall of Gondolin narrates the tale of Tuor and the divine mission to save Gondolin from Morgoth. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son, Eärendil, a pivotal figure in Middle-earth's history.
11. The Fall of Númenor
### The Fall of Númenor
5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at AmazonThe Fall of Númenor, published in 2022 and edited by Brian Sibley, 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 Browsing:
New Fantasy and Sci-Fi BooksBest Books Like Lord of the RingsHow to Watch The Lord of the Rings Movies in OrderEvery Lord of the Rings Blu-ray Set
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