J.R.R. Tolkien's epic Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. The saga delves into timeless themes such as friendship and heroism, making it a captivating narrative for all ages. With the second season of "Rings of Power" on the horizon and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, now is the perfect time to immerse yourself in the expansive world of Middle-earth.

If you're new to Tolkien's universe or looking to revisit it, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the Middle-earth saga. Whether you prefer to follow the chronological order or stick to the publication sequence, prepare for an unforgettable literary journey.

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

Tolkien's primary Middle-earth saga consists of four books: The Hobbit, followed by the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings - The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.

In addition to these core works, numerous other collections and companion books have been released posthumously. We've highlighted seven of the most significant additions to enrich your understanding of Middle-earth.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For those embarking on their first Middle-earth adventure or collectors looking to expand their libraries, several stunning book sets are available. Our top recommendation is the elegant leather-bound illustrated editions, though various other styles cater to different tastes.

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 main Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronology. The additional readings, published after Tolkien's passing, are arranged by their publication dates.

For newcomers, we've included brief plot summaries with minimal spoilers, focusing on key plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both chronologically and by publication date, first released in 1937. It chronicles the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, along with Gandalf and thirteen dwarves—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 Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Gandalf prompts Frodo to leave the Shire, leading to the formation of the Fellowship tasked with destroying the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of this volume, Frodo, accompanied by the loyal Samwise, sets off alone toward Mordor.

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, setting the stage for further adventures.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, brings the epic journey to a close. The heroes face Sauron's dark forces, while Frodo and Sam strive to complete their mission. After the climactic events, the hobbits return to the Shire to confront one last challenge, a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's fate, marking the end of Frodo'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 Christopher Tolkien. 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, another posthumous work edited by Christopher Tolkien, offers over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It includes tales about 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 twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, excluding 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 Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. It explores the tragic consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth, the precursor to Sauron.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien, a love story from the First Age, was inspired by Tolkien's romance with his wife Edith. Christopher Tolkien compiled various versions to create a cohesive narrative 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, the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien, recounts the tale of Tuor's divine mission to Gondolin. This story connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond.

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 of Middle-earth. Edited by Brian Sibley, it covers 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

For those interested in following the publication order:

• 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, consider diving into new fantasy and sci-fi books, discovering titles similar to Lord of the Rings, or learning how to watch the Lord of the Rings movies in order. Every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray set is also available for collectors and enthusiasts.