J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. The epic tale of good versus evil, woven with themes of friendship and heroism, continues to captivate audiences. With the second season of "Rings of Power" on the horizon and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.
For those new to Tolkien's universe, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the Middle-earth saga, whether you prefer chronological order or by publication date. So, cozy up, dim the lights, and embark on one of the greatest literary adventures ever told.
How Many The Lord of the Rings Books Are There in the Series?
Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: "The Hobbit" and the three volumes of "The Lord of the Rings" ("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 released. We've highlighted the seven most significant ones in our list below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
Whether you're a first-time reader or looking to expand your collection, there are several excellent book sets to consider. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though various styles are available to suit 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 divided Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga, which follows Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronology, while the additional reading section, featuring works published posthumously, is ordered by publication date.
Our plot summaries are designed to be spoiler-free, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions for newcomers.
1. The Hobbit
"The Hobbit" is the first book in Tolkien's Middle-earth universe, both chronologically and by publication date. Released in 1937, it introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group including Gandalf and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral 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
Seventeen years after "The Hobbit," Tolkien published "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first volume of "The Lord of the Rings." Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was split into three volumes for publication. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo embarks on his journey, forming the Fellowship of the Ring with companions like Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. Their mission is to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of the book, Frodo decides to continue alone, accompanied only by Sam.
3. The Two Towers
"The Two Towers" continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided. One group, including Frodo and Sam, journeys 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," concludes the epic journey. The heroes face Sauron's dark forces, while Frodo and Sam complete their mission. After the climax, the hobbits return to the Shire to confront one last adversary, a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book wraps up with the fates of the characters and Frodo's departure.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
The Silmarillion
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"The Silmarillion," published posthumously in 1977, 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," edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of stories and histories about Middle-earth. It includes tales about the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in "The Hobbit," 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 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" is a complete version of a story from "The Silmarillion," set during the First Age. It follows Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, in a tragic tale of 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. It's inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, whose gravestone bears the names of these characters.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
The Fall Of Gondolin
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"The Fall of Gondolin" is the complete version of a tale found in "The Silmarillion" and "Unfinished Tales." It follows Tuor's divine quest to Gondolin, leading to Morgoth's defeat. 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
5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon
"The Fall of Númenor," published in 2022, is a collection of stories from the Second Age, assembled 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
- 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 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
