Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. The epic tale, which explores the timeless 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 more exciting time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.

If you're new to Tolkien's universe or looking to revisit it, our guide will help you navigate the reading order of the Middle-earth saga, whether you prefer to follow the chronological timeline or the books' publication dates. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey by getting cozy, dimming the lights, and grabbing your reading lamp.

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

Tolkien's primary Middle-earth saga comprises **four books**: The Hobbit, and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional works and companion books have been published. We've included the seven most significant of these in our guide below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For newcomers or avid collectors, there are several excellent Lord of the Rings book sets available. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, but there are numerous 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 organized Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published posthumously, ordered by their publication date. Our plot summaries are designed to be spoiler-free, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions for those new to the series.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both in-universe and in real-world publication, first released in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, including Gandalf and thirteen dwarves—on a quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, leading to the climactic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Gandalf convinces Frodo to leave the Shire with the ring. Frodo assembles a fellowship including Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, with the mission 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 the loyal Samwise.

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, striving to protect Middle-earth from further harm.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, brings the epic to its conclusion. 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 resolution of each character's journey, marking the end of Frodo's quest.

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 and published by Christopher Tolkien in 1980, is a collection of stories and histories that delve into the origins of Middle-earth's wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's quest for the One Ring before The Lord of the Rings.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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The History of Middle-earth, a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, including The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, this extensive collection spans over 5,400 pages. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are found in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff and published in 2007.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin, published in 2007, is a complete version of the story Of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. Set during the First Age, it follows the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, as they face the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien, published in 2017, is a love story set during the First Age. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it follows the adventures of the mortal man Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien. The tale is inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, with their names etched on their gravestone.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin, published in 2018, is the complete version of a tale found in The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales. It follows Tuor, sent on a divine quest to Gondolin, leading to events that contribute to Morgoth's defeat. The story connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond, who plays a crucial role in the Fellowship of the Ring.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, published in November 2022, is a collection of Tolkien's works related to the Second Age of Middle-earth. Edited by Brian Sibley, it includes stories from The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and The History of Middle-earth, covering the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, the construction of Barad-dûr, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.

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 those interested in exploring more, consider checking out new fantasy and sci-fi books, the best books similar to Lord of the Rings, or how to watch The Lord of the Rings movies in order. Additionally, every Lord of the Rings Blu-ray set is available for collectors and fans alike.