J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies and continuing to captivate audiences with new adaptations like "Rings of Power" and the upcoming 2026 movie. This is the perfect time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.
For those new to the saga or looking to expand their collection, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the books, whether you prefer chronological order or by release date. So, prepare to embark on one of the greatest literary adventures by turning down the lights and settling in with a reading lamp.
How Many The 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 other collections and companion books have been published posthumously, and we’ve highlighted the seven most relevant below.
Lord of the Rings Book Sets
For newcomers or collectors, there are several appealing book sets to consider. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated versions, though various styles are available 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 sections: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and LotR books follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, listed by their narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published after Tolkien's passing, ordered by publication date.
These brief plot summaries contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
The Hobbit, Tolkien’s first Middle-earth book by both in-universe chronology and real-world release date, was published in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company on a quest to reclaim the dwarves’ ancestral home 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 begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he leaves the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo embarks on his journey to destroy the Ring, forming the Fellowship with Samwise, Pippin, Merry, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. By the end, Frodo decides to continue alone but is joined by the loyal Samwise.
3. The Two Towers
The Two Towers follows the split Fellowship as Frodo and Sam journey towards Mordor, encountering Gollum, while the others confront orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman.
4. The Return of the King
The Return of the King concludes the epic journey as the Fellowship battles Sauron's forces, and Frodo and Sam reach Mount Doom. After the climax, the hobbits return to the Shire to face a final challenge omitted from the films. The book ends with the resolution of each character's fate.
Additional LotR Reading
5. The Silmarillion
The Silmarillion
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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of stories edited by Christopher Tolkien. It covers the history of Arda from its creation to the Third Age, when The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings take place.
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth
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Unfinished Tales, published in 1980, offers over a dozen stories and histories about Middle-earth, including the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, 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, a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, compiles and analyzes Tolkien’s works, 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, is a complete version of a story from The Silmarillion. It follows the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor.
9. Beren and Lúthien
Beren And Lúthien
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Beren and Lúthien, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, recounts the love story of the mortal man Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien during the First Age. It's inspired by Tolkien’s romance with his wife Edith.
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, tells of Tuor's divine quest to Gondolin, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through his son Eärendil and grandson 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, covers the Second Age of Middle-earth, including 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
