"Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence"

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is an iconic work of fantasy that has inspired one of the greatest film trilogies of all time. The narrative weaves timeless themes of friendship and heroism, and with the anticipation building for Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026, there's never been a more exciting time to dive into the lore of Middle-earth.

For those eager to embark on this epic journey through Tolkien's world, whether you're a seasoned fan or a newcomer, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the Middle-earth saga. You can choose to follow the story chronologically or by the order of publication. So, prepare for an unforgettable adventure by dimming the lights, getting cozy, and maybe even setting up 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 (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King).

Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional collections and companion books have been released. We've curated a list of the seven most pertinent to enhance your understanding of Middle-earth.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

If you're stepping into the world of Middle-earth for the first time or expanding your collection, consider these beautifully curated book sets. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though a variety of styles are available to suit any 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 categories: The Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and is presented in chronological order. The additional readings, published posthumously, are arranged by their publication date and offer deeper insights into Middle-earth's vast history.

The following plot summaries are crafted to be spoiler-free, focusing on key plot points and character introductions to guide new readers.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit introduces us to Middle-earth and is the first book in the series both chronologically and by publication date, originally released in 1937. It follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company—a group that includes Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim their mountain home from the dragon Smaug. This journey introduces us to Gollum and the mysterious 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 marks the beginning of the Lord of the Rings trilogy. The narrative starts at Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he leaves the One Ring to Frodo. A 17-year gap follows before Gandalf convinces Frodo to leave the Shire with the ring. Frodo forms the Fellowship with Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, setting off to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of the book, Frodo, with Sam's loyal companionship, decides to continue alone.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers continues the saga with the Fellowship now divided. One group, including Frodo and Sam, ventures towards Mordor, meeting Gollum along the way. The others face battles with orcs and confront the corrupted wizard Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

In the final volume, the heroes of Middle-earth unite to battle Sauron's forces while Frodo and Sam strive to complete their quest. After the dramatic climax, the hobbits return to the Shire for one last confrontation, not depicted in the film. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's fate and Frodo's departure.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion, edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of myths and legends that detail the history of Arda, the world that encompasses Middle-earth, from its creation to the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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Unfinished Tales, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a compilation of over a dozen stories that delve into Middle-earth's history, including the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and Sauron's hunt for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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This twelve-volume series, published between 1983 and 1996, provides an exhaustive exploration of Tolkien's writings on Middle-earth, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It excludes analyses of The Hobbit, which are 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 expands on a tale from The Silmarillion, telling the tragic story of Húrin Thalion and his children during the First Age, against the backdrop of Morgoth's tyranny.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien is a romantic tale from the First Age, crafted from various versions of the story by Christopher Tolkien. It's a narrative inspired by Tolkien's own love story with his wife, Edith.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin narrates the tale of Tuor and his divine mission to Gondolin, connecting to the Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son, Eärendil, father of Elrond. It's the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor compiles stories from Tolkien's works about the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power, assembled by Brian Sibley.

How to Read The Lord of the Rings By Release Date

For those preferring to read in the order of publication, follow this sequence:

• 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 into the world of fantasy and beyond, consider these resources:

• 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