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. This 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 rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, this guide offers a detailed roadmap on how to read J.R.R. Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, either chronologically or by release date. So, prepare to embark on one of the greatest literary adventures with your favorite reading lamp by your side.

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

Tolkien's primary Middle-earth saga consists of four essential books: The Hobbit and the trilogy known as The Lord of the Rings, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.

Beyond these, numerous companion works have been released posthumously, enhancing the lore. We've curated a list of the seven most significant additions to consider.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're stepping into Middle-earth for the first time or expanding your collection, there are several captivating book sets to consider. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, but a variety of 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 works into two sections: the main saga and additional reading. The primary saga follows the journeys of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, listed in narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published after Tolkien's passing, arranged by publication date. These synopses offer a gentle introduction with minimal spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the inception of Tolkien's Middle-earth both chronologically and in terms of publication, first released in 1937. It introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, including Gandalf and thirteen dwarves—to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. This tale is where we first meet Gollum and see Bilbo acquire the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien unveiled the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was published in three volumes, each containing two books. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Gandalf convinces Frodo to leave the Shire, leading to the formation of the Fellowship tasked with destroying the Ring in Mount Doom.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume follows the splintered Fellowship, with Frodo and Sam continuing towards Mordor, guided by Gollum, while the others face orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume sees the culmination of the Fellowship's quest, with battles against Sauron's forces and the completion of Frodo and Sam's mission. Following the climax, the hobbits return to a changed Shire, facing one last challenge omitted from the film.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion, edited by Christopher Tolkien, delves into the mythic history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from creation to the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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This collection, edited by Christopher Tolkien, offers over a dozen stories exploring the origins of Middle-earth's wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and the events leading to The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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A twelve-volume series spanning 1983 to 1996, this comprehensive collection, edited by Christopher Tolkien, offers insights into the development of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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Set during the First Age, this tragic tale, edited by Christopher Tolkien, follows Húrin Thalion and his children, exploring themes of defiance and its consequences against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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This First Age love story, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, follows the adventures of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, drawing inspiration from Tolkien's own romance with his wife Edith.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The final Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien, it recounts the divine quest of Tuor and the fall of Gondolin, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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Published in 2022 and assembled by Brian Sibley, this collection covers the Second Age, 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