How to Read The Lord of the Rings Books in Order

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature and has inspired one of the most celebrated film trilogies in history. The saga's exploration of the timeless themes of good versus evil, 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 or looking to revisit the saga, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the books in order, whether by chronology or by their original publication dates. So, cozy up with a blanket, dim the lights, and let a reading lamp guide you through one of the greatest adventures in literature.

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). In addition, several companion books have been published posthumously, and we've included 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 Lord of the Rings book sets available. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated editions, but there are various 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 divided Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading materials. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed by narrative chronology, while the additional reading section, comprising works published after Tolkien's death, is organized by publication date. Below are brief plot synopses with minimal spoilers, perfect for newcomers.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth book, both in-universe and by publication date. Released in 1937, it introduces readers to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, along with Gandalf and 13 dwarves—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along their journey, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring. The adventure culminates in the Battle of Five Armies, famously depicted in the final Hobbit film.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien published the first volume of The Lord of the Rings, which was originally written as a single, expansive story. Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he bequeaths the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. The narrative spans a 17-year gap before Frodo embarks on his journey at Gandalf's urging. Frodo assembles the Fellowship—comprising Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf—to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom in Mordor. By the end of the book, Frodo faces betrayal and decides to continue his quest alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.

3. The Two Towers

In The Two Towers, the second volume of the trilogy, the Fellowship is divided into two groups. One group, including Frodo and Sam, continues their perilous journey toward Mordor, encountering Gollum along the way. The other group engages in battles against 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 as the heroes confront Sauron's dark armies. Sam and Frodo reach the climax of their mission, while the hobbits face a final adversary back in the Shire—a plot point omitted from the film adaptation. The book ends with the resolution of each character's story and Frodo's departure from Middle-earth.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977 and edited by Tolkien's son Christopher, is a collection of myths and legends that span the history of Arda, the world in which Middle-earth exists. It covers the creation of the world through to the Third Age, providing a rich backdrop to the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

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 and published in 1980, is a compilation of stories and histories that delve deeper into the lore of Middle-earth. It includes tales about 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 is a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, edited by Christopher Tolkien. This extensive collection analyzes the development of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings, offering insights into Tolkien's creative process.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin, published in 2007, is the complete version of a story from The Silmarillion. It follows the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, during the First Age, exploring 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 compiles various versions of the tale of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, drawing parallels to Tolkien's own romance with his wife Edith.

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's divine quest to Gondolin, leading to events that contribute to the defeat of Morgoth. This story connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, the father of Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, published in 2022 and edited by Brian Sibley, is a collection of stories from the Second Age of Middle-earth. It includes narratives from The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, and The History of Middle-earth, detailing 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