J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated 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 excitement building around Rings of Power Season 2 and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, now is the perfect time to delve into the intricate world of Middle-earth.

If you're new to Tolkien's universe or looking to refresh your memory, we've created a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the series. Whether you prefer to read the books in chronological order or by their original publication dates, we've got you covered. So, prepare for an unforgettable journey into one of the greatest adventures in literature.

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

Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga consists of four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous additional collections and companion volumes have been published. We've highlighted the seven most significant ones in our list below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're embarking on your first journey through Middle-earth or expanding your collection, there are several fantastic book sets to consider. Our top recommendation is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though numerous 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 organized Tolkien's works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is presented in narrative chronology. The supplementary section, featuring works published posthumously, is arranged by publication date.

Our summaries are designed for newcomers and contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, both chronologically and in terms of publication. Released in 1937, it precedes the Lord of the Rings trilogy by 17 years.

This tale chronicles the journey of Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group including Gandalf and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, 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

Nearly two decades after The Hobbit, Tolkien released the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a single narrative, the story spans 9,250 pages written between 1938 and 1955, eventually divided into three volumes for publication.

The saga begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film adaptation, a 17-year gap follows before Frodo embarks on his quest at Gandalf's urging.

Frodo forms the Fellowship of the Ring with companions Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. Their mission is to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom, where it was forged. By the end of The Fellowship of the Ring, Frodo faces betrayal and sets off toward Mordor, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers, the second volume, follows the fragmented Fellowship. One group, led by Aragorn, confronts orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, continue their dangerous journey to Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, concludes the epic journey to Mordor. The heroes battle Sauron's dark forces, while Frodo and Sam strive to complete their mission. Following the climax, the hobbits face one last challenge in the Shire, a scene omitted from the film.

The story wraps up with the resolution of each character's fate, marking the end of Frodo's quest.

Additional Lord of the Rings Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion 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, published in 1980, is another collection edited by Christopher Tolkien. It includes stories about the origins of Middle-earth's wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's search for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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Published between 1983 and 1996, this twelve-volume series, edited by Christopher Tolkien, delves into the development of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings. 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, expands on the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. Set in the First Age, it explores the tragic consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien, published in 2017, compiles various versions of the First Age love story between the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien. The tale is said to be inspired by 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, details the story of Tuor and the divine quest that leads to the defeat of Morgoth. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor compiles Tolkien's works related to the Second Age of Middle-earth. Edited by Brian Sibley, it covers 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

For those interested in following the publication order:

• 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