Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence

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. The narrative, centered on the timeless 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 expansive world of Middle-earth.

For those new to Tolkien's universe, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the Middle-earth saga, whether you prefer chronological order or by publication date. So, prepare for an epic journey by settling in with a cozy blanket and a reading lamp.

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

Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: "The Hobbit" and the three volumes of "The Lord of the Rings" ("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 books have been released. We've highlighted the seven most pertinent ones in our list below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're embarking on your first journey through the LoTR books or expanding your collection, there are several excellent book sets to consider. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though various styles are available to suit different tastes.

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 sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is listed in narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published posthumously, ordered by their publication date.

Our plot summaries are designed to be spoiler-free, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions for those new to the series.

1. The Hobbit

"The Hobbit" is the first book in Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, both chronologically and by publication date. Released in 1937, it introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group including Gandalf and 13 dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' 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

Seventeen years after "The Hobbit," Tolkien published "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first volume of "The Lord of the Rings." Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was split into three volumes for publication, each containing two books. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film, there's a 17-year gap before Frodo's journey begins, prompted by Gandalf's warning about the ring's danger.

Frodo assembles a fellowship—including Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf—to destroy the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the end of "Fellowship," Frodo faces betrayal and decides to continue alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.

3. The Two Towers

"The Two Towers" continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided. One group, including Frodo and Sam, journeys toward Mordor, encountering Gollum along the way. The other group battles 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. The heroes confront Sauron's dark forces, while Frodo and Sam strive to complete their mission. After the climax, the hobbits face one last challenge in the Shire, a scene omitted from the film. The book wraps up with the fates of the characters and Frodo's departure.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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"The Silmarillion," published posthumously in 1977, 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," edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It includes tales about the origins of the 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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"The History of Middle-earth" is a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It compiles and analyzes "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" is the complete version of "Of Túrin Turambar" from "The Silmarillion." Set during the First Age, it tells the tragic story of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, and the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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"Beren and Lúthien," inspired by Tolkien's romance with his wife Edith, is a love story set during the First Age. Christopher Tolkien compiled various versions to create a cohesive narrative of the adventures of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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"The Fall of Gondolin" is the complete version of a tale found in "The Silmarillion" and "Unfinished Tales." It follows Tuor, sent on a divine quest to Gondolin, leading to events that contribute to Morgoth's defeat. This story 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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"The Fall of Númenor," published in 2022, is a collection of Tolkien's works related to the Second Age of Middle-earth. Edited by Brian Sibley, it includes stories from "The Silmarillion," "Unfinished Tales," and "The History of Middle-earth," covering the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, and the rise of Sauron.