J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a monumental work of fantasy that has inspired one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. The narrative, centered around the eternal struggle between good and evil, explores themes of friendship and heroism that resonate deeply with readers. With the launch of Season 2 of "Rings of Power" and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026, there has never been a more exciting time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.
For those new to Tolkien's universe, or those looking to revisit the saga, we've crafted this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the books in both chronological and publication order. So, settle in, dim the lights, and prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of literature's greatest adventures.
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 three volumes of "The Lord of the Rings" ("The Fellowship of the Ring," "The Two Towers," and "The Return of the King").
In addition, several other collections and companion books have been published since Tolkien's passing in 1973. Below, we've listed the seven most significant of these works.
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 available. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, but you'll find a variety of styles to suit your 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 sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga, which follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, is presented in narrative chronology. The additional readings, published posthumously, are listed by their publication date.
To accommodate new readers, the plot summaries below are designed to minimize spoilers, focusing on broad themes and character introductions.
1. The Hobbit
"The Hobbit" is the first book in Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, both in terms of its internal timeline and its original publication in 1937. It introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company — a group comprising Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield — on a quest to reclaim the dwarves' home under the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, setting the stage for the events of "The Lord of the Rings." The story 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." Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was eventually divided into three volumes for publication, each containing two books. "The Fellowship of the Ring" begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film adaptation, there is a 17-year gap before Frodo's journey begins at Gandalf's urging.
Frodo assembles a group of companions, forming the Fellowship of the Ring, which includes 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 in Mordor. By the end of this volume, Frodo faces betrayal and decides to continue his quest alone, though he is joined by the loyal Samwise.
3. The Two Towers
"The Two Towers," the second volume, follows the fragmented Fellowship as they continue their quest. Frodo and Sam, now separated from the others, encounter Gollum and press on toward Mordor. Meanwhile, the rest of the Fellowship battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman, adding layers to the epic tale.
4. The Return of the King
In the final volume, "The Return of the King," the saga reaches its climax as the Fellowship battles Sauron's forces. Frodo and Sam's mission to destroy the Ring comes to a head, and the hobbits face one last challenge back in the Shire, a plot point omitted from the films. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's story, marking the end of Frodo's journey.
5. The Silmarillion
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"The Silmarillion," published posthumously in 1977, was edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It serves as a legendarium for Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, detailing its history from creation through the Third Age, the era of "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings."
6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth
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"Unfinished Tales," also edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of stories and histories from Middle-earth. It provides insights into the origins of the five 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
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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 writings, offering a deep dive into Tolkien's creative process. Note that "The History of The Hobbit," edited by John D. Rateliff and published in 2007, covers the development of "The Hobbit" separately.
8. The Children of Húrin
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"The Children of Húrin" is the complete version of the story "Of Túrin Turambar" from "The Silmarillion." Set in the First Age, it follows Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, in a tragic tale of defiance against Morgoth, the precursor to Sauron as Middle-earth's chief antagonist.
9. Beren and Lúthien
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"Beren and Lúthien," inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, is a love story set during the First Age. Christopher Tolkien compiled various versions of the tale into a cohesive narrative, telling the adventures of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.
10. The Fall of Gondolin
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"The Fall of Gondolin" expands on a tale found in "The Silmarillion" and "Unfinished Tales," detailing the divine mission of Tuor to Gondolin. This story links to "The Lord of the Rings" through Tuor's son Eärendil, who fathers Elrond, a key figure in the Fellowship. This was the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.
11. The Fall of Númenor
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"The Fall of Númenor," published in 2022 and edited by Brian Sibley, is a compilation of stories from the Second Age of Middle-earth. It covers significant events such as the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, the construction of Barad-dûr, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.
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
