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, inspiring one of cinema's greatest trilogies. Tolkien's epic tale of good versus evil resonates with timeless themes of friendship and heroism. With Rings of Power entering its second season and a new Lord of the Rings film slated for 2026, there's never been a better time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth saga (and its companion books), this guide outlines reading orders—chronologically and by publication date. Gather your blankets, dim the lights, and prepare for an unparalleled adventure.

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

Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).

Numerous companion books and collections have been published since Tolkien's death in 1973; seven key works are detailed below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned collector, several excellent book sets are available. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated edition, but many styles exist.

The Lord of the Rings Reading Order

This guide divides Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and supplemental readings. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' stories, presented chronologically. The supplemental section lists Middle-earth works published posthumously, ordered by publication date. Plot summaries below offer minimal spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit, chronologically and publication-wise the first Middle-earth book, was published in 1937, seventeen years before The Lord of the Rings. It follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. The adventure introduces Gollum and reveals Bilbo's acquisition of the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, this begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he bequeaths the One Ring to Frodo. Unlike the film, a seventeen-year gap separates this event and Frodo's journey. Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire, leading to the formation of the Fellowship—Frodo, Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf—tasked with destroying the One Ring in Mount Doom. The Fellowship faces betrayal, and Frodo, accompanied by Sam, sets off for Mordor.

3. The Two Towers

Continuing the journey, the Fellowship is split. One group confronts orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum and press on toward Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume concludes the Fellowship's journey. Our heroes battle Sauron's armies, and Sam and Frodo complete their mission. The hobbits face a final adversary in the Shire (omitted from the film). The book details the fates of each character as Frodo's journey ends.

Additional Lord of the Rings Reading

5. The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously in 1973, this legendarium of Arda (the world encompassing Middle-earth), edited by Christopher Tolkien, covers Arda's history through the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

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Edited by Christopher Tolkien, this collection includes stories on the origins of the five wizards, the Gondor-Rohan alliance, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's pre-Lord of the Rings actions.

7. The History of Middle-earth

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A twelve-volume series (1983-1996), edited by Christopher Tolkien, compiling and analyzing The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings. The History of The Hobbit (edited by John D. Rateliff, 2007) covers The Hobbit.

8. The Children of Húrin

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A complete version of "Of Túrin Turambar" from The Silmarillion, set in the First Age, detailing the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children.

9. Beren and Lúthien

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A First Age love story, compiled from various versions by Christopher Tolkien, inspired by Tolkien's marriage to Edith.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

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The complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, telling the story of Tuor and his connection to The Lord of the Rings through his son Eärendil. The last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.

11. The Fall of Númenor

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Published in 2022, this collection of Second Age writings, assembled by Brian Sibley, covers Númenor's rise and fall, the Rings of Power, Sauron's ascent, and the Last Alliance.

The Lord of the Rings Reading Order 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)