"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

0See it at Amazon

The Hobbit And The Lord Of The Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set

2See it at Amazon

The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition

4See it at Amazon

The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition

4See it at Amazon

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, featuring works published posthumously, is ordered by 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" marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both chronologically and by publication date, first released in 1937. It follows 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. This journey introduces us to Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after "The Hobbit," Tolkien released "The Fellowship of the Ring," the first volume of "The Lord of the Rings." Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was published in three volumes, each containing two books. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo embarks on his quest to destroy the Ring, forming the Fellowship with companions including Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. By the end of the volume, Frodo decides to continue alone to Mordor, accompanied only by Sam.

3. The Two Towers

"The Two Towers" continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided. One group, including Frodo and Sam, presses on 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," brings the Fellowship's journey to a close. The heroes face Sauron's dark forces, while Frodo and Sam complete their mission. After the climax, the hobbits return to the Shire to confront one last adversary, a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's fate.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

7See it at Amazon

"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

7See it at Amazon

"Unfinished Tales" is a collection of stories and histories edited by Christopher Tolkien, offering insights into Middle-earth's lore, including the origins of the wizards and the events leading up to "The Lord of the Rings."

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

8See it at Amazon

"The History of Middle-earth" is a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, compiling and analyzing Tolkien's writings. It does not include analyses of "The Hobbit," which can be found in "The History of The Hobbit," edited by John D. Rateliff.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

5See it at Amazon

"The Children of Húrin" is a complete version of a story from "The Silmarillion," set during the First Age. It follows the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, and their struggle against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

3See it at Amazon

"Beren and Lúthien" is a love story from the First Age, compiled by Christopher Tolkien from various versions. It's inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife Edith, whose names are inscribed on their gravestone alongside those of Beren and Lúthien.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

8See it at Amazon

"The Fall of Gondolin" is the complete version of a tale found in "The Silmarillion" and "Unfinished Tales." It follows Tuor's divine quest to Gondolin, leading 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

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

"The Fall of Númenor," published in 2022, compiles Tolkien's works related to the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power. It was assembled by Brian Sibley, a noted Tolkien scholar.