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"Lord of the Rings Reading Order Guide"

by Emily May 06,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, renowned for its epic storytelling and timeless themes of friendship and heroism. With the excitement surrounding the upcoming 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 better time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.

For newcomers and seasoned fans alike, we’ve crafted this comprehensive guide to help you navigate the rich tapestry of Tolkien's works. Whether you choose to read them chronologically or by their publication date, prepare for an unforgettable journey through one of the greatest literary adventures of all time.

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

Tolkien’s main Middle-earth saga comprises four essential books: The Hobbit and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings—The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Additionally, numerous companion books and collections have been published posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. We’ve selected seven of the most pertinent works to include in our reading list.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're embarking on your first journey through Middle-earth or expanding your collection, there are several exquisite book sets to consider. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though a variety of 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 works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The saga follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and is listed by narrative chronology, while the additional readings are post-publication works, ordered by their release date. These summaries are designed to be spoiler-free, offering just enough detail to pique your interest.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga, both in its internal timeline and its publication history, first released in 1937. The story centers on Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin Oakenshield and a company of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, setting the stage for future events. The adventure culminates in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien published the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. This saga, initially intended as a single narrative, spans over 9,250 pages written between 1938 and 1955, and was later divided into three volumes for publication. The Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. A significant time gap occurs before Frodo, urged by Gandalf, sets off on his quest. Joined by a diverse group of companions, they form the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

3. The Two Towers

Continuing from The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers follows the now-divided Fellowship. One group, including Frodo and Sam, journeys toward Mordor, while the others confront various challenges, including battles against orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman. This volume deepens the narrative and sets the stage for the final confrontation.

4. The Return of the King

The saga concludes with The Return of the King, where the Fellowship's mission reaches its climax. The heroes face the dark forces of Sauron, and Frodo and Sam strive to complete their perilous journey. After the main conflict, the hobbits return to the Shire to face one last challenge, a storyline not included in the film adaptations. The book wraps up with the resolution of each character's arc.

**Additional Lord of the Rings Reading**

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends 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, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a compilation of stories and histories that delve deeper 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

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This twelve-volume series, published between 1983 and 1996, offers an extensive analysis of Tolkien's writings, including The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. It does not cover The Hobbit, which is analyzed separately in The History of The Hobbit.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin expands on a story from The Silmarillion, detailing the tragic tale of Húrin and his children during the First Age, exploring themes of defiance and its consequences.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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This work, inspired by Tolkien's own love story with his wife Edith, follows the romance between the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien during the First Age.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin recounts the tale of Tuor and the divine mission to Gondolin, leading to the eventual downfall of Morgoth. This story connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, who is the father of Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor compiles stories from the Second Age of Middle-earth, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power, edited by Brian Sibley.