"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 celebrated film trilogies of all time. The saga, centered on the eternal struggle between good and evil, delves into themes of friendship and heroism that resonate deeply with readers. With the anticipation building for Season 2 of "Rings of Power" and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, there's never been a more exciting time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For those eager to embark on this literary journey, whether you're a first-time reader or a seasoned fan looking to expand your collection, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the books in chronological order or by their publication dates. So, cozy up, dim the lights, and let a reading lamp guide you through one of the greatest adventures in literature.

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

There are four books in Tolkien's main Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit and the trilogy comprising The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. In addition to these, numerous companion books and collections have been released posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. We've highlighted seven key works below that provide further depth to Tolkien's universe.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For newcomers or collectors seeking to enhance their library, there are several splendid book sets to consider. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, but there's a variety of styles to suit every taste.

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

To assist both new readers and veterans, we've organized Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two categories: the primary Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga, encompassing The Hobbit and the trilogy, follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in chronological order. The additional reading section features works published after Tolkien's passing, arranged by publication date.

Our plot summaries are crafted to be spoiler-light, focusing on essential plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth journey, both in the universe's timeline and in real-world publication (1937). It narrates the tale of Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin Oakenshield and a band of dwarves on a quest to reclaim their homeland from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, we encounter Gollum and witness Bilbo's acquisition of 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 trilogy. Originally conceived as a single narrative spanning over 9,250 pages from 1938 to 1955, it was divided into three volumes for publication. The story begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he leaves the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap (not depicted in the films), Frodo, urged by Gandalf, embarks on a journey to destroy the Ring. He forms the Fellowship with Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf, aiming to cast the Ring into Mount Doom in Mordor. The volume ends with Frodo's decision to continue alone, accompanied only by Sam.

3. The Two Towers

In The Two Towers, the second volume, the Fellowship splits into two groups: Frodo and Sam continue their quest to Mordor, while the others confront Saruman and battle orcs. This volume follows the harrowing journeys of both parties, deepening the narrative and showcasing the resilience of the characters.

4. The Return of the King

The saga concludes with The Return of the King, where the heroes face Sauron's forces in a final battle. Frodo and Sam's mission reaches its climax as they strive to destroy the Ring. Post-climax, the hobbits return to the Shire for one last challenge, a narrative not included in the film. The book wraps up by revealing the fates of the characters, offering a poignant farewell to Frodo's journey.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

7See it at Amazon

The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977 and edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of myths and stories that trace the history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from its creation to the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

7See it at Amazon

Unfinished Tales, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, compiles various narratives and histories of Middle-earth, offering insights into the origins of the wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and Sauron's quest for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

8See it at Amazon

This twelve-volume series, published between 1983 and 1996, delves into the development of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other Middle-earth writings, providing a comprehensive analysis of Tolkien's creative process.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

5See it at Amazon

The Children of Húrin, set during the First Age, expands on the tale of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion, exploring the tragic consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

3See it at Amazon

This work, inspired by Tolkien's real-life romance with his wife Edith, recounts the legendary love story of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, set during the First Age.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

8See it at Amazon

The Fall of Gondolin tells the tale of Tuor's divine mission to Gondolin and its subsequent downfall, connecting 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

Published in 2022, The Fall of Númenor compiles stories related to the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, 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