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 most celebrated 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 explore the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth (and its companion works), this guide offers two reading orders: chronological and by publication date. Gather your reading lamp, settle in, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

How Many Lord of the Rings Books Are There?

Tolkien's core 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 collections and companion books have been published posthumously (since 1973), seven of which are highlighted below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

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

The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition

[See it at Amazon]

The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings: Deluxe Pocket Boxed Set

[See it at Amazon]

The Silmarillion Deluxe Illustrated Edition

[See it at Amazon]

The Hobbit Deluxe Illustrated Edition

[See it at Amazon]

Lord of the Rings Reading Order

This guide presents Tolkien's Middle-earth works in two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins's journeys, presented chronologically. The supplementary section lists post-Tolkien publications by publication date. Plot summaries below contain only minor spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

Chronologically and by release date (1937), The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth tale. It follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. This 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 first volume of The Lord of the Rings begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he bequeaths the One Ring to Frodo. A seventeen-year gap (unlike the film adaptation) follows before Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo assembles the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. The volume concludes with Frodo and Sam setting off for Mordor.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume continues the Fellowship's journey, now split into two groups. One faces orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum.

4. The Return of the King

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

Additional Lord of the Rings Reading

5. The Silmarillion

[See it at Amazon]

Published in 1977, The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, encompassing Middle-earth's history from creation through the Third Age. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers myths and stories across Arda's history.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

[See it at Amazon]

This collection of stories and histories, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, includes tales about the five wizards, the Gondor-Rohan alliance, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's pre-Lord of the Rings search for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

[See it at Amazon]

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

8. The Children of Húrin

[See it at Amazon]

A complete version of a story from The Silmarillion, set during the First Age, this tragic tale follows Húrin Thalion and his children.

9. Beren and Lúthien

[See it at Amazon]

A First Age love story, compiled from various versions by Christopher Tolkien, following the adventures of Beren and Lúthien.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

[See it at Amazon]

The complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, this story follows Tuor's quest to Gondolin, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil.

11. The Fall of Númenor

[See it at Amazon]

Published in 2022, this collection, edited by Brian Sibley, covers the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor, the Rings of Power, and the Last Alliance.

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)

For Further Exploration:

[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]