J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work in the fantasy genre, inspiring not only one of the greatest film trilogies but also ongoing projects like the upcoming Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026. This rich tapestry of Middle-earth continues to captivate audiences, making it an ideal time to delve into the vast history and lore of Tolkien's world.

If you're new to Tolkien's Middle-earth saga or looking to expand your collection, this guide will help you navigate the series, whether you choose to read them in chronological order or by their release date. So, prepare yourself for an unforgettable journey into one of the most celebrated 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 three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).

In addition to these core works, several other collections and companion books have been published posthumously, enriching the lore of Middle-earth. Here are seven key titles that complement the main saga:

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For fans and newcomers alike, there are several compelling book sets available that can enhance your collection. Our top recommendation is the leather-bound illustrated editions, but there are various styles 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 Middle-earth works into two sections: the main saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings books follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and are presented in narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published after Tolkien's death, arranged by publication date.

Here are brief plot summaries with minimal spoilers to help guide new readers:

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both chronologically and in terms of publication date, first released in 1937. This tale follows Bilbo Baggins as he joins Thorin and Company—a group led by Thorin Oakenshield, including Gandalf and thirteen dwarves—on their quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring, leading up to the climactic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring initiates the epic journey of The Lord of the Rings. The story starts 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, joined by a fellowship that includes Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. Their mission leads them toward Mount Doom in Mordor, but by the end of the book, Frodo and Sam set off alone.

3. The Two Towers

The Two Towers continues the saga, with the Fellowship now divided into two groups. One group, including Frodo and Sam, presses on toward Mordor with Gollum as their guide, while the other group confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman and battles orcs.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume brings the epic to its conclusion as the Fellowship reaches Mordor and confronts Sauron's forces. After the destruction of the Ring, the hobbits return to the Shire to face one last challenge—a storyline not included in the film adaptation. The book ends with farewells to the beloved characters.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, delves into the myths and legends of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it spans the history of Arda from 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, compiles various stories and histories of Middle-earth, offering insights into the origins of the five wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, and Sauron's search for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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The History of Middle-earth is a comprehensive twelve-volume series, edited by Christopher Tolkien, that covers the development of The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are found in a separate work, The History of The Hobbit.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien presents a detailed account of the First Age romance between the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's own love story with his wife Edith.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, released in 2022, compiles Tolkien's writings about 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

For those interested in exploring more, consider these additional resources:

• 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