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"Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence"

Author：Kristen Update：May 05,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is not only a cornerstone of fantasy literature but also inspired one of the most iconic film trilogies. With timeless themes of friendship and heroism, Tolkien's epic tale of good versus evil continues to captivate audiences. The excitement is building with the upcoming Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026, making it an ideal time to delve into the rich history of Middle-earth.

For those new to Tolkien's universe or looking to revisit the saga, here's a comprehensive guide on how to read the Middle-earth books, both chronologically and by their release dates. So, cozy up with your favorite reading lamp and embark on 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 consists of four books: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King). Additionally, since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous other collections and companion books have been released, and we've included the seven most significant ones in our list.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're a first-time reader or a collector looking to expand your library, there are several exquisite book sets available. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, but there's a variety of styles to choose from.

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 divided Tolkien's works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The saga follows Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and is ordered by narrative chronology, while the additional reading section includes Middle-earth-related works published posthumously, listed by publication date. Here are brief plot synopses with minimal spoilers for newcomers.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is Tolkien's first book in the Middle-earth universe, both by in-universe chronology and real-world release date. Published in 1937, it introduces us to Bilbo Baggins and his journey with Thorin and Company to reclaim the dwarves' treasure from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, we meet Gollum and learn about 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 first volume of The Lord of the Rings. The saga, initially conceived as a single narrative, was edited into three volumes for publication. Fellowship begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he leaves the One Ring to Frodo. The story follows Frodo and his companions as they form the Fellowship and set out to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

3. The Two Towers

Continuing the journey, The Two Towers splits the Fellowship into two groups: Frodo and Sam continue toward Mordor, while the others face new challenges, including battles against orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume concludes the epic journey as the Fellowship battles Sauron's forces, and Frodo and Sam reach their destination. After the climax, the hobbits return to the Shire for one last confrontation, a sequence not shown in the films. We learn the fates of the characters as Frodo's journey ends.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends that cover the history of Arda, the world in which Middle-earth exists, from its creation to the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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Unfinished Tales offers over a dozen stories and histories edited by Christopher Tolkien, providing deeper insights into Middle-earth's lore, including the origins of the wizards and the backstory to The Hobbit.

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, compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, offering a comprehensive look at the development of Middle-earth.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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Set in the First Age, The Children of Húrin explores the tragic tale of Húrin and his children, Túrin and Nienor, as they face the consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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A love story set in the First Age, Beren and Lúthien follows the adventures of the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien, inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife Edith.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin recounts the story of Tuor and his divine quest to Gondolin, leading to the defeat of Morgoth. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, who fathers 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 Tolkien's works related to the Second Age, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power.