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"Lord of the Rings: Correct Reading Order Revealed"

Author : Logan Update : Apr 14,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most acclaimed film trilogies of all time. With its timeless themes of friendship and heroism, the saga remains relevant, especially with the upcoming Season 2 of Rings of Power and a new Lord of the Rings movie slated for 2026. This is an excellent time to delve into the expansive world of Middle-earth.

For those new to Tolkien’s universe, or looking to revisit it, this guide will help you navigate the reading order of the Middle-earth saga, either chronologically or by release date. So, get cozy, dim the lights, and embark on one of the greatest literary adventures ever written.

How Many 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, several other collections and companion books have been published posthumously. We’ve included the seven most relevant titles below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're a first-time reader or expanding your collection, there are several stunning book sets to consider. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated versions, though various styles cater to different tastes.

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

We've organized Tolkien’s works into two sections: the main Lord of the Rings saga and additional readings. The Hobbit and LotR books follow the journeys of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and are listed by their narrative chronology. The additional readings, published after Tolkien's death, are arranged by publication date.

These summaries are designed for newcomers and contain only mild spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is Tolkien’s first book set in Middle-earth, both in-universe and by real-world release in 1937. It tells the tale of Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group consisting of Gandalf, Thorin Oakenshield, and thirteen dwarves—on a quest to reclaim their home from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring. The story culminates in the Battle of Five Armies, which inspired the title of the final Hobbit film.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally conceived as a single narrative, it was edited into three volumes for publication. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap (not depicted in the film), Frodo embarks on his quest to destroy the Ring, forming the Fellowship with companions Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf. The volume ends with Frodo's decision to continue alone to Mordor, accompanied by the loyal Sam.

3. The Two Towers

In the second volume, The Two Towers, the Fellowship splits into two groups: Frodo and Sam continue their journey toward Mordor, encountering Gollum, while the others face orcs and the corrupted wizard Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, concludes the epic journey. The heroes battle Sauron’s forces as Frodo and Sam reach the climax of their mission. After the main conflict, the hobbits confront one last challenge in the Shire, a scene not included in the films. The book wraps up with the fates of the characters as Frodo's adventure ends.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

7See it at Amazon

The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of myths and legends edited by Christopher Tolkien. 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

7See it at Amazon

Unfinished Tales, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien, contains over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth, providing deeper insights into the world and its characters.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

8See it at Amazon

The History of Middle-earth is a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, compiling and analyzing Tolkien's writings, including The Lord of the Rings and The Silmarillion. Note that analyses of The Hobbit are found in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

5See it at Amazon

The Children of Húrin is a complete version of the story 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

3See it at Amazon

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

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

8See it at Amazon

The Fall of Gondolin completes the tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, recounting the story of Tuor's divine quest to Gondolin and its connection to The Lord of the Rings through his son Eärendil, father of Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon

The Fall of Númenor, published 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 rise of Sauron.