How to Read The Lord of the Rings in Order

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

Tolkien's core Middle-earth stories consist of four essential books: The Hobbit plus the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings (Fellowship of the Ring, Two Towers, Return of the King).

Following the author's passing in 1973, numerous companion works and collections were published. Below we've highlighted the seven most notable additions to the Middle-earth library.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're venturing into Middle-earth for the first time or expanding your collection, several beautiful editions exist. Our top pick remains the illustrated leather-bound versions, though various styles exist to suit every reader's taste.

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 works into two categories: the primary saga and supplementary materials. The Hobbit and Lord of the Rings follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins, presented chronologically. Posthumous publications appear in release order.

Our spoiler-light summaries focus on broad narrative arcs while preserving key surprises for new readers.

1. The Hobbit

Tolkien's first Middle-earth tale introduced Bilbo Baggins in 1937, predating the Lord of the Rings trilogy by nearly two decades. This enchanting novel follows unassuming hobbit Bilbo as he joins Gandalf and Thorin's company of dwarves on their quest to reclaim Erebor from Smaug the dragon. The fateful discovery of the One Ring during Bilbo's encounter with Gollum sets in motion events that would shape Middle-earth's future.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after Bilbo mysteriously departs the Shire, his younger cousin Frodo inherits both Bag End and the mysterious ring. What begins as a quiet life in the Shire transforms into a desperate journey when Gandalf reveals the artifact's true nature. Frodo's flight from the Shire gathers companions who will become the legendary Fellowship - nine individuals representing Middle-earth's free peoples in their struggle against Sauron's growing shadow.

3. The Two Towers

The fractured Fellowship continues their divergent paths - some confronting Saruman's treachery at Isengard while others escort Frodo toward Mordor. This middle volume heightens tension as alliances are tested, friendships deepen, and the war against Sauron escalates across multiple fronts.

4. The Return of the King

The epic conclusion weaves together numerous threads: Gondor's desperate defense, the march of unlikely allies, and Frodo's increasingly perilous journey into enemy territory. While Peter Jackson's adaptation omitted certain elements, Tolkien's written conclusion provides complete resolutions for each character and a surprisingly bittersweet homecoming for the hobbits.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously by Christopher Tolkien, The Silmarillion reveals Middle-earth's mythology - from creation myths through the events preceding The Hobbit. This dense yet rewarding collection includes the tale of the Elves' rebellion, the legendary Silmarils, and Morgoth's first reign of terror.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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This compilation presents fascinating but incomplete Middle-earth stories, including background on key characters like Gandalf and Sauron. Particularly illuminating are insights into Númenor's fall and the complex relationship between Gondor and Rohan.

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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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