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How to Read The Lord of the Rings Books in Order

Author: Hannah Mar 21,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is a cornerstone of fantasy literature, inspiring one of cinema's greatest trilogies. Tolkien's epic tale of good versus evil resonates with timeless themes of friendship and heroism. With The 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 outlines reading orders: chronological and by publication date. Gather your blankets, dim the lights, and prepare for an unforgettable adventure.

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

Tolkien's main 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 excellent Lord of the Rings book sets are available. While we favor the leather-bound illustrated editions, many styles cater to diverse tastes.

Lord of the Rings Reading Order

This guide separates Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and supplementary readings. The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings follow Bilbo and Frodo Baggins' stories chronologically. Supplementary works, published after Tolkien's death, are ordered by publication date. Plot summaries below contain minimal spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

Chronologically and by release date (1937), The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth book. It follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from Smaug the dragon. The journey 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) ensues before Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo's journey forms the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the Ring in Mount Doom. The Fellowship faces betrayal, leading Frodo and Samwise on a perilous solo quest.

3. The Two Towers

The second volume continues the Fellowship's journey, now split. One party confronts orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume concludes the Fellowship's quest to Mordor. The heroes battle Sauron's armies, and Sam and Frodo complete their mission. The hobbits face a final adversary in the Shire (omitted from the films). The book details the fates of each character.

Additional Lord of the Rings Reading

5. The Silmarillion

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Published in 1973, The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers Arda's history from creation through the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

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

7. The History of Middle-earth

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A twelve-volume series (1983-1996), edited by Christopher Tolkien, compiling and analyzing 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

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

9. Beren and Lúthien

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A First Age love story, compiled by Christopher Tolkien, about the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

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A complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, telling the story of Tuor and his connection to The Lord of the Rings.

11. The Fall of Númenor

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Published in 2022, this collection of Tolkien's Second Age writings, edited by Brian Sibley, covers Númenor's rise and fall, the Rings of Power, Sauron's rise, 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)