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How to Read The Lord of the Rings Books in Order

Author : Logan Update : Mar 19,2025

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 Rings of Power entering its second season and a new Lord of the Rings film slated for 2026, exploring Middle-earth's rich history is more compelling than ever.

For newcomers to Tolkien's Middle-earth (and its companion works), this guide outlines reading orders—chronological and by publication date. 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 preferences.

Lord of the Rings Reading Order

This guide divides 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' journeys and are ordered chronologically; supplementary works, published after Tolkien's death, are listed by publication date. Plot summaries below contain minimal spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

Chronologically and publication-wise, The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth book (1937). It follows Bilbo Baggins, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield as they reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from Smaug. We meet Gollum and witness Bilbo's acquisition of the One Ring. The adventure culminates in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, this begins on Bilbo's 111th birthday, where he bequeaths the One Ring to Frodo. Unlike the film, a seventeen-year gap exists before Frodo's journey begins. Gandalf urges Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo gathers companions, forming the Fellowship, tasked with destroying the One Ring in Mount Doom. The Fellowship faces betrayal, leading Frodo and Samwise on a solitary path towards Mordor.

3. The Two Towers

Continuing the Fellowship's journey, the story splits into two narratives: Frodo and Sam's perilous trek and the remaining Fellowship members' battles against orcs and Saruman.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume concludes the Fellowship's journey. Our heroes confront Sauron's armies, while Sam and Frodo complete their mission. The hobbits face a final adversary in the Shire (omitted from the films). We learn the fates of each character as Frodo's journey concludes.

Additional Lord of the Rings Reading

5. The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously (1977), The Silmarillion is a legendarium of Arda, encompassing Middle-earth's history from creation to the Third Age. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it covers myths and stories spanning Arda's history.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

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Another collection edited by Christopher Tolkien, Unfinished Tales features stories 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 (edited by John D. Rateliff, 2007) provides analysis of The Hobbit.

8. The Children of Húrin

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A complete version of Of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion, set during the First Age, telling 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, following the mortal Beren and the immortal Elf Lúthien. Inspired by Tolkien's relationship with his wife.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

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The complete version of a tale from The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales, recounting Tuor's journey to Gondolin and its fall, connecting to The Lord of the Rings through Eärendil and Elrond. The last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien.

11. The Fall of Númenor

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Published in 2022, this collection, edited by Brian Sibley, gathers Tolkien's writings on the Second Age, covering Númenor's rise and fall, the Rings of Power, Sauron's rise, and the Last Alliance.

Reading 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)