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"Mastering the Sequence: Reading The Lord of the Rings"

by Claire Mar 31,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga is an iconic work of fantasy that has inspired one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. With its timeless themes of friendship and heroism, the story continues to captivate audiences. As excitement builds for Season 2 of Rings of Power and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026, there's no better time to delve into the rich tapestry of Middle-earth.

For those new to Tolkien's universe or looking to refresh their journey through Middle-earth, we've crafted a comprehensive guide on how to read the series. Whether you prefer a chronological approach or following the original publication order, get ready for an epic adventure that promises to be one of the greatest of all time.

How Many The 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).

Additionally, several other collections and companion books have been published posthumously, and we've included the seven most relevant in our list below.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're embarking on your first journey through the LoTR books or enhancing your collection, there are various book sets to consider. Our top pick is the beautifully crafted leather-bound illustrated editions, though numerous other styles are available to suit any 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 divided Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two categories: the core Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading. The Hobbit and LotR books follow the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins and are arranged by narrative chronology. The additional reading section includes works published after Tolkien's passing, ordered by their publication date.

To help newcomers, we've included brief plot summaries with minimal spoilers, focusing on broad plot points and character introductions.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit is Tolkien's first Middle-earth book, both in-universe and by publication date. Released in 1937, it introduces us to Bilbo Baggins, who joins Thorin and Company—a group comprising Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield—on a quest to reclaim their ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along the way, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring. The story climaxes with the Battle of Five Armies, famously depicted in the final Hobbit film.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien released the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Conceived as a single epic narrative, it spans 9,250 pages written between 1938 and 1955, but was published in three volumes, each containing two books.

Fellowship begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he passes the One Ring to Frodo Baggins. A seventeen-year gap follows in the book before Gandalf prompts Frodo to leave the Shire. Frodo assembles a fellowship including Samwise Gamgee, Pippin Took, Merry Brandybuck, Legolas, Gimli, Aragorn, Boromir, and Gandalf to destroy the One Ring in Mount Doom. By the end of Fellowship, Frodo faces betrayal and sets off alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.

3. The Two Towers

In the second volume, The Two Towers, the Fellowship splits into two groups. One group battles orcs and confronts the corrupted wizard Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, guided by Gollum, continue their treacherous journey toward Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

The final volume, The Return of the King, sees the Fellowship's mission reach its climax as they confront Sauron's dark forces. Sam and Frodo complete their quest, and in a sequence not shown in the films, the hobbits face one last challenge back in the Shire. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's fate and Frodo's journey coming to an end.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

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The Silmarillion, published posthumously in 1977, is a collection of five parts edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It serves as a legendarium of Arda, detailing the world's creation through the Third Age, encompassing the events of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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Unfinished Tales, edited and published by Christopher Tolkien in 1980, contains over a dozen stories and histories of Middle-earth. It covers the origins of the five wizards, the alliance between Gondor and Rohan, Gandalf's role in The Hobbit, and Sauron's quest for the One Ring before The Lord of the Rings.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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The History of Middle-earth, a twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, compiles and analyzes Tolkien's writings, excluding The Hobbit, which is covered in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff and published in 2007.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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The Children of Húrin, released in 2007, expands on the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion. Set during the First Age, it narrates the tragic tale of Húrin Thalion and his children, Túrin and Nienor, following Húrin's defiance of Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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Beren and Lúthien, published in 2017, is a love story set in the First Age, inspired by Tolkien's own romance with his wife, Edith. It follows the adventures of mortal Beren and immortal Elf Lúthien, compiled by Christopher Tolkien into a cohesive narrative.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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The Fall of Gondolin, published in 2018, is the complete tale of Tuor's divine mission to Gondolin and its eventual fall, edited by Christopher Tolkien. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond, who plays a pivotal role in Fellowship of the Ring.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

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The Fall of Númenor, published in November 2022, gathers Tolkien's writings related to the Second Age of Middle-earth. Edited by Brian Sibley, it covers the rise and fall of Númenor, the forging of the Rings of Power, the rise of Sauron, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.