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"Guide to Reading The Lord of the Rings Series in Sequence"

by Samuel Apr 21,2025

J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work in the fantasy genre, captivating audiences with its epic tale of good versus evil, woven with themes of friendship and heroism. With the excitement surrounding the second season 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 expansive universe of Middle-earth.

If you're new to Tolkien's world or looking to expand your collection, this guide will help you navigate the reading order, whether you prefer chronological sequence or by release date. So, get cozy, dim the lights, and embark on one of literature's greatest adventures.

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

Tolkien's core Middle-earth saga comprises four books: The Hobbit and the trilogy of The Lord of the Rings, which includes The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King. Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, numerous companion volumes have been released. Here are seven of the most significant additions to explore.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

For newcomers and collectors alike, there's a variety of book sets to enhance your library. Our top pick is the luxurious leather-bound illustrated editions, though there are plenty of other styles to choose from.

The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Edition

0See it at Amazon!

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

4See it at Amazon!

The Lord of the Rings Books Reading Order

We've organized Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two categories: the main saga and additional readings. The saga follows the adventures of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins in chronological order, while the additional readings are sorted by their publication dates. Here are brief overviews with minimal spoilers.

1. The Hobbit

The Hobbit marks the beginning of Tolkien's Middle-earth saga both in-universe and in real-world publication, first released in 1937. It chronicles Bilbo Baggins' journey with Thorin and Company to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug, introducing key elements like Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Published nearly two decades after The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring launches the epic journey of the One Ring. The story begins at Bilbo's 111th birthday party, where he passes the Ring to Frodo. After a 17-year gap, Frodo sets out on his quest, forming the Fellowship to destroy the Ring in the fires of Mount Doom.

3. The Two Towers

This second volume of The Lord of the Rings follows the fragmented Fellowship as they pursue their separate paths. One group battles orcs and Saruman, while Frodo and Sam, with Gollum as their guide, press toward Mordor.

4. The Return of the King

The final installment concludes the epic tale, detailing the climactic battle against Sauron's forces and the ultimate destruction of the One Ring. Post-climax, the hobbits return to the Shire for one last conflict before bidding farewell to their journey.

Additional LotR Reading

5. The Silmarillion

The Silmarillion

7See it at Amazon!

Published posthumously in 1977, The Silmarillion is a collection of myths and stories detailing the history of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, from its creation to the Third Age.

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

Unfinished Tales Of Númenor And Middle-Earth

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This collection of stories and histories, edited by Christopher Tolkien and published in 1980, delves deeper into Middle-earth's lore, including the origins of the wizards and Sauron's search for the One Ring.

7. The History of Middle-earth

The Complete History of Middle-Earth

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A twelve-volume series published between 1983 and 1996, this comprehensive collection, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, offers detailed analysis of Tolkien's works, excluding The Hobbit, which is covered in a separate volume.

8. The Children of Húrin

The Children of Hurin

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This tragic tale, set during the First Age, follows Húrin and his children as they confront the fallout of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth.

9. Beren and Lúthien

Beren And Lúthien

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This romantic narrative, inspired by Tolkien's own love story, recounts the adventures of Beren and the Elf Lúthien during the First Age.

10. The Fall of Gondolin

The Fall Of Gondolin

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This tale of Tuor and the fall of Gondolin connects directly to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil and his descendant Elrond.

11. The Fall of Númenor

The Fall of Númenor

5$40.00 save 46%$21.54 at Amazon!

Published in 2022, this collection covers the Second Age of Middle-earth, including the rise and fall of Númenor and the forging of the Rings of Power.