J.R.R. Tolkien's Lord of the Rings saga stands as a monumental work of fantasy literature, inspiring one of the most celebrated film trilogies of all time. The epic tale weaves timeless themes of friendship and heroism, pitting good against evil in a narrative that continues to captivate audiences. With the anticipation building for Season 2 of Rings of Power and the announcement of a new Lord of the Rings movie set for 2026, there's never been a more exciting time to delve into the intricate world of Middle-earth.
For those yet to embark on this literary journey, including the companion books, we've crafted this comprehensive guide on how to read Tolkien's works, whether by chronological order or by their release dates. So, prepare for an unforgettable adventure by dimming the lights, grabbing your reading lamp, and settling in with one of the greatest stories ever told.
There are four books in Tolkien’s main Middle-earth saga: The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings, which include The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King.
Since Tolkien's passing in 1973, several other collections and companion books have been released, enhancing the Middle-earth lore. Below, we've highlighted the seven most significant additions.
Whether you're a first-time reader or looking to expand your collection, there are several excellent book sets available. Our top pick is the leather-bound illustrated editions, though a variety of styles cater to different tastes.
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We've organized Tolkien's Middle-earth works into two sections: the core Lord of the Rings saga and additional reading materials. The main saga, comprising The Hobbit and the three volumes of The Lord of the Rings, follows the narrative timeline of Bilbo and Frodo Baggins. The additional reading section, which includes works published posthumously, is arranged by their publication date.
To accommodate new readers, we've kept plot summaries mild, focusing on broad strokes and character introductions.
The Hobbit marks Tolkien's initial foray into Middle-earth, both in-universe and in terms of publication, first released in 1937. It chronicles Bilbo Baggins' journey with Thorin and Company, a group consisting of Bilbo, Gandalf, and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield, as they endeavor to reclaim the dwarves' ancestral home from the dragon Smaug. Along their quest, Bilbo encounters Gollum and acquires the One Ring. Their adventure culminates in the epic Battle of Five Armies, famously depicted in the final Hobbit film.
Seventeen years after The Hobbit, Tolkien introduced the first volume of The Lord of the Rings. Originally envisioned as a single narrative, it spans over 9,250 pages written between 1938 and 1955 and was later divided into three volumes for publication. The Fellowship of the Ring begins with Bilbo's 111th birthday celebration, where he passes the One Ring to his cousin Frodo. Unlike the film, a 17-year gap exists before Gandalf convinces Frodo to leave the Shire with the ring. Frodo, joined by a diverse group, forms The Fellowship of the Ring, tasked with destroying the One Ring in the fires of Mount Doom. By the volume's end, Frodo faces a betrayal and decides to proceed to Mordor alone, accompanied only by the loyal Samwise.
The Two Towers, the saga's second volume, continues the journey of the now-divided Fellowship. While part of the group battles orcs and confronts the corrupted Saruman, Frodo and Sam, accompanied by Gollum, press on toward Mordor, deepening the narrative's tension and stakes.
The final volume, The Return of the King, brings the Fellowship's quest to its climax. As the heroes confront Sauron's dark forces, Sam and Frodo undertake their perilous mission to destroy the One Ring. After the main battle, the hobbits face a final challenge back in the Shire, a storyline omitted from the film. The book concludes with the resolution of each character's arc and Frodo's departure.
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The Silmarillion, first published posthumously in 1973, is a collection of five parts edited by Tolkien's son, Christopher. It serves as a legendarium of Arda, the world encompassing Middle-earth, detailing its history from creation through to the Third Age.
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Unfinished Tales, also edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a collection of over a dozen stories and historical accounts of Middle-earth, including 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.
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The History of Middle-earth, a twelve-volume series released between 1983 and 1996, compiles and analyzes The Lord of the Rings, The Silmarillion, and other writings, totaling over 5,400 pages. Notably, it does not include analyses of The Hobbit, which can be found in The History of The Hobbit, edited by John D. Rateliff.
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The Children of Húrin is a complete version of the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion, set in the First Age. It delves into the tragic consequences of Húrin's defiance against Morgoth, the predecessor to Sauron as Middle-earth's primary antagonist.
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Beren and Lúthien is a First Age love story, inspired by Tolkien's relationship with his wife Edith. Edited by Christopher Tolkien, it compiles various versions into a cohesive narrative of the adventures of mortal Beren and immortal Elf Lúthien.
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The Fall of Gondolin, the last Middle-earth novel edited by Christopher Tolkien, is a detailed account of Tuor's divine mission to Gondolin and the events leading to Morgoth's defeat. It connects to The Lord of the Rings through Tuor's son Eärendil, father of Elrond.
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The Fall of Númenor, published in 2022, is a compilation of stories from 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, Sauron's rise, and the Last Alliance of Elves and Men.
*Part of the main four-book Lord of the Rings saga
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