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How to Read "The Lord of the Rings" in Order

Author : Eric Update : Oct 06,2025

Guide to Reading J.R.R. Tolkien

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

Tolkien's core Middle-earth series consists of four books: The Hobbit and the three parts of The Lord of the Rings (The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, The Return of the King).

Since the author's passing in 1973, several companion works have been published. Below we've listed the seven most essential additions to the legendarium.

Lord of the Rings Book Sets

Whether you're experiencing Middle-earth for the first time or expanding your collection, several beautiful editions are available. The leather-bound illustrated versions stand out as particularly exceptional, though various styles cater to different tastes.

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 organized Tolkien's works into two categories: the core LotR saga and supplementary materials. The Hobbit and LotR follow Bilbo and Frodo's adventures chronologically, while additional readings are ordered by publication date.

These summaries avoid major spoilers, focusing instead on broad narrative arcs and character introductions for new readers.

1. The Hobbit

Published in 1937, The Hobbit introduces Bilbo Baggins and his unexpected journey with Gandalf and thirteen dwarves led by Thorin Oakenshield. Their quest to reclaim Erebor from Smaug the dragon introduces key elements like Gollum and the One Ring, culminating in the epic Battle of Five Armies.

2. The Fellowship of the Ring

Seventeen years after Bilbo's 111th birthday party (where he passes the Ring to Frodo), Gandalf urges the young hobbit to leave the Shire. The fellowship forms with nine members tasked with destroying the Ring in Mount Doom. By volume's end, Frodo and Sam strike out alone toward Mordor while betrayal fractures the group.

3. The Two Towers

The second installment follows the separated fellowship - with Aragorn, Legolas and Gimli pursuing Merry and Pippin, while Frodo and Sam encounter Gollum on their dangerous trek. Meanwhile, the threat of Saruman looms over Middle-earth.

4. The Return of the King

The concluding volume brings the War of the Ring to its climax as the remaining fellowship battles Sauron's forces while Frodo and Sam complete their fateful mission. The books include events omitted from films, including the scouring of the Shire, before concluding each character's arc.

Additional LotR Reading

The Silmarillion

5. The Silmarillion

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Published posthumously in 1977 and edited by Christopher Tolkien, this dense collection chronicles Middle-earth's creation through the Third Age, including the rise of Morgoth and early conflicts of Elves and Men.

Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

6. Unfinished Tales of Númenor and Middle-earth

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This 1980 collection expands on Middle-earth lore with stories about the Istari, Gondor and Rohan's alliance, and events preceding LotR. Christopher Tolkien organizes these fragments into four thematic sections.

The History of Middle-earth

7. The History of Middle-earth

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The comprehensive twelve-volume series (1983-1996) examines Tolkien's writing process through draft analyses and alternate versions of LotR and Silmarillion material, though it notably excludes The Hobbit.