Photo of J.R.R. Tolkien
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J.R.R. Tolkien

2 series 10 books in order 1954–2001

John Ronald Reuel Tolkien (1892–1973) was a major scholar of the English language, specialising in Old and Middle English, and twice Professor of Anglo-Saxon at the University of Oxford. He wrote The Hobbit (1937) and The Lord of the Rings (1954-1955), set in an invented world called Middle-earth, peopled by Men, Elves, Dwarves, Trolls, Orcs and Hobbits.

Born
1892
Active years
1954–2001
Known for
The Lord of the Rings, The History of Middle-earth

Series by J.R.R. Tolkien

The Lord of the Rings

9 books in order · 1954–2001

  1. Cover of The Fellowship of the Ring

    The Fellowship of the Ring

    1954 · J.R.R. Tolkien

    The Fellowship of the Ring is the first volume of The Lord of the Rings, a trilogy by J. R. R. Tolkien. It was published in 1954 in the United…

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  2. The First Journey

    Year unknown · J.R.R. Tolkien

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  3. Cover of The Two Towers

    The Two Towers

    1999 · J.R.R. Tolkien

    J.R.R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings is an epic fantasy set in the imaginary world of Middle-earth, home to creatures like hobbits, who are…

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  4. The Journey of the Nine Companions

    Year unknown · J.R.R. Tolkien

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  5. Cover of The Treason of Isengard

    The Treason of Isengard

    1989 · Christopher Tolkien

    The Treason of Isengard is the second volume of The History of The Lord of the Rings and the seventh in The History of Middle-earth. It continues the…

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  6. Cover of The Return of the King

    The Return of the King

    1955 · J.R.R. Tolkien

    The Return of the King is the third and final volume of J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, published in 1955. It follows the events of The…

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  7. The Ring Goes East

    2001 · J.R.R. Tolkien

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  8. Cover of The War of the Ring

    The War of the Ring

    1990 · Christopher Tolkien

    The War of the Ring is the third volume of The History of The Lord of the Rings and the eighth in The History of Middle-earth. It follows the events…

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  9. Cover of The End of the Third Age

    The End of the Third Age

    1998 · J.R.R. Tolkien

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The History of Middle-earth

12 books in order · 1985–1996 · Publication order

  1. Cover of The Book of Lost Tales [1/2]

    The Book of Lost Tales [1/2]

    1986 · J.R.R. Tolkien

    Eriol arrives on the 'Lonely Island' in mythical prehistoric England and stays at the "Cottage of Lost Play," owned by elves Lindo and Vairë. They…

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  2. Cover of The Book of Lost Tales [2/2]

    The Book of Lost Tales [2/2]

    1986 · J.R.R. Tolkien

    The book continues from "Part I" and follows Eriol, who arrives at the 'Cottage of Lost Play,' a home owned by Lindo and Vairë. While staying there,…

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  3. Cover of The Lays of Beleriand

    The Lays of Beleriand

    1985 · Christopher Tolkien

    This is the third volume of the History of Middle-earth, a series that includes previously unpublished manuscripts written by J.R.R. Tolkien over…

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  4. Cover of The Shaping of Middle-Earth

    The Shaping of Middle-Earth

    1986 · Christopher Tolkien

    This reference traces the development of the early lore of Middle-earth through poems, prose, maps, and chronologies gathered by Christopher Tolkien…

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  5. Cover of The lost road and other writings

    The lost road and other writings

    1987 · Christopher Tolkien

    The fifth volume of the twelve-volume series The History of Middle-earth, edited by Christopher Tolkien. At the end of 1937, J.R.R. Tolkien set aside…

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  6. Cover of The Return of the Shadow

    The Return of the Shadow

    1988 · Christopher Tolkien

    The Return of the Shadow is the first volume of The History of The Lord of the Rings and the sixth volume of The History of Middle-earth. It details…

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  7. Cover of The Treason of Isengard

    The Treason of Isengard

    1989 · Christopher Tolkien

    The Treason of Isengard is the second volume of The History of The Lord of the Rings and the seventh in The History of Middle-earth. It continues the…

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  8. Cover of The War of the Ring

    The War of the Ring

    1990 · Christopher Tolkien

    The War of the Ring is the third volume of The History of The Lord of the Rings and the eighth in The History of Middle-earth. It follows the events…

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  9. Cover of Sauron Defeated

    Sauron Defeated

    1992 · Christopher Tolkien

    In the first part, Christopher Tolkien completes the account of the writing of The Lord of the Rings, from Sam's rescue of Frodo through a different…

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  10. Cover of Morgoth's Ring

    Morgoth's Ring

    1993 · Christopher Tolkien

    In Morgoth's Ring, the tenth volume of The History of Middle-earth, Christopher Tolkien presents and explains the legends of the Elder Days as his…

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Show all 12 The History of Middle-earth books in order →

Frequently asked questions

How many books has J.R.R. Tolkien written?

We list 10 books by J.R.R. Tolkien across 2 series, published between 1954–2001 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read J.R.R. Tolkien's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The Fellowship of the Ring.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy J.R.R. Tolkien's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Bibliography and reading orders compiled from verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.