Do you know how many books are in *The Lord of the Rings* series? It’s a simple question, but ask a Tolkien fan and you’re likely to get a long and winding answer that ends somewhere deep in the annals of Middle-earth history.
For the most part, you can think of *The Lord of the Rings* as having three books: *The Fellowship of the Ring*, *The Two Towers*, and *The Return of the King*. Three is, after all, a significant number in Tolkien’s works, particularly with regards to the series’ central conflict: the One Ring forged by the Dark Lord Sauron. We can thank the publisher, however, for this seemingly easy answer.
But wait, there’s more. If you continue your journey into Tolkien’s world, you’ll soon discover that there are actually several other books related to *The Lord of the Rings*.
how many lord of the rings books are there
Tolkien’s epic fantasy series comprises many books.
- 3 main books
- Published in 1954–1955
- Originally a single volume
- Split into 3 for publishing
- Bilbo’s tale told earlier
- Detailed backstory
- Appendices and maps
- Other related works
The main *Lord of the Rings* trilogy is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Tolkien’s Middle-earth legendarium.
Three main books
The Fellowship of the Ring
The Two Towers
The Return of the King
After publication
Other works
Continuing the journey
Appendices and Maps
Wrapping up
Adaptations
Published in 1954–1955
The *Lord of the Rings* trilogy was originally conceived as a single volume, but Tolkien’s publisher, George Allen & Unwin, was concerned that it was too long and expensive to produce in one go. They suggested splitting it into three more manageable volumes, and Tolkien reluctantly agreed.
The first volume, *The Fellowship of the Ring*, was published on July 29, 1954. It was an immediate success, and readers eagerly awaited the next installment. *The Two Towers* followed on November 11, 1954, and *The Return of the King* on October 20, 1955.
The books were a critical and commercial success, and they quickly became one of the most popular fantasy series of all time. They have been translated into over 38 languages and have sold over 150 million copies worldwide.
The publication of *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy was a major event in the history of fantasy literature. It helped to popularize the genre and inspire a new generation of fantasy writers. The books have also been adapted into several films, television shows, and video games.
Today, *The Lord of the Rings* trilogy is considered a classic of fantasy literature. It is a beloved story that has been enjoyed by readers of all ages for generations.
Originally a single volume
J.R.R. Tolkien originally wrote *The Lord of the Rings* as a single, continuous narrative. However, his publisher, George Allen & Unwin, was concerned that the book was too long and expensive to produce in one volume.
- Length:
The manuscript was over 1,200 pages long, which was considered excessively long for a single volume at the time.
- Cost:
Producing a single-volume edition would have been very expensive, and Tolkien’s publisher was worried that it would not be commercially viable.
- Binding:
A single-volume edition would have been very thick and difficult to bind, making it uncomfortable to read.
- Reader fatigue:
Tolkien’s publisher was also concerned that readers might find a single, massive volume to be too daunting and fatiguing.
For these reasons, Tolkien’s publisher suggested splitting the book into three more manageable volumes. Tolkien was initially reluctant, but he eventually agreed. The three volumes were published separately over the course of a year, with *The Fellowship of the Ring* appearing in July 1954, *The Two Towers* in November 1954, and *The Return of the King* in October 1955.
The decision to publish *The Lord of the Rings* in three volumes turned out to be a wise one. The books were a critical and commercial success, and they quickly became one of the most popular fantasy series of all time.
Split into 3 for publishing
Tolkien’s publisher, George Allen & Unwin, suggested splitting *The Lord of the Rings* into three volumes for several reasons:
- Length: The manuscript was over 1,200 pages long, which was considered excessively long for a single volume at the time.
- Cost: Producing a single-volume edition would have been very expensive, and Tolkien’s publisher was worried that it would not be commercially viable.
- Binding: A single-volume edition would have been very thick and difficult to bind, making it uncomfortable to read.
- Reader fatigue: Tolkien’s publisher was also concerned that readers might find a single, massive volume to be too daunting and fatiguing.
Tolkien was initially reluctant to split his book into three parts. He felt that it would disrupt the flow of the story and make it more difficult for readers to follow. However, he eventually agreed to his publisher’s suggestion.
Tolkien divided the book into three volumes at natural breaks in the story. The first volume, *The Fellowship of the Ring*, ends with the breaking of the Fellowship at the Falls of Rauros. The second volume, *The Two Towers*, follows Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli as they travel to Rohan and Gondor, while Frodo and Sam continue their journey to Mordor. The third volume, *The Return of the King*, begins with the Battle of Helm’s Deep and ends with the final defeat of Sauron.
The decision to split *The Lord of the Rings* into three volumes turned out to be a wise one. The books were a critical and commercial success, and they quickly became one of the most popular fantasy series of all time.
Bilbo’s tale told earlier
In *The Hobbit*, we learn about Bilbo Baggins’s quest to reclaim the Lonely Mountain from the dragon Smaug. This quest takes place about 60 years before the events of *The Lord of the Rings*. However, Tolkien originally wrote *The Hobbit* as a sequel to *The Lord of the Rings*, and he intended to tell Bilbo’s story first.
- Chronological order: Tolkien originally wanted to tell the story of Middle-earth in chronological order, starting with Bilbo’s quest and then moving on to the quest to destroy the One Ring.
- Bilbo as a narrator: Tolkien also thought that it would be more effective to have Bilbo narrate his own story, rather than having a third-person narrator tell it.
- The Ring’s importance: Tolkien realized that the One Ring was a more important and powerful object than he had originally thought, and he wanted to give it a more prominent role in his story. This led him to write *The Lord of the Rings* first, and then go back and tell Bilbo’s story in *The Hobbit*.
- Reader appeal: Tolkien also believed that readers would be more likely to enjoy *The Hobbit* if they had already read *The Lord of the Rings* and were familiar with the characters and setting.
In the end, Tolkien decided to publish *The Hobbit* before *The Lord of the Rings*. This turned out to be a wise decision, as *The Hobbit* was a critical and commercial success, and it helped to generate interest in *The Lord of the Rings* when it was published a few years later.
Detailed backstory
One of the things that makes *The Lord of the Rings* so special is its rich and detailed backstory. Tolkien spent many years developing the history and mythology of Middle-earth, and this is reflected in the books. Readers are given a glimpse into the ancient history of Middle-earth, from the creation of the world to the rise and fall of various civilizations.
This detailed backstory helps to make the world of Middle-earth feel real and lived-in. It also helps to explain the motivations of the characters and the events that take place in the story. For example, the backstory of the One Ring explains why it is so powerful and why it is so dangerous.
Tolkien’s detailed backstory is also evident in the appendices to *The Lord of the Rings*. These appendices provide a wealth of information about the history, languages, and cultures of Middle-earth. This information is not essential for understanding the main story, but it can be very rewarding for readers who want to learn more about the world of Middle-earth.
The detailed backstory of *The Lord of the Rings* is one of the things that makes it such a beloved and enduring work of fantasy literature. It is a story that readers can return to again and again, and always find something new to discover.
Appendices and maps
The appendices and maps in *The Lord of the Rings* are an essential part of the reading experience. They provide a wealth of information about the history, languages, and cultures of Middle-earth, and they help to bring the world to life.
The appendices include:
- A description of the various calendars used in Middle-earth, as well as a timeline of the major events in the history of Middle-earth.
- A guide to the languages of Middle-earth, including a pronunciation guide and a sample text in each language.
- A glossary of the names of people, places, and things in Middle-earth, along with their meanings and etymologies.
- A discussion of the various races and cultures of Middle-earth, including their histories, customs, and beliefs.
- A family tree of the royal line of Gondor, as well as a list of the kings of Gondor and their reigns.
The maps in *The Lord of the Rings* are also essential for understanding the story. They show the location of the various places in Middle-earth, and they help readers to follow the journey of the Fellowship of the Ring.
The appendices and maps in *The Lord of the Rings* are a valuable resource for readers who want to learn more about the world of Middle-earth. They are also a testament to Tolkien’s incredible attention to detail and his love for the world that he created.
Other related works
In addition to *The Hobbit* and *The Lord of the Rings*, Tolkien wrote a number of other works that are set in Middle-earth. These works include:
- The Silmarillion: This book tells the story of the creation of Middle-earth and the events that led up to *The Lord of the Rings*. It is a collection of myths and legends, and it provides a deep dive into the history and lore of Middle-earth.
- Unfinished Tales: This book contains a collection of unfinished stories and fragments that Tolkien wrote throughout his life. These stories provide additional insights into the history and characters of Middle-earth.
- The History of Middle-earth: This series of 12 volumes contains Tolkien’s notes and drafts for his Middle-earth writings. It is a valuable resource for scholars and fans who want to learn more about the development of Tolkien’s world.
- The Letters of J.R.R. Tolkien: This collection of Tolkien’s letters provides insights into his life, his writing process, and his thoughts on Middle-earth.
These other works are not essential for understanding *The Lord of the Rings*, but they can be very rewarding for readers who want to learn more about the world of Middle-earth. They provide a deeper understanding of the history, cultures, and characters of Middle-earth, and they offer a glimpse into the mind of one of the greatest fantasy writers of all time.
In addition to these written works, there are also a number of other related works set in Middle-earth, including films, video games, and music. These works have helped to bring Tolkien’s world to life for a new generation of fans.