Fans ofThe Lord of the Ringstend to be big readers - you’d almost have to be to make it through Tolkien’s tomes. While manyLOTRsuperfans have likely read the original book series (along withThe HobbitandThe Silmarillionfor good measure), there are a lot ofLOTR-themed books out there that fans may not have had the chance to check out yet.
Whether you’re a crafty, good in the kitchen, or justa major nerd for Middle-earth history, there’s aLOTR-adjacent book out there that you’re sure to fall in love with. These books are ranked as the best you can get for their attention to canon and lore and the value they offer forLOTRlovers looking to expand their knowledge or celebrate Tolkien’s magical world. Prepare to learn exclusive behind-the-scenes information and get to know Middle-earth a little bit better with our picks!
The Music of The Lord of the Rings Films
The Fall of Númenor: And Other Tales from the Second Age of Middle-earth
If you’ve read the mainLord of the Ringsbooks, but you want to delve deeper into Tolkien’s world, this book is the perfect choice. Editor Brian Sibley has compiled Tolkien’s writings on the events of the Second Age from various published works, including illustrations by Alan Lee. This would also be the perfect companion to theRings of PowerTV show, as they take place in the same time period.
The Lord Of The Rings Sketchbook
Alan Lee was the Oscar-winning conceptual designer for theLord of the Ringsfilms, and in this book he outlines his process and vision of bringing Tolkien’s world to life on screen. The book includes more than 150 of Lee’s illustrations, as well as 20 full-color plates. This book is perfect for those who want to know more about the imagery that makesLOTRwhat it is.
The Fellowship of the Knits: Lord of the Rings: The Unofficial Knitting Book
For the craftyLOTRfans out there, this book includes knitting patterns inspired by Tolkien’s Middle-earth. It explores a variety of knitting techniques and covers different projects, from clothing to decor! If you’ve ever wanted to feel like you’re a part of Middle-earth, these patterns will help you get there, with Elvish cloaks and Second Breakfast socks.
Recipes from the World of Tolkien Cookbook
Plan out the perfect Tolkien-inspired meal, whether it’s for Second Breakfast or Supper. Divided by the many times of day when Hobbit meals occur, this cookbook includes a number of of recipes that are inspired by the people and places ofLord of the Rings. It’s perfect for aLOTR-themed party, or just for everyday if you’re a big Tolkien lover!
Goodnight Hobbiton Book
This adorable picture book is perfect for fans ofLOTRandThe Hobbit- big or small! The story follows the night when Thorin’s company of Dwarves visits Bilbo’s home, written in the style of the classic bookGoodnight Moon. The book is filled with colorful illustrations and is perfect for getting little ones to drift off to sleep.
The Making of Middle-earth Book
The Making of Middle-earthoutlines the influences on Tolkien’s work, from medieval Europe to the battlefields of World War I. The book explores how these different time periods, languages, and cultures impacted his writing, and how Tolkien’s own work influenced pop culture for years afterward. It’s perfect for any Tolkien super-fan!
Anything You Can Imagine: Peter Jackson and the Making of Middle-earth
For those who love theLOTRmovies, this comprehensive look at Peter Jackson’s six-film saga is a must-read! It outlines all the important points in Jackson’s career, from his start in New Zealand to his meteoric rise with theLOTRfilms, and includes brand-new, exclusive interviews with the director, as well as the cast and crew who worked on the movies.
Lord of the Rings One Ring Journal with Charm
Use thisLOTR-themed journal to keep track of your thoughts, feelings, and anything else that crosses your mind. The book has 184 ruled pages and an elastic band to keep it closed. As a bonus, it also comes with a decorative charm that looks like the Leaves of Lorien brooches that the Fellowship wear.
The Lord of the Rings: Red Book of Westmarch Traveler’s Notebook Set
This notebook set is perfect to use as a journal…or as a catalog of all of your adventures. The outer cover of the book is modeled after the look of the book that Bilbo uses to chronicle his adventures inThe Lord of the Rings. The set comes with two pieces - a ruled notebook and a planner, so you may use it to organize all parts of your life. Plus, it’s refillable!
Hobbit Houses: A Coloring Book For Adults
Enter the idyllic world of The Shire as you relax with this adult coloring book that focuses on a unique element ofThe Lord of the Rings- Hobbit houses! With 52 detailed illustrations of the interiors of various Hobbit dwellings, you’re sure to find one that feels just like home!
The Epic World of Tolkien: A Coloring Book
If you’re looking for a coloring book that’s more focused on the adventurous side ofLord of the Rings, look no further!The Epic World of Tolkienincludes more than 100 pages of iconic scenes fromLOTRthat are ready to be colored in, no matter your skill level! Now you’re able to add your own flair to art of your favorite characters, while de-stressing along the way!
The Art Of The Lord Of The Rings
One thing that makesLOTRso interesting is how visually striking it is, both from Tolkien’s written descriptions as well as the art he created to depict this fantastical world. While only a few ever made it to print, he often used rough sketches to better visualize what was in his head. This book collects his drawings and maps all in one place, finally bringing a ton of Tolkien’s art to light.
Pictures by J.R.R. Tolkien
This book is essentially a gallery of art created by Tolkien, with his son, Christopher Tolkien, providing commentary throughout. The book includes his sketches and gorgeous watercolors of various Middle-earth locations, as well as other flora and fauna he created forLOTR. This edition also comes in a beautiful cloth slipcase.
The Atlas Of Middle-Earth
Tolkien created such a detailed world, and it’s endlessly fascinating toLOTRfans. This volume by Karen Wynn Fonstad is a comprehensive guide to the geography of Middle-earth from all throughout its history. There are hundreds of maps and diagrams within this book that show battles and key locations from various characters' journeys.
The World of Tolkien: Seven-Book Boxed Set
These beautiful cloth-bound volumes by Tolkien scholar David Day outline information about the various people and places of Middle-earth. The collection has seven different books, each featuring a unique topic, such as an A to Z dictionary of Middle-earth or the histories of battles and heroes within the world ofLOTR. These books are must-haves for the collection of any Tolkien mega-fan!
TheLord of the Ringsfilms are well-known for their iconic scores by legendary composer Howard Shore. This book takes a look at the journey of creating and recording the sweeping, operatic music that is so integral to the story of Middle-earth. It includes music examples, original score manuscripts, insight into Howard Shore’s creative process, and even a rarities CD.
FAQs
How Many LOTR Books Are There In Total?
In the mainLord of the Ringsseries, there are three books:The Fellowship of the Ring,The Two Towers, andThe Return of the King. Technically, Tolkien originally wrote all three books as one story, but they were split up during publication to make them more accessible to the reader.
The Hobbitexists as a sort of prequel toLOTR, and Tolkien also has a lot of other writing about the world of Middle-earth detailing other parts of its history outside ofLOTR,The Silmarillionbeing one of the most famous.
Thebest order in which to read Tolkien’s booksmatches up with their publication order. WhileThe Lord of the Ringsis the main story that is famous in pop culture, the series was not the first thing that Tolkien published, nor is it the first in the timeline.
The Hobbitdescribes events that happened beforeLOTR, and it can be helpful to have that context going intoLOTR, though it’s not strictly necessary.The Hobbitis also a bit of an easier read since it was originally intended for children, so it’s a good place to start if you’re new to Tolkien’s writing style. AfterThe HobbitandLOTR, you might want to move on to some of Tolkien’s ancillary Middle-earth writing, such asUnfinished TalesorThe Silmarillion, if you want to learn more details about Middle-earth and its history.
Plenty Of Books For Tolkien Fans
No matter your interests, if you’rea bigLord of the Ringsfan, there’s aLOTR-related book out there for you. You can host a Middle-earth-themed dinner party using aLOTR-themed cookbook, or knit yourself a scarf worthy of a Hobbit with theLOTRknitting book.
