Middle-earth Reading Order - Lord of the Rings, Silmarillion, and beyond! | Tolkien 101

Today, I present my recommended Reading Order for all of JRR Tolkien's books on Middle-earth! My philosophy is to make it as easy a transition into the more difficult books (like The Silmarillion) as possible. In so doing, I've recommended a reading order that goes by difficulty and books that contain the most narrative content.
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My Recommended Order
Narrative Books:
The Hobbit (amzn.to/3qrlN5X)
The Lord of the Rings (amzn.to/341Mfvt)
The Children of Húrin (amzn.to/3mzQrJa)
The Silmarillion (amzn.to/3yYTWy1)
Slightly academic approach:
Unfinished Tales (amzn.to/3puTbtb)
Beren and Lúthien (amzn.to/3enUjZs)
The Fall of Gondolin (amzn.to/3FAHpmM)
Heavy academic approach:
The History of Middle-earth (amzn.to/3ErOCnL)
The Nature of Middle-earth (amzn.to/3sBCmyE)
The Letters of JRR Tolkien (amzn.to/3mAZKIW)
The History of The Hobbit (amzn.to/3mzXodw)
Biographical Books:
A Tolkien Biography - Humphrey Carpenter (amzn.to/3qv8UIb)
J.R.R. Tolkien: Author of the Century - Tom Shippey (amzn.to/3etgwoM)
Tolkien and the Great War - John Garth (amzn.to/3mv3Br1)
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Gandalf and Thorin at Bree - Ted Nasmith
Bilbo - Raoul Vitale
Bilbo and the Eagles - Ted Nasmith
Bilbo at Rivendell - Brothers Hildebrandt
Riddles in the Dark - Lonesome Crow
Riddles in the Dark - Tim Kirk
Thus Came Aragorn - Ted Nasmith
Battle of the Black Gate - Ted Nasmith
Gandalf vs Balrog - Elbardo
The Balrogs of Morgoth - Thylacinee
Turin - Kenneth Sofia
Nirnaeth Arnoediad, Turgon and Glorfindel - Ivana Lekseich
Morgoth and Fingolfin - Joel Kilpatrick
Glaurung - Amis Gaudi
Morgoth Punishes Hurin - Ted Nasmith
Turin Confronts Glaurung - Turner Mohan
Aure Entuluva - Jenny Dolfen
Nienor and Glaurung - John Howe
Turin and his Band are Led to Amon Rudh - Ted Nasmith
Beleriand Map - Lamaarcana
Turgon and Fingolfin's Cairn - Ted Nasmith
Music of the Gods - Kip Rasmussen
The Forging of the One - Ted Nasmith
Tuor Reaches the Hidden City of Gondolin - Ted Nasmith
Alqualonde - Ted Nasmith
The Coming of Fingolfin - Jenny Dolfen
He Beheld a Vision of Gondolin Amid the Snow - Ted Nasmith
The Oath of Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
Hurin and Huor Approaching Gondolin - Donato Giancola
The Fall of Gondolin - Ralph Damiani
Gandalf and the Balrog Upon Celebdil - Ted Nasmith
Sting - Wes Talbott
Artanis and Feanor - Tolman Cotton
Galadriel's Gift to Gimli - Magianna
The Oath of Felagund - Antti Autio
Minas Tirith - Stefan Meisl
Beleg Approaches Amon Rudh - John Howe
Druedain in the Forest - John Howe
The Hunt for the Ring - John Howe
The Numenoreans Sail to Middle-earth - John Howe
The Battle of Dagorlad - John Howe
The Blue Wizards Journeying East - Ted Nasmith
Isildur's Last Counsellor - Anke Eissmann
The Oathtaking of Cirion and Eorl - Ted Nasmith
Galadriel and Celeborn - Ted Nasmith
Huan's Leap - Ted Nasmith
Huan vs Sauron - Soys Dav3y34
Beren and Luthien in the Court of Thingol and Melian - Donato Giancola
Luthien in the Court of Morgoth - Pete Amachree
Luthien, Huan, and Sauron - N Nowak
Of Beren and Luthien - Ulla Thynell
Beren and Luthien - Justin Gerard
The Fall of Gondolin - Ralph Damiani
Gondolin - spartank42
Glorfindel's Bane - Ted Nasmith
Tuor, Idril, and Earendil Flee Gondolin - Alice Beckstrom
Tuor Reaches the Hidden City of Gondolin - Ted Nasmith
Love and Loss - Sara M Morello
Tuor and Idril - Jenny Dolfen
Glorfindel and the Balrog - Alan Lee
Tuor strikes a note - Alan Lee
Ugluk - John Howe
Black Rider- John Howe
Elrond, Elros, Earendil, Elwing - Jenny Dolfen
Death of Feanor - Jenny Dolfen
Unexpected Party - John Howe
Visit to Bilbo - Alan Lee
Eowyn and Faramir - Ted Nasmith
Get thee gone - Jenny Dolfen
Then Fingon rose against him - Jenny Dolfen
#tolkien #readingorder #lordoftherings

[@johanliebert375]

Finally a youtuber who mentions Audiobooks without an advertisement for Audible 😂😂😂

[@peksacola]

It's funny right as I read this comment the video played an audible ad 😂😂

[@DG-iw3yw]

Well now that random commenters are advertising audible, they dont need to pay anyone, clearly the psychological damage has been done, and you have also brought audible to the attention of anyone who goes onto this vid. Just thoughts

[@michaelmccray8610]

I’m looking for an audio version without theme music!

[@fredgaeta62]

The chances of you seeing this is slim and you may have already made a video but where doe the fall of numenor fit in here

[@drix4275]

The part about The Silmarillion: "The big one. The crusher of dreams."; I get what you mean by that but it also is the maker of dreams. Such an epic story. ^o^

[@Jim_N_RFC]

I started 'The Silmarillion' in high school, and after several starts, just finished it... I'm 51 years old!!!

[@JPSardinha]

The challenge starts when you try to read the title

[@shnorglebop1798]

@@JPSardinha lmfao💀❤️

[@steffanyschwartz7801]

@@Jim_N_RFC I’m in high-school and thanks to covid just finished

[@shadowofthestarsdespair]

I read the silmarillion first after I saw the movies and was I interested my teacher suggested trying it as it would provide greater insight a feel when reading the others and like ya It real do

[@Genarek8]

I remember when I was a kid, I read Fellowship, was barely able to finish it, constantly falling asleep 😄 Then I read Hobbit, and after that everything became smooth and fun and I finished LoTR trilogy in no time. And a little bit after, I read Silmarillion

[@AjReiss-gl1sq]

You were lucky, as a kid I was forced to read the Silmarillion by my parents. I hadn't read or watched any of the books or films so I was very lost. After the first chapter I kind of threw it in the garbage and told my parents I had lost it lol. Although I do have a copy, I still haven't read it, these videos have made it much easier to understand!

[@indio4-215]

@@AjReiss-gl1sq Listen to an audiobook recording of the Silmarillion and see if that helps with the experience should you decide to read it.

[@justadams677]

At 12 or so i tried reading the lord of the rings. Bore me to death! At 18 it's my all time favorite. I'm reading the hobbit now, and next year I'll dive into the silmarillion

[@johnnybhoff226]

I read the silmarillion first and I do not regret it one bit. It was very interesting because it was a challenge to read. I had to go back and forth, reread chapters or even full sections.

[@markjosephbacho5652]

I can't pass through The Two Towers. Especially when Frodo and Sam were trying to go to Mordor. Dialogues are so limited. It's mainly descriptions of what their path looks like. I just can't imagine it as I didn't grow up in the countryside. I don't know how those trees described look like 😥

[@valentinkambushev4968]

When I was a kid my mom gave me a whole tower of children comic book magazines from her childhood called "Rainbow" . Those magazines had many series in them, some for small children , others for teens. While I was reading I was captured by one of the series called "Bilbo Baggins" . I loved this story so much that kept re-reading it all the time. An year or two later my family and I were watching some movie called "Lord of the rings" and I think you can imagine my surprise when they mention Gollum and Bilbo. Shortly afterwards I bought myself "The Hobbit" book and the rest is history. I still return to my "Rainbow" magazines from time to time to thank them for introducing me to Tolkien's world.

[@ninsuhnrey]

What an adorable story. 😌

[@JoeMama410]

When anyone asks about the Silmarillion, I ask them if they like the appendices in LotR. I think that is the best barometer of whether they will be able to finish it.

[@lorenzobazdresch7449]

The appendices are great!

[@steffanyschwartz7801]

Didn’t read em and I love the Simerilion. The chapter on the dimming of Aman is my one of my favorites in Tolkien.

[@thekillers1stfan]

I disagree, I think the Silmarillion is just difficult because it has a dense, and often abstract, beginning

[@JoeMama410]

@@thekillers1stfan It has a significantly different and archaic writing style and it is hard to skip the dense beginning chapters. It doesn't help that you have to keep so many characters straight, especially Finwe, Fingolfin, Finarfin, Fingon, Finrod, Finduilas, and Feanor.

[@lorenzobazdresch7449]

@@JoeMama410 The f-parade. I sometimes just forget about some of those, like Finwe, because we never really get too see him.

[@CarlosVargas-jz8gl]

I’ll be honest, I love Lord of the Rings but my favorite is The Simarillion. my first reading of the Simarillion was accompanied by the audiobook. It immersed me into the world. I couldn’t get enough of the book! It was soo good and the stories were so interesting! Feonor and his pride and all the family and house kin connected to his Simarils, the lore ,I was filled with wonder at each story and the events, I just had to buy more of Tolkien’s books. The Children of Hurirn, Beren and Luthien and The Fall of Gondolin were in deep immersions into the fascinating stories told in the Simarillion. They had they’re own gripping events. The reason I believe the Simarillion is the best is becuase it encompasses everything that makes this world so amazing

[@turtleanton6539]

Yes

[@Bdelliumharts]

Beren and Luthien was a hard one to get through though. Like listening to a song on repeat.

[@wrealini]

Read the Silmarillion three times, love it!

[@Cabin_Pat]

The fact that you needed a YT vid to explain HOW to read the Tolkien books says it all really. And when it’s all laid out in front of you gives a great perspective as to just how expansive and deep the rabbit hole goes. Great vid, thanks Mr Nerd!

[@weseethetruth158]

Just imagine what Christopher had and omitted. I'd love to dig through JRR notes.

[@historybutitsdumb]

don't you mean the hobbit hole 🤣

[@simoncooper6752]

I had some failed attempts at reading The Silmarillion where I only got a few chapters in. It was only since the first lockdown that I finally got through it, Unfinished Tales, and the 3 Great Tales. Can't wait to finish the 12 volume History of Middle-Earth series.

[@NerdoftheRings]

What tips would you give to someone making their way through Tolkien's world? Let's help folks finally tackle the Silmarillion!

[@FandomFeliciano]

This just really makes me wanna finish/read The New Shadow so we have a definitive conclusion to the Legendarium.

[@gandalftehdank6052]

Honestly, what helped by far the most is acquainting myself to the Lore by watching KZbin videos) Your channel was among them - I knew since you were barely at 90k!

[@Enerdhil]

I would say watch the extended edition of Peter Jackson's LotR trilogy. If they fall in love with the world they see on screen, they will eventually read all the books, even if they have to borrow them from a library. If they think the movies are just okay or good, they probably won't finish reading any of the books.

[@Eowyn3Pride]

The maps...and Artistic sketches of the Characters themselves, almost how Marvel heroes are set up...

[@Enerdhil]

@@Eowyn3Pride I agree that readers of Tolkien's Legendarium absolutely need good maps to refer to. I depended heavily on The Atlas of Middle Earth. I photocopied and cut and folded the maps and kept them in the books. They are still there. lol

[@ChrDauer]

I would also include The Atlas of Middle-Earth by Karen Wynn Fonstad. Great guide to have nearby when reading the Silmarillion, The Hobbit or Lord of the rings.

[@matthewsmith4170]

Totally agree. I just finished reading it after reading The Hobbit, The Trilogy, and the Simarillion. Going to read the The Children next, then reread The Sim using the atlas.

[@algojeff]

@@matthewsmith4170I’m 100% with you on that ! The Atlas is offering the perfect keys to a better understanding of both time and space in Tolkien’s mighty landscape. Scholar Wynn Fonstad works are unmatched. Luckily, we now have a fantastic French adaptation of the Atlas, which is such a great companion while (re)reading The Sim and all the older tales.

[@luudest]

Haha, great topic! I asked that question of the reading order myself. As a Teen I said „Start with the Silmarlion and read the books in chronological order“. In my twenties I said „Start with The Lord Of The Rings, one of the greatest stories ever“. And now as a father in my thirties I say: „start with the Hobbit, a ‚childern‘ story.“ Happy reading 🙂

[@turtleanton6539]

I think hobbit or watch the movies

[@mauriciocantu6745]

I read the Silmarillion directly after the trilogy, and I had no problem doing so because your channel had already prepared me for and helped me get familiar with all the stories/characters/places/etc. So thank you very much!! Keep making awesome videos!

[@thomasbrown8468]

About to dive in

[@insurrbution]

The Silmarillion is PART of a trilogy: ~ The Hobbit ~ The Lord of the Rings ~ The Silmarillion

[@TuorTheBlessedOfUlmo]

​@@insurrbutionno it's not. Originally Tolkien wanted the lotr to be six books. It's Peter Jackson and new line cinema who have this weird trilogy's obsession

[@gamayundoom]

For me, the perfect order is: The Silmarillion, Beren and Lúthien, The Children of Turin, The Hobbit, The Lord of The Rings and then Unfinished Tales. Good reading!

[@FontenlaAndres]

Hi! I agree on your reading order, but I still can’t understand why everybody keeps saying that "The Silmarillion" is the most difficult thing or that you have to be "prepared" to read it or people abandoning the reading because it´s too hard. I think it´s an exaggeration that almost became a “myth” and it´s a shame that people shy away from it, because, for me, it´s the best of all. The first time I read it, I couldn´t take my hands out of it. Not really a struggle at all. In my opinion "LOTR" is far more complex to read, a LOT of landscape description and obviously much much longer. I can see why people can´t get through "The History of Middle Earth" though, well... THAT´s a hard read. (But a really rewarding one 😉 )Thank you for all your work!

[@luudest]

3:26 „The Silmarilion is more biblical“. Indeed!

[@lucasnascimento3712]

I've started my Tolkien readings with The Silmarillion and, honestly, I loved it. Best way to dive into Arda and to learn about all the background that precedes LOTR.

[@jamesogle5045]

I've read through most of these a couple times now. A few years ago, a friend showed me a website where I could read Tolkien's writings in chronological order of Middle Earth. Since I already knew the characters and stories it was a fun read through.

[@inolynch7526]

i would love to check that site out if you could provide the link please? i've always been curious about a more chronological order of things not the ' easiest to heaviest' listing i find everywhere

[@jamesogle5045]

@@inolynch7526 This is where I found it. www.chronology.org/tolkientable/calculator.html

[@madcyborg1822]

Before even watching, I'll say this; Thanks for getting me excited to get into this legendarium again! Your videos are amazing. Edit: Just finished with your list. I wholeheartedly agree. The reason many leave the epic of the Silmarilion is because the Hobbit and LOTR do little to prepare you for it. Watching this channel and reading the Children of Hurin before the Silmarilion is the actual way to read the legendarium.

[@qwertyTRiG]

I like the way you presented this list with supporting reasons and justification.

[@isaacyotes4764]

I just worked my way through pretty much everything, albeit in a much more insane order. I like your approach of starting with the better known books very much.

[@stuartpenzer773]

Not exactly a read but the art of the Lord of the rings by j r r Tolkien (edited by Christina Scull and Wayne Hammond) is a beautiful book to add to the collection

[@foxykc]

Word

[@caitlinevans1054]

This is immensely helpful! I have yet to read anything other than The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings, and I have never been sure where to go next. Thanks for the recommendations!

[@tonybaker1268]

Multiple readings are always a good idea. The best way to read the Silmarillion is just to read it and read it again. Tolkien's writing thrives on multiple passes through because even his more simple writings reveal new insights upon closer inspection. The Silmarillion just forces you to take your time, and taking the same approach with all of his works is definitely worth your time. I read the Hobbit, the Lord of the Rings, the Silmarillion,and the Children of Hurin once a year at least. The last few years I've read them two or three times a year. I've been a fan of LOTR since I saw the film's when I was 5. When I started reading the books I was 11, and being slightly younger than I'd recommend to start, I had to reread the books (and reread pages and paragraphs several times) to understand it.

[@WxGuy08]

This is a fantastic video and I look forward to beginning "The Children of Hurin" as I have finished "The Lord of the Rings" in the last couple months. The only addition I would make to this is at the very beginning prior to reading "The Hobbit": Humphrey Carpenter's biography of the man himself, J.R.R Tolkien. I read it right before I started "The Hobbit" earlier in the year and I was so glad I did. It helped me understand the man behind the myths and gave me a deeper appreciation for what he was writing. I highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't read it yet.

[@dr-malgus2892]

Thank you! My mum started to read the hobbit to me when I was in elementary school, because I didn’t like reading and was lacking vocabulary and grammar knowledge. I highly recommend the Silmarillion version on audible, if you are struggling with lack of time.

[@Zapp_Lightyear]

This is outstanding! I'm just diving into Middle Earth and your channel has been the best of the best. I think Tolkien would be proud of your work.

[@AndrewCarlisle11B]

Talk about perfect timing for a video! Excited to dive into the books and watching more vids as I hit the stories

[@Crunch104]

Thank you very, very much for your hard work on this channel. The illustrated story summaries made it easy for me to read The Simillarion. I could picture the stories in my head and this made them easy to comprehend. Tolkien himself I am sure would be thankful for what have done!

[@JasonFisk]

I have recently become aware of your channel and have enjoyed a small binge of them. Keep up the great work.

[@alexharris6481]

This is super helpful!!! Have a great new year everyone!

[@carlthecaesar]

This video is great! I'm 16 and have read the Hobbit, LOTR, and the Silmarilion and have adored them all. A friend and I have become complete nuts about Tolkien and his work and we're both huge fans of your vids! I'll definitely use this list as a reference for engulfing myself in Tolkien over the summer. Thank you for the great content!

[@megansbooknook519]

Thank you so much! I've wanted to explore the other books beyond Lord of the Rings, but was so intimidated. I will definitely be following your recommendation!

[@ellengoodhart1185]

Today I finished LoTR, The Fellowship of the Ring. Excited to start the next book. This channel has me falling in love with Middle-earth.

[@jfk8540]

i just got gifted a set of the books including the hobbit for christmas. i was obsessed with the movies and then more obsessed with lore videos but never read the books because videos are more densely packed with information and visuals. i’m starting with the hobbit and i love it, even though tolkien’s vision of his world was much different than our modern interpretations of the world he presents. since the hobbit was written 20 years before lord of the rings was published.

[@brandengagne9134]

Thank you for this. This helps a lot. I’ve read LOTR and the Hobbit several times and I love them. A few years ago I saw the Children of Hurin at a cousin’s house and I borrowed it. After a couple chapters, I realized I was completely lost and had no clue what I was talking about. That’s what first opened my eyes to history and works of Middle Earth outside LOTR. I knew at some point I would have to take a dive into it all. I didn’t know where to begin. And then I discovered your channel. I started bingeing your content. And that has awoken in me the desire to dig further. I bought Silmarillion, Children of Hurin and Unfinished Tales. I’ve started Silmarillion. Life has gotten busy and I got distracted by important things, so I had to restart it. And now I’m into it. At times, I will pause and watch videos by you and Voice if Geekdom and those are helping make it easy. I’m excited. But I wasn’t sure how I should proceed. This helps. Thank you for everything you do. You have made a difference in my fandom.

[@gregorykollarus8190]

Thank you very much I will definitely be checking out more of these books

[@jaimevazquezruiz7276]

Thanks for the video, this has guided me so much. I am currently with 14 years finishing the lord of the rings with desire of starting new books!

[@foxykc]

Your channel is a godsend. I started reading Tolkien in 1966 when I was 15 and when I got to the end of The Return of the King I just turned around and started all over again. At one point I even read the entire thing out loud to myself starting with The Hobbit. The addition of Christopher Tolkien books on his father's manuscript has been incredibly important. I'm going to have to get some of the other books that you recommended. I'm one of those that has tried numerous times and failed to plow my way through the silmarillion. As I like to say, I have a vacation property in the Shire

[@jackyc6919]

Amazing list. So helpful to reading and understanding Tolkien's world.

[@Symbioticism]

although not middle-earth, do also read A Leaf by Niggle and Smith of Wootton Major which are two of his finest literary achievements.

[@Ravenesque]

Leaf by niggle is actually my fave tolkien work ^^

[@captainstage2009]

Thanks for making this channel, man! It truly feels like a love letter to Tolkien ❤

[@CynicVash]

Thank you! 🙏🏽 I’m slowly building my collection of all these books ❤❤ 📚

[@kristiankaravasilev105]

Thank you for the list it will for sure be in need because i just finished The Lord of the rings a couple of days ago and wasn't really sure with what to continiue!

[@maxmercer1931]

1. Silmarillion 2. Unfinished Tales 3. Fall of Gondolin 4. Lord of the Rings

[@Enerdhil]

Most people won't make it through the Ainulindale.🤣😆😂

[@Keijspermeister]

yeah but youre gonna need a concentration span of 3000 to get through that

[@Enerdhil]

@@Keijspermeister Actually a lot of free time and ready-access to maps and family trees would do it.

[@joaomcarmo]

Absolutely great video, man, thank you!

[@abjab0179]

I would love to buy the first 4 narratives books with you as narrators, I can listen to your videos for hours. Awesome content!

[@kirandeepchakraborty7921]

The Best Video to end this Year. Happy New Year to Everyone in Middle-Earth.

[@dailycarolina.]

My TBR list has increased. Thanks

[@jorgearetakis9688]

Never thought the silmarillion was a challenge for others than me, I finished it for the third time last week , still have four more to go, thanks Eru for a book reading order , and YES the audio book helped A LOT the names are better digested , I don't remember any of then though

[@amandag5072]

My first read through of the Silmarillion was hard going, but I have found with every subsequent reading, it gets easier and more enjoyable. :)

[@urbynwyldcat9131]

The moment I retire i shall devote all my resources to help building Tolkien's Mordor. Your channel rocks! Thank you and Happy New Year.

[@MrAshCarr]

The Hobbit and LotR being read to me are some of my earliest memories. The Silmarillion is much, *much* easier if you skip past the first couple of parts. Once you're past the part where he names all of the divinities and what they do and get to the part where they come down to Middle Earth and start doing stuff it's much easier to follow. Also, just let all the names wash over you, if they're important you'll hear about them again when they're relevant. Edit: Just to throw it out there the Andy Serkis versions of the audiobooks are fan-freakin-tastic

[@maxmercer1931]

I have to disagree. Lord of the Rings is far more interesting when one is aware of the way Middle Earth came into being and who has the biggest stakes in the game

[@MrAshCarr]

@@maxmercer1931 I'm not saying never read those parts, but that's the place where people seem to get stuck when they try that book

[@alfredvincent594]

Reading History of and Nature of at the moment. Love them. The Silmarillion 'Crusher of Dreams ' is still my favorite of all JRRT's works. But it took me years to discover it's utter brilliance.

[@andreipop1]

Read all of them. Loved them. Must read again.

[@colinbrannon2051]

I got The Hobbit and the 3 LoTR for XMas. I'm so hyped to read them all

[@JulioMartinsVerso]

thanks for the reading list! I'm starting with Silmarillion and I'm pretty sure I'll have to read it again soon

[@virnan]

I was fifteen when I read La Hobbbit and LOTR and I remember grinding through The Council of Elrond and how I thought it was so boring. However, my appreciation for JRRT has only grown in time and I appreciate his works much more now. I have since started my second reading of The Silmarilli and I appreciate it much more.

[@Aurora-qn2dx]

Really liked this video ..helpful as always👏👏🧚🏻‍♀️

[@Silivrenwolfie]

Funny I started with The Silmarillian. One of my favorites! ❤ Thank you for this. Planning to go back again and read them all.

[@afolsom685]

This was fabulous! Don't yet have Carl's book and had not heard of John's. Thanks!!!

[@reinsphoenix]

love these vids. didnt know there was so much!

[@VoiceoftheRings]

This Was really well-done @Nerd of the Rings! I 100% agree with your order and I really want to join the Book Club! I want to read through all of it from start to finish!!! =D

[@noblezarkon]

Thanks, very helpful!

[@Cloofinder]

I got through reading the Silmarillion in a month and I actually LOVED reading through this book, and I can see how many would find it tough chew to swallow. As an inspired fantasy writer myself I can see how Tolkien spent many years trying to write these books.

[@Izzysai]

And, "Debbie". I always love to hear that at the end.

[@androkles04]

I am very pleased to find that your ordered list almost exactly matches mine own take on it.

[@jabba359]

Thanks for the video. I've been a long-time fan of The Hobbit and LotR (since the late 80's), but had never read the other material. One of my friends is a history professor that streams world history on Twitch and, as bonus subscriber goal streams, has been doing The History of Middle Earth. This has gotten me excited to read all the other material and I've picked up almost all the other books you've highlighted, with 2022 being the year I'm doing the great Tolkien read-a-thon (so I start tomorrow). I wasn't sure what order I'd tackle the books, but this video seems like a great guide and the order I'll likely follow. I can't wait to take this deeper dive into Middle Earth!

[@jaysgamingcorner8539]

Another great video. I'll have to check out some of Tolkien's other books, The Children of Hurin definitely sounds interesting. Think I'll start there.

[@annaroselarsen4218]

A unexpected video is awesome!

[@hanak69]

Thanks for this great video, read allreadt Hobbit and Lotr. Now I will contineu this great saga.

[@metafisicacibernetica]

i started on silmarillion... 15 years ago. Ty for nostalgia brother.

[@christophertipton2318]

JRR Tolkien's works are quite amazing. When I was in 10th grade (1968), my English class was required to read The Hobbit. I was not happy as fantasy stuff was not my favorite at all. By the time I read three chapters I was hooked. I've since read all of the books mentioned in this video except I took The Silmarillion plunge some years after reading The Lords of the Rings. I read the remaining books over the following years. The Silmarillion can be a tough read, no question, but worth the effort.

[@tuor8296]

Nerd! Thank you for your amazing videos - I grew up as a Tolkien fan kid, and read the whole of Silmarillion for the first time this spring, and was blown away… strongest Tolkien-experience at 28 y/o 😅! Then went on to plow through the trilogy and now I’m in Unfinished Tale. Your channel has greatly helped and boosted my Tolkien excitement, I just wanted to express my thankfulness! Also - the music used in this video? I love the chords over the Silmarillion parts for example, goosebumps!

[@Jecksy]

I got Children of Hurin, Beren&Luthien and Fall of Gondolin for christmas! I came running here cause i havent read silmarillion and FATE has it you made JUST the video I needed!

[@TheCinderestBlockAround]

I can compare this to my current list, thank you!

[@michellemchughbudd5558]

Hello Im a BIG fan

[@katiejon17]

Wow... I really had no idea there were so many books! I knew about the Hobbit and the Trilogy only. Thank you for this video! I’m reading through the early American historical fiction Leather Stockings series, but want to take a break. SomI thought I’d delve into Tolkien. Thank you!

[@norquay626]

I "found" Tolkien in grade 8. Never heard of him before that. I happened to pick up "The Two Towers" first and read it without knowing about the series or anything else. I fell in love with it and realized there was more than this first book, but still didn't know who Tolkien was, but I found the other two books of this series; The Fellowship of the Ring and the Return of the King. I went looking for more books by Tolkien and this is when I finally learned about the "Tolkien World" and fell in love with the world. In the end, just read. I don't think it really matters. Have fun!!

[@leenicholas3279]

I would add that a short read that really gives you an insight into Tolkiens philosophy and theology is the essay On Fairie-Stories. Brilliant little piece.

[@williamr.s.5693]

Very informative!

[@ivordundic6095]

I read The Hobbit again this summer to refresh my memory, and then decided to do a second attempt on LOTR (stopped at page 100 as I felt it was too slow when I was about 15 years old), and ended up considering this the best book I’ve ever read. Just needed patience. I followed your advice, as I was nervous about The Silmarillion, so I read Children Of Hurin first. And so happy I did, as I noticed how it sets the foundation for your knowledge of the first age and it’s map and locations, together with all the elf lords and kings in the different realms. Now I’m half-way through Silmarillion and I have no problems reading it. Only tough part was keeping track of all the valar and maiar at the start, and then the family-tree of Finwe;Feanor/Fingolfin/Finarfin. Other than that it’s been surprisingly easier than expected mainly through what I learned in Children Of Hurin :) (Tip for track of Valar, Maia and Finwe’s family tree: sit with your computer/phone close by, and have two tabs open with a picture of the Valar and Maiar names and characteristics, and a picture of Finwe’s children and their children. Helped me alot to keep track while reading without having to disrupt my rhythm) This video helped alot, thank you so much! Already bought and waiting to read Unfinished Tales, Beren And Luthien, and The Fall Of Gondolin :)

[@David-fh6rr]

I just listened to the children of Hurin audiobook, and it was amazing! :D

[@PolarCub64]

Thank you for this list! Your hard work is greatly appreciated Sir.

[@anthonyamato1647]

I found The Atlas of Middle-Earth extremely helpful as a supplement when reading the other works

[@dany734]

I’ve always wondered this but google never gives a concise answer. Thank you!!

[@jordanhamann9123]

Hey I asked a question about this once! Thanks!

[@SIMONVDH]

I find it very odd that you did not mention The Atlas of Middle Earth. For me it's a must have when you read almost any Tolkien book. I had trouble reading the Silmarillion because I could not locate cities and areas on the map. But they are SO well portrayed in that book. Even the travels of the fellowship are just drawn in lines. Keep up the good work! Ty for content

[@joakimlan]

Daem I love your videos Mr Nerd. You are basically a historian for the virtaul reality of Mr Tolkien. It is inspiring to see that someone could create a world of pure imagination inspiring enough to have you, and many others, though unfortunately few as adept at making videos, to put in the reseach to make content like this. I am coming at this as someone who's only seen the movies, and read none of the books, and I feel like I have all of my questions are answered by now, but considering I had never heard of Morgoth, and had no idea that Gandalf, Sauron and the balrog were all the same "species" before coming to this channel, I am sure there is more to learn about this wonderful world of imagination Tolkien created.

[@Zuma91]

Diving into the Silmarillion and man the Audio book does help with understanding the names. I’m ready.

[@darth_hylian]

I read them mostly in chronological order. It was difficult starting with Silmarillion but seeing the movies first had helped. I just saw the silmarillion sitting on our bookshelf and now recently picked up reading as a hobby because of it

[@EricBridges]

I 100% support this read order. Children of Hurin is fantastic, and it really does give enough context for the Silmarillion to kinda almost make sense on the first read.

[@DeeMorrison818]

Someone suggested I read The History of the Hobbit + by Fonstad’s Atlas of Middle Earth, and I FINALLY was able to make it into the Silmarillion. I’m on chapter 21 now.

[@nock5th]

Found a copy of Children of Hurin at my local bookstore for $4 and began reading it. I was a little lost with all the references at first but I'm glad to know I'm on the right track in your opinion haha

[@lorenzobazdresch7449]

I read all the books on the list in the exact order you said to several years ago (except for the ones I missed: sons of Húrin, Lay of Beren and Lúthien, everything in the History of Middle-Earth except for the lost tales one and two, and the last two things you recommended). I'm 14 and have never been bored of reading anything on the list. Gondolin and Unfinished Tales were particularly good.

[@muhammadmudassarbilal7986]

Thank you

[@phatpigeonii]

I first read the Silmarillion at age 11, and while I missed some of the themes I loved the book. By then I had alread read or listened to the Hobbit 3 times and LOTR twice, and I wanted more, so I slogged through the first chapters, then was just enthralled by the rest. That said it is a bit dense and I understand why a lot of people don't care for it. I wish Christopher had taken a couple years longer to finish it, it's a shame he was rushed by the publisher.

[@turtleanton6539]

Great video😊

[@westonflory9506]

I also really love the Arda atlas that I have at home. Super helpful when you read any of Tolkiens works.

[@floodkevin4716]

Silmarillion is so good. It's so epic. I'm halfway through my second re-read. I'll do Children of Hurin next ! Thanks for all the goodies man

[@annap.1711]

This is a great list and well reasoned! I want to just shout out The Lord of The Rings: A Reader’s Companion by Wayne G. Hammond and Christina Scull, it is an incredible companion book to reference while reading LOTR, both authors are true scholars and the work to explain meanings and the insight shared there is remarkable. Anyway, love this channel, and appreciate all the work you do!