The natural starting point. Accessible, self-contained, and introduces Middle-earth.

The deep history. Read this when you want to understand the mythology behind The Lord of the Rings

Optional. The most complete and novelistic of the posthumous works. Expands the story of Túrin Turambar from The Silmarillion.

Optional. A collection of essays and narratives that expand on stories from across all three Ages.

Optional. For dedicated readers - presents multiple drafts of the foundational love story.

Optional. Same approach as Beren and Lúthien - multiple versions of one story.