The realm of Middle-earth extends far beyond the narratives of The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit. While characters like Frodo, Gandalf, Samwise, Bilbo, and Gollum are well-known to Middle-earth enthusiasts, J.R.R. Tolkien meticulously crafted his fantasy world with an astonishing depth of detail and lore—all of which can be explored in The History of Middle-earth series. Compiled and edited from Tolkien's manuscripts and notes by his son Christopher Tolkien, this series was initially published in the 1980s and '90s. The most renowned entry in the series is The Silmarillion, which serves as one of the foundational texts for Prime Video's The Rings of Power. Like all Tolkien books, it has seen multiple reissues, including stunning new 2024 editions and a comprehensive three-book set encompassing all 12 volumes.
If you're keen on reading The Complete History of Middle-earth, the 2020 hardcover set is currently the best option. Originally priced at $250, this substantial collection is available for $111.62 as part of Amazon's early Prime Big Deal Days sale. This understated set, showcased below, is likely to become the centerpiece of your home library. The three premium hardcovers total 5,440 pages, averaging 1,813 pages per book. For context, The Lord of the Rings Deluxe Edition, currently on sale for 50% off, contains 'only' 1,216 pages.
If the idea of tackling an 1,800-page book seems daunting but you still prefer hardcovers, the 2024 editions are also on sale. Divided into four slipcased box sets, the design of these new editions adopts a strikingly different approach, featuring beautifully illustrated cover art that stands out against the minimalist designs of many Tolkien editions. For this set, publisher William Morrow divided the series into 15 volumes.
While all four sets are discounted, the first two are notably cheaper than the more recent third and fourth sets, which were released in August and September. As illustrated below, each book features a reversible dust jacket, offering a more uniform look if preferred. The History of Middle-earth Box Set 1 includes The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, Book of Lost Tales Part One, and Book of Lost Tales Part Two, totaling over 1,500 pages of Tolkien's work. The Silmarillion and Unfinished Tales may be particularly appealing to Tolkien aficionados, as these special editions contain the first-edition text from each book's original printing.
The History of Middle-earth Box Set 2 comprises The Lays of Beleriand, The Shaping of Middle-earth, and The Lost Road. Amazon has discounted this set to an all-time low price of just $50, though it includes only three books, making the price per book comparable to the first set. The third box set includes four books: The Return of the Shadow, The Treason of Isengard, The Tar of the Ring, and Sauron Defeated. The fourth and final set features Morgoth's Ring, The War of the Jewels, The Peoples of Middle-earth, and The History of Middle-earth Index, an indispensable reference book covering the entire series.
The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit are celebrated as timeless classics in the fantasy genre, largely due to Tolkien's masterful worldbuilding. These books offer fans a glimpse into the origins of Middle-earth. The Silmarillion, the best-known and first volume in the series, can also be purchased individually before committing to a box set. The Silmarillion Collector's Edition, available for $24.50 (originally $35), is the most affordable of the five new Tolkien Collector's Editions. Matching hardcover volumes of The Hobbit, The Fellowship of the Ring, The Two Towers, and The Return of the King are also available at discounted prices.
Additionally, the Lord of the Rings Deluxe Illustrated Box Set, released on October 1, is now priced at $245 (originally $325). For more details on this impressive three-volume set, check out our story here. Unique new editions of Tolkien's three most popular books have been added to the growing list of options for Tolkien fans. The Tolkien Illustrated Series includes illustrations Tolkien created while drafting The Lord of the Rings, The Hobbit, and The Silmarillion.
Another Prime Big Deal Days book box set deal offers a cost-effective way to start reading The History of Middle-earth. The Tolkien Fantasy Tales Box Set, a four-book set containing The Silmarillion, Unfinished Tales, Sir Gawain and the Green Knight, and The Tolkien Reader, is available for just $15.33. While only The Silmarillion is part of the 12-volume series, this set provides a great introduction to Tolkien's works beyond The Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
