This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

1. 1. The Lord Of The Rings

   

   A young hobbit inherits a seemingly simple ring that harbors an ancient, corrupting power, and sets out on a perilous quest with loyal friends and unlikely allies to carry it to the only place it can be destroyed; along the way a diverse fellowship is tested by betrayal, war, and sacrifice as dark forces seek to reclaim the ring, rulers rise to meet their destinies, and the fate of their world hangs on courage, friendship, and the smallest acts of resistance against tyranny.

   The 17th Greatest Book of All Time

2. 2. The Hobbit

   There and Back Again

   

   In this fantasy novel, a timid and unadventurous hobbit named Bilbo Baggins is whisked away on a grand adventure by a wizard and a group of dwarves. Their mission is to reclaim the dwarves' homeland and treasure from a fearsome dragon. Throughout the journey, Bilbo grows in courage and cunning, proving himself a true hero as he encounters trolls, goblins, giant spiders, and other perils. The novel culminates with a great battle involving various races of Middle Earth, after which Bilbo returns home, forever changed by his experiences.

   The 146th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. The Silmarillion

   

   The book is a collection of mythopoeic stories that form the prelude to a well-known fantasy saga, detailing the creation of the world and the history of its early ages. It encompasses the tragic tale of the quest for the titular jewels, which imbue their creators with great power and beauty. The narrative follows the rebellion of a group of elves against the gods, the subsequent wars and the downfall of noble houses, interwoven with themes of heroism, fate, and the struggle against the ultimate evil. The work is rich with languages, cultures, and epic poetry, setting the stage for the later adventures in the renowned fantasy realm.

   The 3305th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Leaf By Niggle

   

   The story follows Niggle, a painter who is preoccupied with creating a vast, intricate painting of a tree, yet is constantly interrupted by mundane obligations and the needs of his neighbor, Parish. As Niggle struggles to complete his masterpiece, he is unexpectedly taken on a journey to a mysterious place that resembles the world of his painting. This allegorical tale explores themes of creativity, duty, and the afterlife, ultimately reflecting on the balance between personal ambition and the responsibilities one holds towards others. Through Niggle's journey, the narrative delves into the transformative power of art and the enduring impact of selfless acts.

   The 4899th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. Tree And Leaf

   Including Mythopoeia and The Homecoming of Beorhtnoth Beorhthelm's Son

   

   This book is a collection of essays and stories that delve into the nature and purpose of fantasy literature. It includes a seminal essay on the importance of fairy tales and their role in human imagination, exploring themes of escapism, recovery, and consolation. Additionally, the book features a short story that illustrates these concepts through a narrative about creativity and the enduring power of storytelling. Through these works, the author offers a profound reflection on the value of myth and fantasy in understanding and enriching the human experience.

   The 5602nd Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Two Towers

   

   In this epic continuation of a grand quest, the fellowship of diverse companions is fractured, leading them on separate but intertwined paths. As Frodo and Sam venture deeper into enemy territory with the enigmatic Gollum as their guide, Aragorn, Legolas, and Gimli pursue the kidnapped Merry and Pippin, who find unexpected allies among the ancient Ents. The forces of darkness, led by the treacherous Saruman and the looming threat of Sauron, gather strength, setting the stage for monumental battles and acts of bravery. The narrative weaves themes of friendship, loyalty, and the relentless struggle against overwhelming evil.

   The 15717th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. The Return Of The King

   

   In the epic conclusion of a legendary journey, the forces of good and evil clash in a final battle for the fate of Middle-earth. As the dark lord's power grows, the courage and resilience of a diverse fellowship are tested to their limits. Key characters face their destinies, with Aragorn stepping into his role as king, while Frodo and Sam continue their perilous quest to destroy the One Ring. Themes of friendship, sacrifice, and hope are woven throughout as the story builds to a dramatic and satisfying resolution, highlighting the triumph of light over darkness.

   The 15718th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. J.R.R. Tolkien 4 Book Boxed Set

   The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings

   

   This boxed set offers a captivating journey into a richly imagined world filled with epic quests, timeless battles between good and evil, and unforgettable characters. It begins with the humble yet courageous hobbits who embark on a perilous adventure to destroy a powerful ring, encountering a diverse array of allies and adversaries along the way. The narrative weaves together themes of friendship, bravery, and sacrifice, set against a backdrop of intricate lore and breathtaking landscapes. This collection is a testament to the power of storytelling, inviting readers to explore a universe where the fate of many rests in the hands of the few.

   The 15763rd Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. The Hobbit & The Lord Of The Rings

   

   In a richly woven tapestry of adventure and fantasy, a humble hobbit embarks on an unexpected journey that leads him through perilous lands filled with mythical creatures, ancient lore, and the looming shadow of a dark power. Alongside a fellowship of diverse companions, he faces trials that test his courage and resolve, ultimately playing a pivotal role in a grand struggle between good and evil. This epic tale explores themes of friendship, bravery, and the enduring fight against darkness, set against the backdrop of a vividly imagined world teeming with magic and wonder.

   The 15812th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. The Fellowship Of The Ring

    Being the First Part of The Lord of the Rings

    

    In this full-cast dramatization, a young hobbit named Frodo Baggins embarks on a perilous journey to destroy a powerful ring that threatens the very fabric of Middle-earth. Guided by the wise wizard Gandalf and accompanied by a diverse fellowship of allies, including humans, elves, dwarves, and fellow hobbits, Frodo must navigate treacherous landscapes and evade the dark forces intent on reclaiming the ring. As the fellowship faces numerous trials and their unity is tested, the fate of their world hangs in the balance, setting the stage for an epic struggle between good and evil.

    The 15835th Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. Lord Of The Rings

    

    A reluctant hobbit inherits a malignant ring and sets out on a perilous quest to carry it into the fire of its forging and destroy it, lest a dark lord regain his full power. Alongside a diverse fellowship of hobbits, men, an elf, a dwarf, and a wizard, he endures betrayals, temptations, and vast battles that test loyalty and courage, while smaller acts of kindness prove decisive. The story blends high adventure, deep friendship, and themes of sacrifice and the corrupting influence of power as ordinary people shape the fate of an entire world.

    The 15875th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Tolkien On Fairy Stories

    An Essay

    

    This insightful essay delves into the essence and significance of fairy tales, exploring their role in literature and their impact on human imagination. It argues for the importance of fantasy as a means of escape, recovery, and consolation, while also examining the nature of "sub-creation" and the power of storytelling to convey profound truths. The work offers a thoughtful analysis of the elements that make fairy stories enduring and meaningful, highlighting their ability to transport readers to other worlds and enrich their understanding of reality.

    The 16569th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. Unfinished Tales

    of Númenor and Middle-earth

    

    "Unfinished Tales" is a collection of stories and essays by J.R.R. Tolkien, compiled and edited by his son Christopher Tolkien. The book includes tales from Middle-earth that were left incomplete or unpublished during the author's lifetime, as well as background information and notes on the creation of his fictional world. The stories range from the early days of Middle-earth to the events leading up to "The Lord of the Rings," providing fans with a deeper understanding of Tolkien's complex and intricate mythology.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. The Children Of Húrin

    

    Set in the mythical world of Middle-earth, this tale follows the tragic fate of Túrin Turambar and his sister Niënor, children of Húrin, as they struggle against the dark curse placed upon their family by the dark lord Morgoth. The story unfolds with Túrin's journey through a series of misfortunes and heroic deeds, marked by themes of fate, pride, and doom. Despite his efforts to defy the curse, Túrin's life is marred by sorrow and loss, leading to a dramatic and poignant conclusion. The narrative is rich with the lore and depth characteristic of its legendary setting, exploring the complexities of human emotion and destiny.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time

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15. 15. Beren And Luthien

    

    Set in the mythical world of Middle-earth, this enchanting tale follows the epic romance between a mortal man and an immortal elf-maiden. Their love story unfolds amidst a backdrop of perilous quests and formidable adversaries, as they strive to retrieve a coveted Silmaril from the crown of the dark lord Morgoth. Through trials of courage, sacrifice, and unwavering devotion, they defy the boundaries of their worlds, weaving a timeless narrative of love's power to transcend even the most insurmountable odds.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time

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16. 16. The Fall Of Gondolin

    The Great Tale of Middle-earth

    

    In a tale of epic heroism and tragedy, the hidden Elven city of Gondolin faces its ultimate test against the dark forces of Morgoth. Guided by the treacherous Maeglin, the enemy's armies launch a devastating assault on the once-impenetrable stronghold. Amidst the chaos, the valiant Tuor, a mortal man, rises as a beacon of hope, striving to save the city and its people. The narrative weaves themes of courage, betrayal, and the enduring spirit of resistance, culminating in a poignant reflection on the fleeting nature of beauty and the relentless march of fate.

    The 17120th Greatest Book of All Time

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