The Book Of Lost Tales
Start with "The Book Of Lost Tales" to begin the The History of Middle-earth (HoME). It is the essential series starter and provides the necessary foundation for the rest of the books.
🟡 Optional side story — not required for main plot
This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.
Verdict Insight: This is a comprehensive collection and bundle of the J.R.R. Tolkien's works. It typically offers significantly better value than buying the titles individually.
The Book Of Lost Tales [2/2]
Book #2 of 12 in Series
Complete Series Reading Order
Publication Order
Preserves character reveals and plot twists exactly as the author intended.
Chronological Order
May spoil surprises but improves timeline clarity for deep lore fans.
Order Confidence
Why this order?
Our team of curators analyzes publication history, author interviews, and internal narrative continuity to establish the definitive reading sequence. This ensures zero spoilers and maximum narrative impact.
Why This Order Is Confusing
Many reading lists for The History of Middle-earth (HoME) conflict because early publishers often labeled short story collections as standalone novels, or rearranged internal chronologies for marketing. This guide follows original author intent and narrative continuity to settle the debate for good.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I skip reading The Book Of Lost Tales?
This is a side story that can be safely bypassed without losing any context for the main series.
Can I read The Book Of Lost Tales before other books in the series?
Yes. The Book Of Lost Tales is an optional side story and can be read at any time without spoiling the main series plot.
Is The Book Of Lost Tales required reading for the The History of Middle-earth (HoME)?
No, it is a companion work that enriches the lore but is not essential to the central storyline.
What comes after The Book Of Lost Tales in the reading order?
The next recommended book after The Book Of Lost Tales is The Book Of Lost Tales [2/2] (Book #2).
