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Beginner's guide to Tolkien's works
The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics)The Hobbit (Essential Modern Classics) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Buy new: £4.49 / Used from: £0.01
The Tolkien book to start with, despite it not being the chronologically first. This takes place just prior to "The Lord of the Rings" triology and is more of a fairy tale than the rest of the books.
The Lord of the Rings (3 Book Box set)The Lord of the Rings (3 Book Box set) by J.R.R. Tolkien
Buy new: £11.97 / Used from: £11.99
This contains the three "Lord of the Rings" books (which the movies are based upon): "The Fellowship of the Ring", "The Two Towers" and "The King Returns".
The SilmarillionThe Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien
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This takes place prior to the above four books and it is much harder to read, but gives great insight to the world, history and peoples of Middle-Earth.
Tolkien: The Illustrated EncyclopediaTolkien: The Illustrated Encyclopedia by David Day
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I highly recommend getting either this or another reference to the works of Tolkien, as it is of great use while reading fx "The Silmarillion"
The Complete History of Middle-Earth : Part 1The Complete History of Middle-Earth : Part 1 by Christopher Tolkien
Buy new: £38.00 / Used from: £25.08
The next 3 volumes are for those who still can't get enough :)
The Complete History of Middle-Earth: Part 2The Complete History of Middle-Earth: Part 2 by Christopher Tolkien
Buy new: £42.00 / Used from: £60.23
The Complete History of Middle-Earth: Pt. 3The Complete History of Middle-Earth: Pt. 3 by Christopher Tolkien
Buy new: £38.06 / Used from: £58.79