Which Tolkien novel begins The Lord of the Rings trilogy?

The Fellowship of the Ring begins J.R.R. Tolkien’s The Lord of the Rings trilogy.

George Allen & Unwin published it on 29 July 1954 as the first of three volumes. The story introduces the discovery that Bilbo’s ring is the One Ring and follows Frodo Baggins as he accepts the task of carrying it away from the Shire.

The volume’s title refers to the company formed at Rivendell. Its members include representatives of several peoples of Middle-earth, although the group later breaks apart as the quest continues. The second volume is The Two Towers, and the third is The Return of the King.

Tolkien preferred to regard The Lord of the Rings as one long work rather than three separate novels. Paper, printing, and publishing constraints nevertheless led to its release in three volumes. The Fellowship of the Ring is therefore both the opening volume and the name of the company formed within the story.