🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Cordwainer Smith
Cordwainer’s dad, Paul Myron Wentworth Linebarger, was a lawyer and working as a judge in the Philippines. There he met Sun Yat-sen, a Chinese nationalist, to whom he became an advisor. His dad sent his wife to give birth in Milwaukee, so that their kid would be eligible to become the president of the United States. Cordwainer’s young life was unsettled since his dad moved the family to a succession of places in America, Asia, and Europe. He sometimes got sent to boarding schools for safety. In total, Paul was enrolled in over 30 schools. In 1919, he got blinded in his right eye, which got replaced with a glass eye. The vision in his left eye was impaired due to infection. He was familiar with German, English, and Chinese by adulthood. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Cordwainer Smith has since expanded their repertoire to include numerous successful works across various genres. Their writing style, characterized by compelling narratives and memorable characters, has earned them a dedicated global readership with millions of fans worldwide.
📚 All Book Series by Cordwainer Smith
The Boy Who Bought Old Earth / The Planet Buyer
The Boy Who Bought Old Earth / The Planet Buyer is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Norstrilia Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Underpeople
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Norstrilia Books with The Underpeople, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
Norstrilia
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Norstrilia Books with Norstrilia, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
Quest of the Three Worlds
Epic adventure awaits in Quest of the Three Worlds, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that raises the stakes across the realm Cordwainer Smith has built.
Scanners Live in Vain
Scanners Live in Vain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Game of Rat and Dragon
Epic adventure awaits in The Game of Rat and Dragon, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series that raises the stakes across the realm Cordwainer Smith has built.
The Lady Who Sailed the Soul
The Lady Who Sailed the Soul is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Mother Hitton's Littul Kittons
Mother Hitton's Littul Kittons continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
On the Storm Planet
On the Storm Planet continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
On the Sand Planet
On the Sand Planet is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Three to a Given Star
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Three to a Given Star, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Store Of Heart's Desire
The Store Of Heart's Desire explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series by Cordwainer Smith.
On the Gem Planet
On the Gem Planet continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
You Will Never Be The Same
You Will Never Be The Same continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Space Lords
Space Lords continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Under Old Earth And Other Explorations
Under Old Earth And Other Explorations is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
We the Underpeople
We the Underpeople continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Stardreamer
Stardreamer continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Rediscovery of Man
The Rediscovery of Man is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Best of Cordwainer Smith
The Best of Cordwainer Smith is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Instrumentality of Mankind
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Instrumentality of Mankind, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
When the People Fell
When the People Fell is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Scanners and Others
Scanners and Others is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Star Science Fiction Stories No. 6
Star Science Fiction Stories No. 6 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
5th Annual Edition
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 5th Annual Edition, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
Mind Partner and 8 Other Novelets from Galaxy
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Mind Partner and 8 Other Novelets from Galaxy, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction: Eleventh Series
The Best from Fantasy and Science Fiction: Eleventh Series continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Best Science Fiction from Worlds of Tomorrow
The Best Science Fiction from Worlds of Tomorrow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Best of Science Fiction: No. 10
Best of Science Fiction: No. 10 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Spectrum IV
Spectrum IV continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Seventh Galaxy Reader
The Seventh Galaxy Reader is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
7 Trips Through Time and Space
7 Trips Through Time and Space is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Elsewhere and Elsewhen
Elsewhere and Elsewhen continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
SF: The Best of the Best
SF: The Best of the Best continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Alpha 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Alpha 2, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
A Day in the Life
A Day in the Life is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Science Fiction Hall Of Fame: The Novellas Book 2
Science Fiction Hall Of Fame: The Novellas Book 2 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume II A
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume II A continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Beyond Tomorrow
Beyond Tomorrow continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Another World
Another World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Perilous Planets
Perilous Planets continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Galaxy: Volume 1
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Galaxy: Volume 1, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Arbor House Treasury of Great Science Fiction Short Novels
The Arbor House Treasury of Great Science Fiction Short Novels is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Arbor House Treasury of Modern Science Fiction / Great Science Fiction of the 20th Century
The Arbor House Treasury of Modern Science Fiction / Great Science Fiction of the 20th Century continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Great Science Fiction Series
The Great Science Fiction Series continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Yesterday's Tomorrows
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Yesterday's Tomorrows, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
Intergalactic Empires
Intergalactic Empires continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Magicats!
Magic takes center stage in Magicats!, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Anthologies series that expands the enchanting world created by Cordwainer Smith.
Worlds of If
Worlds of If is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Robert Silverberg's Worlds of Wonder
Robert Silverberg's Worlds of Wonder continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Great SF Stories 17
The Great SF Stories 17 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Worlds Imagined
Worlds Imagined is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Great SF Stories 22
The Great SF Stories 22 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Modern Classics of Science Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Modern Classics of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Great SF Stories 23
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Great SF Stories 23, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Oxford Book of Science Fiction Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Oxford Book of Science Fiction Stories, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Great SF Stories 24
The Great SF Stories 24 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Modern Classic Short Novels of Science Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Modern Classic Short Novels of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Science Fiction Century
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Science Fiction Century, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
A Century of Science Fiction, 1950-1959
A Century of Science Fiction, 1950-1959 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Good Old Stuff
The Good Old Stuff is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Explorers
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Explorers, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Furthest Horizon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Furthest Horizon, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Ends of Time
The Ends of Time continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Genometry
Genometry is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Robert Silverberg Presents the Great Science Fiction Stories (1964)
Robert Silverberg Presents the Great Science Fiction Stories (1964) continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Mammoth Book of 20th Century Science Fiction: Volume Two
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of 20th Century Science Fiction: Volume Two, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Science Fiction Century: Volume 2
The Science Fiction Century: Volume 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
The Space Opera Renaissance
The Space Opera Renaissance continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
The Mammoth Book of SF Wars
Conflict and courage define The Mammoth Book of SF Wars, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Cordwainer Smith that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
The Time Traveler's Almanac
The Time Traveler's Almanac continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Cordwainer Smith's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Good Stuff
The Good Stuff is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Cordwainer Smith have come to expect.
Infinite Stars
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Infinite Stars, another outstanding contribution from Cordwainer Smith.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Cordwainer Smith?
Cordwainer Smith is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 74 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Norstrilia Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Cordwainer Smith series to start with?
For readers new to Cordwainer Smith's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 51 books. Begin with Star Science Fiction Stories No. 6 to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Cordwainer Smith written?
Cordwainer Smith has written over 74 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Cordwainer Smith books in order?
Yes, reading Cordwainer Smith's series in publication order is strongly recommended. Most series feature evolving character arcs, ongoing story threads, and references to earlier events that are most rewarding when experienced in sequence. Our complete reading order guides are listed above.
What genre does Cordwainer Smith write in?
Cordwainer Smith writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 74 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Cordwainer Smith's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Cordwainer Smith's books are part of ongoing series and deliver the most satisfying experience when read in order. However, several standalone novels and short story collections provide excellent entry points without requiring prior knowledge of other series.
What is Cordwainer Smith's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Cordwainer Smith's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Star Science Fiction Stories No. 6, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.