G

George Saunders

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 34 Books

5
Series
34
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Seventeenth Annual Collection (2004)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Red Bow (2003)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
Start with: CivilWarLand in Bad Decline (1996)

About George Saunders

An extremely prolific and highly regarded novelist, the American writer George Saunders has been publishing his unique brand of fiction for quite some time now, whether it be in the form of short-stories and essay, or full novellas and novels. Contributing to a wide variety of different, but equally prestigious publications, such as GQ and McSweeney’s, he’s made a strong name for himself within the industry. Writing both fiction and non-fiction, he’s been able to craft himself a unique and reputable brand around his idiosyncratic voice and styling, leading to him becoming on of the most influential figures within his field. Early and Personal Life Born in 1958 on the 2nd of December, he was born and raised in Amarillo, Texas, in the United States of America. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, George Saunders 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 George Saunders

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
5 books 2000–2026
1

The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip

The Very Persistent Gappers of Frip continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with George Saunders's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2000
2

The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil

The Brief and Frightening Reign of Phil is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2005
3

Lincoln in the Bardo

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Lincoln in the Bardo, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2017
4

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain

A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2021
5

Vigil

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Vigil, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2026
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
3 books 2003–2013
1

The Red Bow

The Red Bow is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2003
2

CommComm

CommComm is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2005
3

Fox 8

Fox 8 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2013
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
6 books 1996–2022
1

CivilWarLand in Bad Decline

Conflict and courage define CivilWarLand in Bad Decline, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by George Saunders that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

Buy on Amazon
1996
2

Pastoralia

Pastoralia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2000
3

In Persuasion Nation

In Persuasion Nation continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with George Saunders's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2006
4

Home

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Home, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2011
5

Tenth of December

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Tenth of December, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2013
6

Liberation Day: Stories

Liberation Day: Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2022
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2007–2014
1

The Braindead Megaphone

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Braindead Megaphone as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases George Saunders's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
2007
2

Congratulations, By the Way

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Congratulations, By the Way, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2014
Publication Order of Anthologies
18 books 2004–2022
1

Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Seventeenth Annual Collection

Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Seventeenth Annual Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2004
2

The Anchor Book of New American Short Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Anchor Book of New American Short Stories, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2004
3

The Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Believer Book of Writers Talking to Writers, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2005
4

Feeling Very Strange

Feeling Very Strange continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Saunders's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2006
5

The Best American Travel Writing 2007

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best American Travel Writing 2007, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2007
6

The New Granta Book of the American Short Story

The New Granta Book of the American Short Story is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2007
7

Not Normal, Illinois

Not Normal, Illinois is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2009
8

Dedicated to the People of Darfur

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Dedicated to the People of Darfur, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2009
9

The Secret History of Science Fiction

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Secret History of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2009
10

The Legacy of David Foster Wallace

The Legacy of David Foster Wallace continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Saunders's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2012
11

The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2012
12

The Best American Short Stories 2012

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Best American Short Stories 2012, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2012
13

Fakes: An Anthology of Pseudo-Interviews, Faux-Lectures, Quasi-Letters, "Found" Texts, and Other Fraudulent Artifacts

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fakes: An Anthology of Pseudo-Interviews, Faux-Lectures, Quasi-Letters, "Found" Texts, and Other Fraudulent Artifacts, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2012
14

My Ideal Bookshelf

My Ideal Bookshelf continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with George Saunders's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2012
15

Life Is Short – Art Is Shorter: In Praise of Brevity

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Life Is Short – Art Is Shorter: In Praise of Brevity, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2015
16

What We Do Now: Standing Up For Your Values in Trump's America

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with What We Do Now: Standing Up For Your Values in Trump's America, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2017
17

Conceptualisms

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Conceptualisms, another outstanding contribution from George Saunders.

Buy on Amazon
2022
18

Growing Up Chicago

Growing Up Chicago is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of George Saunders have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2022

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is George Saunders?

George Saunders is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 34 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best George Saunders series to start with?

For readers new to George Saunders's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 18 books. Begin with Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Seventeenth Annual Collection to start from the very beginning.

How many books has George Saunders written?

George Saunders has written over 34 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read George Saunders books in order?

Yes, reading George Saunders'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 George Saunders write in?

George Saunders writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 34 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are George Saunders's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of George Saunders'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 George Saunders's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, George Saunders's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Year's Best Fantasy and Horror: Seventeenth Annual Collection, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.