🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Hugh Lofting
An important name within British children’s literature, the English writer Hugh Lofting would come to be very highly regarded during his lifetime. Primarily known for his creation of the Dr Dolittle character, he became an extremely respected voice, as his Dolittle books would go on to become an institution in their own right. Serving the trenches of the first World War, he’d write the stories for his children back home, sending them back as letters, which would later be published. He would also write other books, along with an extended poem for adults based on his time in the war, but it would be his Dolittle creation that would really capture the reading public’s attention.
All Book Series by Hugh Lofting
The Story of Doctor Dolittle / Doctor Dolittle
Series opener · book 1 of 15 · published 1920
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle / Doctor Dolittle and the Pirates
Book 2 of 15 · published 1922
The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle
Latest in the series · book 15 of 15 · published 2008
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Hugh Lofting?
An important name within British children's literature, the English writer Hugh Lofting would come to be very highly regarded during his lifetime. Primarily known for his creation of the Dr Dolittle character, he became an extremely respected voice, as his Dolittle books would go on to become an institution in their own right. Serving the trenches of the first World War, he'd write the stories for his children back home, sending them back as letters, which would later be published.
Which Hugh Lofting series should I start with?
The best place to start is the Doctor Dolittle series, the earliest of Hugh Lofting's multi-book series: it opens with The Story of Doctor Dolittle / Doctor Dolittle (1920) and runs to 15 books across 1920–2008, ending with The Voyages of Doctor Dolittle (2008).
How many books has Hugh Lofting written?
Hugh Lofting has 27 books catalogued in this guide, published between 1920 and 2013. 15 of them belong to 1 named series — the largest being the Doctor Dolittle series with 15 books — and 12 are standalone titles, collections or anthologies.
In what order should Hugh Lofting's series be read?
Read each series in publication order — the numbered entries in each series follow the year each book first appeared. Hugh Lofting's series do not depend on one another, so they can be started in any order; by start date they are Doctor Dolittle (1920–2008, 15 books).
How are Hugh Lofting's books organised into series?
This guide splits Hugh Lofting's 27 books into 1 named series and 12 titles that stand alone or appear only in collections: Doctor Dolittle (15 books, 1920–2008).