I

Ian Buruma

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 23 Books

3
Series
23
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Playing the Game (1991)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Behind the Mask / A Japanese Mirror (1984)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Modern Library Chronicles Books
Start with: Inventing Japan (2003)

About Ian Buruma

Ian Buruma is a noteworthy author from the Netherlands, who is famous for writing nonfiction and historical fiction novels. He is also renowned historian and editor, and has worked in many parts of the world, including the United States. Most of his writings are based on the Asian culture, particularly that of the 20th century Japan and China. The other areas of work of author Buruma include Orientalism and Occidentalism. He became the editor of New York Books Review in 2017. In the period between 2003 and 2017, Buruma served as the Paul W Williams Journalism and Human Rights Professor at the Bard College. Author Buruma was born on December 25, 1951, in The Hague, Netherlands. Much of his upbringing was done in his hometown in The Hague. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Ian Buruma 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 Ian Buruma

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
2 books 1991–2008
1

Playing the Game

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Playing the Game, another outstanding contribution from Ian Buruma.

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1991
2

The China Lover

The China Lover explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Ian Buruma.

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2008
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
20 books 1984–2026
1

Behind the Mask / A Japanese Mirror

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Behind the Mask / A Japanese Mirror, another outstanding contribution from Ian Buruma.

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1984
2

God's Dust

God's Dust is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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1989
3

The Wages of Guilt

The Wages of Guilt continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
4

The Missionary And The Libertine

The Missionary And The Libertine continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
5

Inventing Japan

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Inventing Japan, another outstanding contribution from Ian Buruma.

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1999
6

Voltaire's Coconuts / Anglomania In Europe

Voltaire's Coconuts / Anglomania In Europe continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
7

Bad Elements

Bad Elements continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
8

Inventing Japan, 1853-1964

Inventing Japan, 1853-1964 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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2003
9

Occidentalism

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Occidentalism, another outstanding contribution from Ian Buruma.

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2004
10

Conversations with John Schlesinger

Conversations with John Schlesinger continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
11

Murder in Amsterdam

A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Amsterdam as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series showcases Ian Buruma's mastery of suspense.

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2006
12

Taming the Gods

Taming the Gods continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2010
13

Year Zero

Year Zero is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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2013
14

Theater of Cruelty

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Theater of Cruelty, another outstanding contribution from Ian Buruma.

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2014
15

Their Promised Land

Their Promised Land continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Ian Buruma's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
16

A Tokyo Romance

A Tokyo Romance explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Ian Buruma.

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2018
17

The Churchill Complex

The Churchill Complex is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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2020
18

The Collaborators

The Collaborators is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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2023
19

Spinoza: Freedom's Messiah

Spinoza: Freedom's Messiah is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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2024
20

Stay Alive: Berlin, 1939-1945

Stay Alive: Berlin, 1939-1945 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Ian Buruma have come to expect.

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2026
Publication Order of Modern Library Chronicles Books
1 books 2003–2003
1

Inventing Japan

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Modern Library Chronicles Books with Inventing Japan, another outstanding contribution from Ian Buruma.

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2003

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Ian Buruma?

Ian Buruma is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 23 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books, Publication Order of Modern Library Chronicles Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Ian Buruma series to start with?

For readers new to Ian Buruma's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 2 books. Begin with Playing the Game to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Ian Buruma written?

Ian Buruma has written over 23 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Ian Buruma books in order?

Yes, reading Ian Buruma'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 Ian Buruma write in?

Ian Buruma writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 23 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Ian Buruma's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Ian Buruma'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 Ian Buruma's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Ian Buruma's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Playing the Game, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.