J

John Fowles

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 22 Books

4
Series
22
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Collector (1963)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Aristos (1964)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: The Ebony Tower (1974)

About John Fowles

John Fowles was an internationally renowned novelist best known for writing ‘The Magus’, a bestseller that was inspired by the time the author spent on the Greek Island of Spetses. +Biography John Fowles was born in 1926 in Leigh-on-Sea in Essex to a family of merchants. Robert John Fowles, the author’s father, worked with a Tobacco importer (Allen & Wright). Gladys May Richards, his mother, died when he was six. Gladys, whose family hails from Essex, met Robert at a Tennis Club after she moved to Westcliff-on-Sea. There was no reason to believe that the pair would hit it off, not only because the war had ruined Robert’s health but also because he was a decade older than Gladys. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, John Fowles 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 John Fowles

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
7 books 1963–1985
1

The Collector

The Collector continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with John Fowles's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1963
2

The Magus

The Magus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1965
3

The French Lieutenant's Woman

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The French Lieutenant's Woman, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1969
4

Cinderella

Cinderella is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1974
5

Daniel Martin

Daniel Martin is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1977
6

Mantissa

Mantissa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1982
7

A Maggot

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Maggot, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1985
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
12 books 1964–2005
1

The Aristos

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Aristos, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1964
2

Shipwreck

Shipwreck is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1974
3

Steep Holm

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Steep Holm, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1978
4

Islands

Islands continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Fowles's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1978
5

The Tree

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

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1979
6

The Enigma of Stonehenge

The Enigma of Stonehenge continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Fowles's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
7

A Short History of Lyme Regis

A Short History of Lyme Regis is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1982
8

Lyme Regis Camera

Lyme Regis Camera continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Fowles's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
9

Behind the Magus

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Behind the Magus, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1994
10

Wormholes

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Wormholes, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1998
11

The Journals: Volume 1

The Journals: Volume 1 continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with John Fowles's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
12

The Journals: Volume 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Journals: Volume 2, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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2005
Publication Order of Collections
1 books 1974–1974
1

The Ebony Tower

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Ebony Tower, another outstanding contribution from John Fowles.

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1974
Publication Order of Anthologies
2 books 1987–2016
1

The Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories

The Penguin Book of Modern British Short Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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1987
2

Winter: A Folio Anthology

Winter: A Folio Anthology is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of John Fowles have come to expect.

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2016

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is John Fowles?

John Fowles is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 22 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books, Publication Order of Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best John Fowles series to start with?

For readers new to John Fowles's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 7 books. Begin with The Collector to start from the very beginning.

How many books has John Fowles written?

John Fowles has written over 22 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read John Fowles books in order?

Yes, reading John Fowles'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 John Fowles write in?

John Fowles writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 22 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are John Fowles's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of John Fowles'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 John Fowles's most popular book?

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