J

Jonathan Raban

Bestselling Author • 3 Series • 19 Books

3
Series
19
Books
3
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Foreign Land (1985)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Technique of Modern Fiction (1968)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Travel Writing (1984)

About Jonathan Raban

His family was not very well off but what they had were several connections in the upper middle class, a one-time country house, and a coat of arms. As for his very early beginnings, Jonathan Raban was sent to boarding school which he despised. He would ultimately end up at Hull University where he studied English. During his time there, he used to be a library committee organizer and brought to the college Philip Larkin who was known for notoriously avoiding students. In 1969, Malcolm Bradbury advised him to move to London where he began working as a freelance writer. In 1974 he published a work that was a mix of London observation and personal memoir titled “Soft City. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Jonathan Raban 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 Jonathan Raban

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
3 books 1985–2007
1

Foreign Land

Foreign Land continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1985
2

Waxwings

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Waxwings, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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2003
3

Surveillance

Surveillance continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
15 books 1968–2023
1

Technique of Modern Fiction

Technique of Modern Fiction continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
2

Mark Twain: Huckleberry Finn

Mark Twain: Huckleberry Finn continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1968
3

The Society of the Poem

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Society of the Poem, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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1971
4

Soft City

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Soft City, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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1974
5

Arabia

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

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1979
6

Old Glory: A Voyage Down the Mississippi

Old Glory: A Voyage Down the Mississippi continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
7

Bad Land

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Bad Land, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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1985
8

Coasting: A Private Voyage

Coasting: A Private Voyage continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1986
9

For Love and Money: A Writing Life, 1969-1989

For Love and Money: A Writing Life, 1969-1989 explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Jonathan Raban.

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1987
10

Hunting Mister Heartbreak

Hunting Mister Heartbreak explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Jonathan Raban.

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1990
11

The Oxford Book of the Sea

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Oxford Book of the Sea, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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1992
12

My Holy War: Dispatches from the Home Front

Conflict and courage define My Holy War: Dispatches from the Home Front, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series by Jonathan Raban that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2005
13

Driving Home: An American Journey

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Driving Home: An American Journey, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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2010
14

Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings

Passage to Juneau: A Sea and Its Meanings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Jonathan Raban have come to expect.

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2011
15

Father and Son

Father and Son continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Jonathan Raban's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 1984–1984
1

Travel Writing

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Travel Writing, another outstanding contribution from Jonathan Raban.

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1984

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Jonathan Raban?

Jonathan Raban is a bestselling author known for 3 book series containing over 19 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books, Publication Order of Anthologies. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Jonathan Raban series to start with?

For readers new to Jonathan Raban's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 3 books. Begin with Foreign Land to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Jonathan Raban written?

Jonathan Raban has written over 19 books across 3 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Jonathan Raban books in order?

Yes, reading Jonathan Raban'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 Jonathan Raban write in?

Jonathan Raban writes primarily in fiction. With 3 series across 19 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Jonathan Raban's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Jonathan Raban'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 Jonathan Raban's most popular book?

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