J

Julian May

Bestselling Author • 10 Series • 50 Books

10
Series
50
Books
10
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books
Start with: Johnny Unitas and the Long Pass (1972)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Galactic Milieu Trilogy Books
Start with: Jack the Bodiless (1991)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Trillium Books
Start with: Blood Trillium (1992)

About Julian May

Author Julian May was born on July 10, 1931 in Chicago, Illinois and was the oldest of four kids. As a child, she was known as Judy May; which she would alter and use as one of her pen names (Judy Ditky). Her parents are named Matthew May (his full last name was Majewski) and Julia Feilen May. She grew up in Elmwood Park, Illinois, which is a suburb of Chicago. For awhile, she published a fanzine called “Interim Newsletter” after getting into the science fiction fandom in her late teens. She sold her very first story in 1950 to John W. Campbell’s Astounding Science Fiction, the story was called “Dune Roller”. The story appeared the next year (published under the name J. C. May) along with her own illustrations. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series, Julian May 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 Julian May

Publication Order of Pliocene Exile Books
4 books 1981–1984
1

The Many-Colored Land

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Pliocene Exile Books with The Many-Colored Land, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1981
2

The Golden Torc

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Pliocene Exile Books with The Golden Torc, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1982
3

The Nonborn King

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Pliocene Exile Books with The Nonborn King, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1983
4

The Adversary

The Adversary is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Pliocene Exile Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1984
Publication Order of Galactic Milieu Trilogy Books
3 books 1991–1995
1

Jack the Bodiless

Jack the Bodiless continues the Publication Order of Galactic Milieu Trilogy Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1991
2

Diamond Mask

Diamond Mask continues the Publication Order of Galactic Milieu Trilogy Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1994
3

Magnificat

Magnificat is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Galactic Milieu Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1995
Publication Order of Trillium Books
2 books 1992–1996
1

Blood Trillium

A gripping mystery unfolds in Blood Trillium as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Trillium Books series showcases Julian May's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1992
2

Sky Trillium

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Trillium Books with Sky Trillium, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1996
Publication Order of Rampart Worlds Books
3 books 1995–2001
1

Orion Arm

Orion Arm is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rampart Worlds Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1995
2

Perseus Spur

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Rampart Worlds Books with Perseus Spur, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1999
3

Sagittarius Whorl

Sagittarius Whorl is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Rampart Worlds Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2001
Publication Order of Boreal Moon Books
3 books 2003–2006
1

Conqueror's Moon

Conqueror's Moon continues the Publication Order of Boreal Moon Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
2003
2

Ironcrown Moon

Ironcrown Moon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Boreal Moon Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2005
3

Sorcerer's Moon

Magic takes center stage in Sorcerer's Moon, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Boreal Moon Books series that expands the enchanting world created by Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
2006
Publication Order of Intervention Books
3 books 1987–1987
1

Surveillance

Surveillance continues the Publication Order of Intervention Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1987
2

Metaconcert

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Intervention Books with Metaconcert, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1987
3

Intervention

Intervention is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Intervention Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1987
Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books
20 books 1972–1977
1

Johnny Unitas and the Long Pass

Johnny Unitas and the Long Pass continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1972
2

Willie Mays, Most Valuable Player

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Willie Mays, Most Valuable Player, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1972
3

Fran Tarkenton, Scrambling Quarterback

Fran Tarkenton, Scrambling Quarterback continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1973
4

Bobby Orr, Star On Ice

Bobby Orr, Star On Ice is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1973
5

Ernie Banks, Home Run Slugger

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Ernie Banks, Home Run Slugger, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1973
6

Roberto Clemente and the World Series Upset

Roberto Clemente and the World Series Upset is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1973
7

Gale Sayers, Star Running Back

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Gale Sayers, Star Running Back, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1973
8

Bobby Hull, Hockey's Golden Jet

Bobby Hull, Hockey's Golden Jet is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1974
9

Billie Jean King, Tennis Champion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Billie Jean King, Tennis Champion, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1974
10

Hank Aaron Clinches The Pennant

Hank Aaron Clinches The Pennant continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1974
11

O.J. Simpson

O.J. Simpson is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1974
12

Evel Knievel, Daredevil Stuntman

Evel Knievel, Daredevil Stuntman continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
13

Janet Lynn, Figure Skating Star

Janet Lynn, Figure Skating Star continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
14

Chris Evert

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Chris Evert, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1975
15

Muhammad Ali, Boxing Superstar

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Muhammad Ali, Boxing Superstar, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1975
16

Frank Robinson

Frank Robinson continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
17

Phil Esposito, The Big Bruin

Phil Esposito, The Big Bruin continues the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1975
18

Arthur Ashe, Dark Star Of Tennis

Arthur Ashe, Dark Star Of Tennis is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1975
19

Evonne Goolagong

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Evonne Goolagong, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1975
20

Pelé, World Soccer Star

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books with Pelé, World Soccer Star, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1977
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
9 books 1971–1982
1

The Land Beneath the Sea

The Land Beneath the Sea is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1971
2

Frankenstein

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Frankenstein, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1977
3

Gazetteer of the Hyborian World of Conan

Gazetteer of the Hyborian World of Conan is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1977
4

Frankenstein Meets Wolfman

Frankenstein Meets Wolfman is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1981
5

The Mummy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Mummy, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1981
6

Creature from the Black Lagoon

Creature from the Black Lagoon continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Julian May's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

Buy on Amazon
1981
7

It Came from Outer Space

It Came from Outer Space is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1982
8

The Deadly Mantis

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Deadly Mantis as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Julian May's mastery of suspense.

Buy on Amazon
1982
9

The Blob

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Blob, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1982
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
1 books 1984–1984
1

A Pliocene Companion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with A Pliocene Companion, another outstanding contribution from Julian May.

Buy on Amazon
1984
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 1961–2015
1

Robots and Thinking Machines

Robots and Thinking Machines is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
1961
2

There's Adventure in Atomic Energy

There's Adventure in Atomic Energy is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Julian May have come to expect.

Buy on Amazon
2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Julian May?

Julian May is a bestselling author known for 10 book series containing over 50 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Pliocene Exile Books, Publication Order of Galactic Milieu Trilogy Books, Publication Order of Trillium Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Julian May series to start with?

For readers new to Julian May's work, the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 20 books. Begin with Johnny Unitas and the Long Pass to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Julian May written?

Julian May has written over 50 books across 10 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Julian May books in order?

Yes, reading Julian May'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 Julian May write in?

Julian May writes primarily in fiction. With 10 series across 50 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Julian May's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Julian May'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 Julian May's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Julian May's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Sports Close-Up Books series. The first book, Johnny Unitas and the Long Pass, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.