L

Lester Del Rey

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 67 Books

6
Series
67
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Famous Science-Fiction Stories: Adventures in Time and Space (1946)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Rocket Jockey (1952)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Pursuit (1952)

About Lester Del Rey

Told from Rex’s point of view, this is a great sci-fi book for children. First published in 1965, it is incredible how much this story appeals to the current generation. While the storyline is quite simple, the book comes without the fluff, and there are some excellent lessons for young minds as well. Read about a robot who wants so much to be human. What Rex doesn’t realize is that he is as close to human as possible. The robot has deep feelings for his friend, and the whining when things do not go his way is human. Here is also a chance to read about another planet If you are looking for a science fiction book that will entertain and mentally challenge your child, The Runaway Robot is ideal. The book is also perfect for adults looking to reconnect with their inner child. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Lester Del Rey 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 Lester Del Rey

Publication Order of Jim Stanley Books
3 books 1954–1961
1

Step to the Stars

Step to the Stars is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jim Stanley Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1954
2

Mission to the Moon

Mission to the Moon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jim Stanley Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1956
3

Moon of Mutiny

Moon of Mutiny is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Jim Stanley Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1961
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
20 books 1952–1971
1

Rocket Jockey

Rocket Jockey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1952
2

Marooned on Mars

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Marooned on Mars, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1952
3

The Mysterious Planet

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Mysterious Planet, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1953
4

Attack from Atlantis

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Attack from Atlantis, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1953
5

Rockets to Nowhere

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Rockets to Nowhere, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1954
6

Nerves

Nerves continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1956
7

Day of the Giants

Day of the Giants continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
8

The Eleventh Commandment

The Eleventh Commandment is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1962
9

Outpost of Jupiter

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Outpost of Jupiter, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1963
10

The Runaway Robot

The Runaway Robot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1965
11

Tunnel Through Time

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Tunnel Through Time, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1966
12

The Cave of Spears

The Cave of Spears is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1966
13

Scheme of Things

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Scheme of Things, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1966
14

The One-Eyed Man

The One-Eyed Man is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1966
15

Rocket From Infinity

Rocket From Infinity continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1966
16

Siege Perilous

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Siege Perilous, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1966
17

Prisoners of Space

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Prisoners of Space, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1968
18

The Infinite Worlds of Maybe

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Infinite Worlds of Maybe, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1968
19

The Man without a Planet

The Man without a Planet continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1969
20

Pstalemate

Pstalemate continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
8 books 1952–2010
1

Pursuit

Pursuit continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
2

Let 'em Breathe Space!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Let 'em Breathe Space!, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1953
3

The Sky Is Falling

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Sky Is Falling, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1954
4

No Strings Attached

No Strings Attached continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1954
5

The Life Watch

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Life Watch, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1954
6

Badge of Infamy

Badge of Infamy continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1957
7

Victory

Victory continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
8

Dead Ringer

A gripping mystery unfolds in Dead Ringer as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Lester Del Rey's mastery of suspense.

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2010
Publication Order of Collections
10 books 1948–2011
1

...And Some Were Human

...And Some Were Human is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1948
2

Robots and Changelings

Robots and Changelings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1957
3

Mortals and Monsters

Mortals and Monsters is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1965
4

Gods and Golems

Gods and Golems is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1973
5

Early Del Rey

Early Del Rey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1975
6

The Early Del Rey Vol 2

The Early Del Rey Vol 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1976
7

The Best of Lester del Rey

The Best of Lester del Rey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1978
8

War and Space

Conflict and courage define War and Space, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Collections series by Lester Del Rey that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2009
9

Robots and Magic

Magic takes center stage in Robots and Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Collections series that expands the enchanting world created by Lester Del Rey.

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2010
10

Lester del Rey Collection

Lester del Rey Collection is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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2011
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
1 books 1975–1975
1

The World of Science Fiction, 1926-1976: The History of a Subculture

The World of Science Fiction, 1926-1976: The History of a Subculture is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1975
Publication Order of Anthologies
25 books 1946–2025
1

Famous Science-Fiction Stories: Adventures in Time and Space

Famous Science-Fiction Stories: Adventures in Time and Space is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1946
2

Astounding Science Fiction: Volume 53, No. 6, August 1954

Astounding Science Fiction: Volume 53, No. 6, August 1954 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1954
3

Star Science Fiction Stories 3

Star Science Fiction Stories 3 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1955
4

Novelets of Science Fiction

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Novelets of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1963
5

Best Science Fiction Stories of the Year, 1st Annual

Best Science Fiction Stories of the Year, 1st Annual is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1971
6

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume II A

The Science Fiction Hall of Fame: Volume II A continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
7

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, May 1974

The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, May 1974 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1974
8

Fantastic Science-Fiction Art 1926-1954

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fantastic Science-Fiction Art 1926-1954, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1975
9

Science Fiction Hall of Fame: The Novellas Book 1

Science Fiction Hall of Fame: The Novellas Book 1 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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1975
10

Best Science Fiction Stories of the Year: Fifth Annual Collection

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Best Science Fiction Stories of the Year: Fifth Annual Collection, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1977
11

Fantastic World War II

Conflict and courage define Fantastic World War II, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Lester Del Rey that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1990
12

Once Upon a Time

Once Upon a Time continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
13

100 Wild Little Weird Tales

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 100 Wild Little Weird Tales, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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1994
14

The End of the World: Stories of the Apocalypse

The End of the World: Stories of the Apocalypse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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2010
15

Bonus Sci-Fi Anthology 12 Masterpieces From Golden Era

Bonus Sci-Fi Anthology 12 Masterpieces From Golden Era is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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2012
16

The Ninth Science Fiction Megapack

The Ninth Science Fiction Megapack continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
17

Out of this World Adventures, July 1950

Out of this World Adventures, July 1950 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
18

The Alien MEGAPACK®: 25 Modern and Classic Science Fiction Stories

The Alien MEGAPACK®: 25 Modern and Classic Science Fiction Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
19

Science Fiction Gems, Volume Twelve

Science Fiction Gems, Volume Twelve continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Lester Del Rey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
20

Space Pioneers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Space Pioneers, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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2018
21

Black Cat Weekly #22

Black Cat Weekly #22 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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2022
22

Black Cat Weekly #53

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Black Cat Weekly #53, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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2022
23

Black Cat Weekly #130

Black Cat Weekly #130 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Lester Del Rey have come to expect.

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2024
24

Amazing Stories Volume 194

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Amazing Stories Volume 194, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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2024
25

Epic Sci-Fi Odyssey

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Epic Sci-Fi Odyssey, another outstanding contribution from Lester Del Rey.

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2025

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Lester Del Rey?

Lester Del Rey is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 67 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Jim Stanley Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Lester Del Rey series to start with?

For readers new to Lester Del Rey's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 25 books. Begin with Famous Science-Fiction Stories: Adventures in Time and Space to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Lester Del Rey written?

Lester Del Rey has written over 67 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Lester Del Rey books in order?

Yes, reading Lester Del Rey'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 Lester Del Rey write in?

Lester Del Rey writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 67 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Lester Del Rey's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Lester Del Rey'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 Lester Del Rey's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Lester Del Rey's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Famous Science-Fiction Stories: Adventures in Time and Space, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.