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May Sarton

Bestselling Author • 5 Series • 57 Books

5
Series
57
Books
5
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Bridge of Years (1946)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Picture Books
Start with: A Walk through the Woods (1976)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Plant Dreaming Deep (1968)

About May Sarton

She was born the only child of George Sarton, historian of science, and Mabel Eleanor Elwes, the English artist. May, along with the rest of her family were required to flee after the Reichswehr’s invasion in the year 1915, and the family settled in Massachusetts, when she was only four years old. During her late teens, she began taking theater lessons, while continuing to write poetry throughout all of her adolescence. May attended the Shady Hill School in Cambridge, one of the country’s first progressive schools, for eight years. By the time she graduated high school, she decided she would become an actress after she saw Eva Le Gallienne perform in a play called “The Cradle Song”. When she was seventeen she left home in order to join New York’s Civic Repertory Theater. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, May Sarton 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 May Sarton

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
20 books 1946–1991
1

The Bridge of Years

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

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1946
2

Shadow of a Man

Shadow of a Man continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1950
3

A Shower Of Summer Days

A Shower Of Summer Days continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1952
4

Faithful Are The Wounds

Faithful Are The Wounds continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1955
5

The Fur Person

The Fur Person is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1957
6

The Birth of a Grandfather

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Birth of a Grandfather, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1957
7

The Small Room

The Small Room continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
8

Joanna and Ulysses

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Joanna and Ulysses, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1963
9

Mrs. Stevens Hears the Mermaids Singing

Mrs. Stevens Hears the Mermaids Singing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1965
10

Miss Pickthorn and Mr. Hare

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Miss Pickthorn and Mr. Hare, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1966
11

The Poet and the Donkey

The Poet and the Donkey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1969
12

Kinds of Love

Kinds of Love explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by May Sarton.

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1970
13

As We Are Now

As We Are Now continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
14

Punch's Secret

Punch's Secret continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1974
15

Crucial Conversations

Crucial Conversations is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1976
16

A Reckoning

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with A Reckoning, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1978
17

Anger

Anger continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
18

The Magnificent Spinster

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

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1985
19

The Education of Harriet Hatfield

The Education of Harriet Hatfield continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
20

The Single Hound

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

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1991
Publication Order of Picture Books
1 books 1976–1976
1

A Walk through the Woods

A Walk through the Woods continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
18 books 1968–1999
1

Plant Dreaming Deep

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Plant Dreaming Deep, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1968
2

Journal of a Solitude

Journal of a Solitude is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1973
3

A World of Light: Portraits And Celebrations

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with A World of Light: Portraits And Celebrations, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1976
4

The House by the Sea: A Journal

The House by the Sea: A Journal continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1977
5

Recovering: A Journal

Recovering: A Journal is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1980
6

At Seventy

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

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1984
7

May Sarton: A Self-Portrait

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with May Sarton: A Self-Portrait, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1986
8

I Knew A Phoenix: Sketches for an Autobiography

I Knew A Phoenix: Sketches for an Autobiography continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
9

After the Stroke

After the Stroke continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
10

Endgame: A Journal of the Seventy-Ninth Year

Endgame: A Journal of the Seventy-Ninth Year is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1992
11

Encore: A Journal of the Eightieth Year: A Journal of the Eightieth Year

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Encore: A Journal of the Eightieth Year: A Journal of the Eightieth Year, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1993
12

May Sarton Among the Usual Days: A Portrait

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with May Sarton Among the Usual Days: A Portrait, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1993
13

From May Sarton's Well: Writings of May Sarton

From May Sarton's Well: Writings of May Sarton continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
14

May Sarton: Excerpts from a Life : Journals and Memoirs

May Sarton: Excerpts from a Life : Journals and Memoirs is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1994
15

At Eighty-Two

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with At Eighty-Two, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1995
16

Writings on Writing

Writings on Writing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1995
17

May Sarton: Selected Letters, 1916-1954

May Sarton: Selected Letters, 1916-1954 continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
18

Dear Juliette: Letters of May Sarton to Juliette Huxley

Dear Juliette: Letters of May Sarton to Juliette Huxley continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
Publication Order of Collections
15 books 1937–2024
1

Encounter in April

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Encounter in April, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1937
2

Inner Landscape

Inner Landscape is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1939
3

As Does New Hampshire, And Other Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with As Does New Hampshire, And Other Poems, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1967
4

A Grain of Mustard Seed

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with A Grain of Mustard Seed, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1970
5

A Durable Fire

A Durable Fire is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1972
6

Collected poems (1930-1973)

Collected poems (1930-1973) is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1974
7

Selected Poems of May Sarton

Selected Poems of May Sarton is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1978
8

Sarton Selected: An Anthology of the Journals, Novels, and Poetry of May Sarton

Sarton Selected: An Anthology of the Journals, Novels, and Poetry of May Sarton continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980
9

Halfway to Silence: New Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Halfway to Silence: New Poems, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1980
10

Letters from Maine

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Letters from Maine, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1984
11

The Silence Now: New and Uncollected Early Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Silence Now: New and Uncollected Early Poems, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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1988
12

Collected Poems, 1930-1993

Collected Poems, 1930-1993 continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
13

Coming into Eighty: Poems

Coming into Eighty: Poems is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1994
14

A Private Mythology: Poems

A Private Mythology: Poems continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1996
15

As Does New Hampshire

As Does New Hampshire continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
Publication Order of Anthologies
3 books 1994–2001
1

Writing Women's Lives

Writing Women's Lives is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of May Sarton have come to expect.

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1994
2

American Poetry: The Twentieth Century, Volume 2

American Poetry: The Twentieth Century, Volume 2 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with May Sarton's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
3

Gods and Mortals: Modern Poems on Classical Myths

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Gods and Mortals: Modern Poems on Classical Myths, another outstanding contribution from May Sarton.

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2001

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is May Sarton?

May Sarton is a bestselling author known for 5 book series containing over 57 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Picture Books, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best May Sarton series to start with?

For readers new to May Sarton's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 20 books. Begin with The Bridge of Years to start from the very beginning.

How many books has May Sarton written?

May Sarton has written over 57 books across 5 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read May Sarton books in order?

Yes, reading May Sarton'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 May Sarton write in?

May Sarton writes primarily in fiction. With 5 series across 57 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

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