P

Peter Ackroyd

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 70 Books

8
Series
70
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: Notes for a New Culture (1976)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The History of England Books
Start with: Foundation (2011)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books
Start with: Aspiring Spirit (2005)

About Peter Ackroyd

Peter Ackroyd is an English biographer and novelist who has always been fascinated with the culture and history of the city of London. As a twenty two year old, he wrote “Ackroyd’s Notes for New Culture” that he would publish four years later. The title was inspired by “Notes Towards the Definition of Culture” by TS Elliot that was first published in 1948. The publishing of this work showed his tendency to creatively reexamine and explore the works of several London based authors. The author Peter Ackroyd began his literary career writing poetry such as “Diversions Of Purley” and “London Lickpenny.” He would later on go into fiction where he would become an award winning author. In 1987, he was shortlisted for the Booker Prize and won the James Tait Black Memorial Prize in 1998. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Peter Ackroyd 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 Peter Ackroyd

Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books
7 books 1980–2015
1

Chaucer

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books with Chaucer, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1980
2

J.M.W. Turner

J.M.W. Turner continues the Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2002
3

Newton

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books with Newton, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2006
4

Poe

Poe continues the Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
5

Wilkie Collins

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books with Wilkie Collins, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2012
6

Charlie Chaplin

Charlie Chaplin continues the Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2014
7

Alfred Hitchcock

Alfred Hitchcock continues the Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
Publication Order of The History of England Books
6 books 2011–2021
1

Foundation

Foundation continues the Publication Order of The History of England Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2011
2

Tudors

Tudors is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The History of England Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2012
3

Rebellion / Civil War

Conflict and courage define Rebellion / Civil War, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of The History of England Books series by Peter Ackroyd that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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2014
4

Revolution

Revolution continues the Publication Order of The History of England Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
5

Dominion

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of The History of England Books with Dominion, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2018
6

Innovation

Innovation is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The History of England Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2021
Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books
4 books 2005–2005
1

Aspiring Spirit

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books with Aspiring Spirit, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2005
2

The Upstart Crow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books with The Upstart Crow, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2005
3

A Muse of Fire

A Muse of Fire continues the Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
4

The Onlie Begetter

The Onlie Begetter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2005
Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books
6 books 2003–2005
1

The Beginning

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books with The Beginning, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2003
2

Kingdom of the Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in Kingdom of the Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books series showcases Peter Ackroyd's mastery of suspense.

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2004
3

Escape from Earth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books with Escape from Earth, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2004
4

Cities of Blood

A gripping mystery unfolds in Cities of Blood as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books series showcases Peter Ackroyd's mastery of suspense.

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2004
5

Ancient Rome

Ancient Rome continues the Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
6

Ancient Greece

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Voyages Through Time Books with Ancient Greece, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2005
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
19 books 1982–2020
1

The Great Fire of London

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Great Fire of London, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1982
2

The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Last Testament of Oscar Wilde, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1983
3

Hawksmoor

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

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1985
4

Chatterton

Chatterton continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
5

First Light

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with First Light, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1989
6

English Music

English Music continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1992
7

The House of Doctor Dee

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The House of Doctor Dee, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1993
8

Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem / The Trial of Elizabeth Cree / The Limehouse

Dan Leno and the Limehouse Golem / The Trial of Elizabeth Cree / The Limehouse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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1994
9

Milton in America

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Milton in America, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1996
10

The Plato Papers

The Plato Papers continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
11

The Clerkenwell Tales

The Clerkenwell Tales is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2003
12

The Lambs of London

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Lambs of London, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2004
13

The Fall of Troy

The Fall of Troy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
14

The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein

The Casebook of Victor Frankenstein continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
15

The Canterbury Tales: A Retelling

The Canterbury Tales: A Retelling is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2009
16

The Death of King Arthur

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Death of King Arthur as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Peter Ackroyd's mastery of suspense.

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2010
17

The Mystery of Charles Dickens

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Mystery of Charles Dickens, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2012
18

Three Brothers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Three Brothers, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2013
19

Mr. Cadmus

Mr. Cadmus is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2020
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
24 books 1976–2025
1

Notes for a New Culture

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Notes for a New Culture, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1976
2

Dressing Up

Dressing Up is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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1979
3

Ezra Pound and His World

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Ezra Pound and His World, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1980
4

T.S. Eliot

T.S. Eliot is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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1984
5

Dickens' London

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Dickens' London, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1987
6

Introduction to Dickens

Introduction to Dickens continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
7

The Life of Thomas More

The Life of Thomas More continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
8

Blake

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Blake, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1995
9

London: The Biography

London: The Biography is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2000
10

The Collection

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Collection, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2001
11

Dickens: Public Life and Private Passion

Dickens: Public Life and Private Passion is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2002
12

Albion: The Origins of the English Imagination

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Albion: The Origins of the English Imagination, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2002
13

Illustrated London

Illustrated London is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2003
14

Shakespeare: The Biography

Shakespeare: The Biography is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2005
15

The Thames: Sacred River

The Thames: Sacred River continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
16

Venice: Pure City

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Venice: Pure City, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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2007
17

A Brief Guide to William Shakespeare

A Brief Guide to William Shakespeare is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2010
18

The English Ghost

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

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2010
19

London Under

London Under is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2011
20

Queer City

Queer City is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2017
21

Colours of London

Colours of London is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2022
22

The English Actor: From Medieval to Modern

The English Actor: From Medieval to Modern continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
23

The English Soul

The English Soul continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2024
24

Forgotten London

Forgotten London is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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2025
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 1973–1987
1

London Lickpenny

London Lickpenny continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Peter Ackroyd's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
2

Country Life

Country Life is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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1978
3

The Diversions Of Purley And Other Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Diversions Of Purley And Other Poems, another outstanding contribution from Peter Ackroyd.

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1987
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 1996–1996
1

New Worlds No. 221

New Worlds No. 221 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Ackroyd have come to expect.

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1996

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Peter Ackroyd?

Peter Ackroyd is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 70 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Ackroyd's Brief Lives Books, Publication Order of The History of England Books, Publication Order of Shakespeare: the Biography Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Peter Ackroyd series to start with?

For readers new to Peter Ackroyd's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 24 books. Begin with Notes for a New Culture to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Peter Ackroyd written?

Peter Ackroyd has written over 70 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Peter Ackroyd books in order?

Yes, reading Peter Ackroyd'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 Peter Ackroyd write in?

Peter Ackroyd writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 70 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Peter Ackroyd's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Peter Ackroyd'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 Peter Ackroyd's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Peter Ackroyd's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, Notes for a New Culture, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.