P

Peter Carey

Bestselling Author • 4 Series • 25 Books

4
Series
25
Books
4
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Bliss (1981)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: The Fat Man In History / Exotic Pleasures (1974)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: 30 Days in Sydney (2001)

About Peter Carey

Peter Carey is a reputed Australian author known for writing historical fiction and cultural novels. He is known to have written many standalone books in his career till date. His list of popular works also comprise of several collections of short stories, juvenile fiction and nonfiction novels, screenplays, and stage shows. Author Carey was born as Peter Philip Carey on May 07, 1943, in Bacchus Marsh, Victoria, Australia. His notable works include the novels Oscar & Lucinda, Bliss, His Illegal Self, Amnesia, Theft: A Love Story, etc. Author Carey has been active in the writing field since 1974. During the course of his literary career, he has been the recipient of the Miles Franklin Award for three times. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Peter Carey 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 Carey

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
15 books 1981–2017
1

Bliss

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

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1981
2

Illywhacker

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

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1985
3

Oscar and Lucinda

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

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1988
4

The Tax Inspector

The Tax Inspector continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
5

The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Unusual Life of Tristan Smith, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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1994
6

The Big Bazoohley

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Big Bazoohley, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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1995
7

Jack Maggs

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Jack Maggs, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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1997
8

True History of the Kelly Gang

True History of the Kelly Gang continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2000
9

My Life as a Fake

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with My Life as a Fake, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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2003
10

Theft

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

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2006
11

His Illegal Self

His Illegal Self continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
12

Parrot and Olivier in America

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Parrot and Olivier in America, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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2009
13

The Chemistry of Tears

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Chemistry of Tears, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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2012
14

Amnesia

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Amnesia, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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2014
15

A Long Way From Home

A Long Way From Home continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2017
Publication Order of Collections
3 books 1974–1995
1

The Fat Man In History / Exotic Pleasures

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Fat Man In History / Exotic Pleasures, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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1974
2

War Crimes

The investigation intensifies in War Crimes, as this installment of the Publication Order of Collections series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Peter Carey's creation.

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1979
3

Collected Stories

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

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1995
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
2 books 2001–2004
1

30 Days in Sydney

30 Days in Sydney continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
2

Wrong About Japan

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Wrong About Japan, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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2004
Publication Order of Anthologies
5 books 2000–2018
1

Swallowing Film Short Film Fiction

Swallowing Film Short Film Fiction is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Peter Carey have come to expect.

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2000
2

110 Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 110 Stories, another outstanding contribution from Peter Carey.

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2004
3

The Best Australian Science Fiction

The Best Australian Science Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2005
4

Rotten English

Rotten English continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
5

Writers: Their Lives and Works

Writers: Their Lives and Works continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Peter Carey's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Peter Carey?

Peter Carey is a bestselling author known for 4 book series containing over 25 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Collections, Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Peter Carey series to start with?

For readers new to Peter Carey's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 15 books. Begin with Bliss to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Peter Carey written?

Peter Carey has written over 25 books across 4 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Peter Carey books in order?

Yes, reading Peter Carey'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 Carey write in?

Peter Carey writes primarily in fiction. With 4 series across 25 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

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

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

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