R

R.A. Lafferty

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 95 Books

7
Series
95
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Anthologies
Start with: Science Fiction Oddities (1966)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of The Devil Is Dead Trilogy Books
Start with: The Devil Is Dead (1971)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Past Master (1968)

About R.A. Lafferty

Raphael Aloysius Lafferty was an American fantasy and science fiction author published under the penname R.A Lafferty. He is best known for his unique use of metaphor, language, narrative structure, and etymological wit. He also authored a historical book, a set of four autobiographical novels, and different stories that are loosely historical fiction. Eight of the twenty-one stories in this book were in the Best of R.A. Lafferty collection, although it in no way diminishes the brilliance of the other works. It isn’t easy to compare Lafferty’s stories to one another as they all are brilliantly written, and any best-of compilation would only be a random selection from a pool where any story may qualify. The Six Fingers of Time is one of his more famous works. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, R.A. Lafferty 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 R.A. Lafferty

Publication Order of The Coscuin Chronicles Books
2 books 1971–1984
1

The Flame is Green

The Flame is Green is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Coscuin Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1971
2

Half a Sky

Half a Sky is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Coscuin Chronicles Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1984
Publication Order of The Devil Is Dead Trilogy Books
3 books 1971–1984
1

The Devil Is Dead

A gripping mystery unfolds in The Devil Is Dead as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Devil Is Dead Trilogy Books series showcases R.A. Lafferty's mastery of suspense.

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1971
2

Archipelago

Archipelago continues the Publication Order of The Devil Is Dead Trilogy Books story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1979
3

More Than Melchisedech

More Than Melchisedech is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Devil Is Dead Trilogy Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1984
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
14 books 1968–1992
1

Past Master

Past Master is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1968
2

The Reefs of Earth

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Reefs of Earth, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1968
3

Space Chantey

Space Chantey is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1968
4

Fourth Mansions

Fourth Mansions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1969
5

The Fall of Rome

The Fall of Rome is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1971
6

Arrive at Easterwine

Arrive at Easterwine continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
7

Okla Hannali

Okla Hannali is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1972
8

Not to Mention Camels

Not to Mention Camels continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1976
9

Aurelia

Aurelia continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1982
10

Annals of Klepsis

Annals of Klepsis is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1983
11

Tales of Midnight

Tales of Midnight is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1984
12

Serpent's Egg

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Serpent's Egg, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1987
13

Sindbad

Sindbad is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1989
14

Iron Tears

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Iron Tears, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1992
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
23 books 1960–2017
1

Adam Had Three Brothers

Adam Had Three Brothers is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1960
2

The Six Fingers of Time

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Six Fingers of Time, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1960
3

Through Other Eyes

Through Other Eyes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1960
4

The Ugly Sea

The Ugly Sea is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1960
5

All the People

All the People is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1961
6

In the Garden

In the Garden is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1961
7

Aloys

Aloys continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1961
8

Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas

Sodom and Gomorrah, Texas continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1962
9

Slow Tuesday Night

Slow Tuesday Night is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1965
10

Alaric

Alaric continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
11

Groaning Hinges of the World

Groaning Hinges of the World continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1971
12

Eurema's Dam

Eurema's Dam is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1972
13

Horns on Their Heads

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Horns on Their Heads, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1976
14

Funnyfingers & Cabrito

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Funnyfingers & Cabrito, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1976
15

The Back Door Of History

The Back Door Of History is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1988
16

Strange Skies

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Strange Skies, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1988
17

True Believers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with True Believers, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1988
18

Promontory Goats

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Promontory Goats, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1988
19

Mischief Malicious

Mischief Malicious is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1991
20

Dream World

Dream World continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
21

McGonigal's Worm

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with McGonigal's Worm, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2016
22

The Polite People of Pudibundia

The Polite People of Pudibundia is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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2016
23

The Weirdest World

The Weirdest World is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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2017
Publication Order of Collections
15 books 1970–2019
1

Nine Hundred Grandmothers

Nine Hundred Grandmothers continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1970
2

Strange Doings

Strange Doings continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
3

Does Anyone Else Have Something Further to Add?

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Does Anyone Else Have Something Further to Add?, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1974
4

Apocalypses

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Apocalypses, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1977
5

Ringing Changes

Ringing Changes is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1979
6

Golden Gate and Other Stories

Golden Gate and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1982
7

Snake In His Bosom And Other Stories

Snake In His Bosom And Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
8

Man Who Made Models and Other Stories

Man Who Made Models and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
9

Slippery And Other Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Slippery And Other Stories, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1985
10

East of Laughter

East of Laughter is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1988
11

Dotty

Dotty is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1990
12

Lafferty in Orbit

Lafferty in Orbit continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
13

The Man Who Made Models

The Man Who Made Models continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2013
14

The Man Who Walked Through Cracks

The Man Who Walked Through Cracks is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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2019
15

The Best of R. A. Lafferty

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Best of R. A. Lafferty, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2019
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
3 books 1984–1992
1

It's Down the Slippery Cellar Stairs

It's Down the Slippery Cellar Stairs continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
2

Cranky Old Man From Tulsa

Cranky Old Man From Tulsa is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1990
3

Tales Of Chicago

Tales Of Chicago is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1992
Publication Order of Anthologies
35 books 1966–2015
1

Science Fiction Oddities

Science Fiction Oddities is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1966
2

Dangerous Visions 3

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Dangerous Visions 3, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1967
3

Orbit 6

Orbit 6 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1970
4

Alchemy and Academe

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Alchemy and Academe, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1970
5

This Side of Infinity

This Side of Infinity continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
6

Young Demons

Young Demons continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1972
7

Alpha 3

Alpha 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1972
8

Frontiers 1: Tomorrow's Alternatives

Frontiers 1: Tomorrow's Alternatives continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1973
9

Demon Kind

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Demon Kind, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1973
10

Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow...

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow..., another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1974
11

Other Dimensions

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Other Dimensions, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1974
12

Future Corruption

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Future Corruption, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1975
13

Antigrav

Antigrav is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1975
14

The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series IV

The Year's Best Horror Stories: Series IV is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1976
15

Whispers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Whispers, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1977
16

Chrysalis Volume 2

Chrysalis Volume 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1978
17

Chrysalis 3

Chrysalis 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1978
18

Chrysalis 4

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Chrysalis 4, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1979
19

Chrysalis 6

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Chrysalis 6, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1980
20

The Berkley Showcase: Vol. 2

The Berkley Showcase: Vol. 2 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of R.A. Lafferty have come to expect.

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1980
21

Chrysalis 8

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Chrysalis 8, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1980
22

The Berkley Showcase: Vol. 4

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Berkley Showcase: Vol. 4, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1981
23

Perpetual Light

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Perpetual Light, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1982
24

Great Tales of Fantasy and Science Fiction

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great Tales of Fantasy and Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1985
25

Terry's Universe: Science fiction's finest writers join in honoring the memory of Terry Carr

Terry's Universe: Science fiction's finest writers join in honoring the memory of Terry Carr continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1987
26

Now We Are Sick

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Now We Are Sick, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1991
27

The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror Fourth Annual Collection

The Year's Best Fantasy and Horror Fourth Annual Collection continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1991
28

Fourth Annual Collection

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fourth Annual Collection, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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1991
29

Explorers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Explorers, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2000
30

Supermen

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Supermen, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2002
31

Futures Past

Futures Past continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with R.A. Lafferty's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2006
32

The Mammoth Book of Extreme Fantasy

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Extreme Fantasy, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2008
33

More Fantastic Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with More Fantastic Stories, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2009
34

The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Wesleyan Anthology of Science Fiction, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2010
35

Feast of Laughter: Volume 2

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Feast of Laughter: Volume 2, another outstanding contribution from R.A. Lafferty.

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2015

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is R.A. Lafferty?

R.A. Lafferty is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 95 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Coscuin Chronicles Books, Publication Order of The Devil Is Dead Trilogy Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best R.A. Lafferty series to start with?

For readers new to R.A. Lafferty's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 35 books. Begin with Science Fiction Oddities to start from the very beginning.

How many books has R.A. Lafferty written?

R.A. Lafferty has written over 95 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read R.A. Lafferty books in order?

Yes, reading R.A. Lafferty'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 R.A. Lafferty write in?

R.A. Lafferty writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 95 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are R.A. Lafferty's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of R.A. Lafferty'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 R.A. Lafferty's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, R.A. Lafferty's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Science Fiction Oddities, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.