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ⓘ About Robert Van Gulik
Robert Van Gulik was one of the best known authors from the Netherlands, who was famous for writing successful historical mystery books and short stories. He was particularly well known for writing the Judge Dee mystery series. After being born in Holland, author Gulik spent most of his early years in Jakarta, Indonesia. During the time of his stay over there, she learned different languages. He returned back to his home country and obtained his PhD from the Leiden University in the year 1935. Immediately after, he joined the Foreign Service of Netherlands and started working in the linguistics department. At the time of the breakout of the Second World War, author Gulik was in Tokyo. He was evacuated and sent to China. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, Robert Van Gulik 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 Robert Van Gulik
Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
The Chinese Bell Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Bell Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Chinese Gold Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Gold Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Chinese Lake Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Lake Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Chinese Nail Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Nail Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Haunted Monastery
The Haunted Monastery is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Red Pavilion
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with The Red Pavilion, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
The Chinese Maze Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Maze Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Lacquer Screen
The Lacquer Screen continues the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Emperor's Pearl
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with The Emperor's Pearl, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
The Monkey and The Tiger
The Monkey and The Tiger continues the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Phantom of the Temple
The Phantom of the Temple is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Willow Pattern
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with The Willow Pattern, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
Murder in Canton
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Canton as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
Judge Dee at Work
Judge Dee at Work is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
Necklace and Calabash
Necklace and Calabash continues the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Poets and Murder / The Fox-Magic Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in Poets and Murder / The Fox-Magic Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
The Chinese Gold Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Gold Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Lacquer Screen
The Lacquer Screen continues the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Judge Dee at Work
Judge Dee at Work is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Chinese Lake Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Lake Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Monkey and The Tiger
The Monkey and The Tiger continues the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Haunted Monastery
The Haunted Monastery is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Chinese Bell Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Bell Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Red Pavilion
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with The Red Pavilion, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
The Emperor's Pearl
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with The Emperor's Pearl, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
Poets and Murder / The Fox-Magic Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in Poets and Murder / The Fox-Magic Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
Necklace and Calabash
Necklace and Calabash continues the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Chinese Maze Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Maze Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Phantom of the Temple
The Phantom of the Temple is an essential installment in the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Chinese Nail Murders
A gripping mystery unfolds in The Chinese Nail Murders as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Willow Pattern
Readers dive deeper into the world of Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books with The Willow Pattern, another outstanding contribution from Robert Van Gulik.
Murder in Canton
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Canton as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
The Given Day
The Given Day continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Sexual Life in Ancient China
Sexual Life in Ancient China is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Lore of the Chinese Lute: An Essay on the Ideology of the Ch'in
The Lore of the Chinese Lute: An Essay on the Ideology of the Ch'in continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Crime and Punishment in Ancient China
The investigation intensifies in Crime and Punishment in Ancient China, as this installment of the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Robert Van Gulik's creation.
Chinese Pictorial Art
Chinese Pictorial Art is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
Erotic Colour Prints of the Ming Period
Erotic Colour Prints of the Ming Period is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
Siddham
Siddham is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
Scrapbook for Chinese Collectors
Scrapbook for Chinese Collectors continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Robert Van Gulik's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Murder in Ancient China
A gripping mystery unfolds in Murder in Ancient China as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Chicago Shorts Books series showcases Robert Van Gulik's mastery of suspense.
Historical Whodunits
Historical Whodunits is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Robert Van Gulik have come to expect.
The Oxford Book of Detective Stories
The investigation intensifies in The Oxford Book of Detective Stories, as this installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series takes readers deeper into the criminal underworld of Robert Van Gulik's creation.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Robert Van Gulik?
Robert Van Gulik is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 45 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books, Chronological Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Robert Van Gulik series to start with?
For readers new to Robert Van Gulik's work, the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 17 books. Begin with Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Robert Van Gulik written?
Robert Van Gulik has written over 45 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Robert Van Gulik books in order?
Yes, reading Robert Van Gulik'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 Robert Van Gulik write in?
Robert Van Gulik writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 45 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Robert Van Gulik's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Robert Van Gulik'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 Robert Van Gulik's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Robert Van Gulik's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books series. The first book, Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.