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Sam Kean

Bestselling Author • 1 Series • 8 Books

1
Series
8
Books
1
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
Start with: The Disappearing Spoon (2010)

About Sam Kean

Sam Kean is the New York Times best-selling author of history, science and nonfiction novels. The author was brought up in South Dakota and thinks the world of the State. As a child, he loved reading and was a fast reader which meant he read a lot of books. As a teenager, she studied English and Physics at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities. She then went on to become a teacher at a St. Paul experimental charter school in which the lessons were given at night. Once he grew tired of that, he tried to move to Europe but ended up going to Washington to study. He would get his library science masters degree from the Catholic University of America and this has helped him in the research for his novel even though he probably will never use it professionally. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, Sam Kean 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 Sam Kean

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
8 books 2010–2025
1

The Disappearing Spoon

The Disappearing Spoon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sam Kean have come to expect.

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2010
2

The Violinist's Thumb

The Violinist's Thumb continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Sam Kean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
3

The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons, another outstanding contribution from Sam Kean.

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2014
4

Caesar's Last Breath

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Caesar's Last Breath, another outstanding contribution from Sam Kean.

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2017
5

The Disappearing Spoon: Young Listeners Edition

The Disappearing Spoon: Young Listeners Edition continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Sam Kean's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
6

The Bastard Brigade

The Bastard Brigade is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sam Kean have come to expect.

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2019
7

The Icepick Surgeon

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Icepick Surgeon, another outstanding contribution from Sam Kean.

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2021
8

Dinner with King Tut

Dinner with King Tut is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Sam Kean have come to expect.

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2025

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Sam Kean?

Sam Kean is a bestselling author known for 1 book series containing over 8 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Sam Kean series to start with?

For readers new to Sam Kean's work, the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 8 books. Begin with The Disappearing Spoon to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Sam Kean written?

Sam Kean has written over 8 books across 1 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Sam Kean books in order?

Yes, reading Sam Kean'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 Sam Kean write in?

Sam Kean writes primarily in fiction. With 1 series across 8 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Sam Kean's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Sam Kean'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 Sam Kean's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Sam Kean's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series. The first book, The Disappearing Spoon, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.