🎯 Where Should I Start?
ⓘ About Samuel R. Delany
Samuel R. Delany is an American author of fiction. He was born in New York City on April 1, 1942. His middle name is Ray and some of his friends call him by his unofficial nickname Chip. He is a published writer that generally writes in the genre of science fiction. His writing has won several awards and appeared on film several times as himself and once acting in a short. Delany was raised in Harlem by his mother and father. They were a prominent black family that lived on the top two floors of a private house of three stories. His mother worked as a library clerk in the public libraries of New York City. His father ran a funeral home in Harlem that did well and ran from 1938 until he passed in 1960. Delany based some of his characters on his aunts s in Atlantis: Model 1924, a novella. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Anthologies series, Samuel R. Delany 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 Samuel R. Delany
Captives of the Flame / Out of the Dead City
A gripping mystery unfolds in Captives of the Flame / Out of the Dead City as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of The Fall of the Towers Books series showcases Samuel R. Delany's mastery of suspense.
The Towers of Toron
The Towers of Toron continues the Publication Order of The Fall of the Towers Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
City of a Thousand Suns
City of a Thousand Suns is an essential installment in the Publication Order of The Fall of the Towers Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Tales of Nevèrÿon
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Return to Nevèrÿon Books with Tales of Nevèrÿon, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Neveryóna
Neveryóna continues the Publication Order of Return to Nevèrÿon Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Flight from Nevèrÿon
Flight from Nevèrÿon continues the Publication Order of Return to Nevèrÿon Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Bridge of Lost Desire / Return to Neveryon
The Bridge of Lost Desire / Return to Neveryon explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Return to Nevèrÿon Books series by Samuel R. Delany.
The Ballad of Beta-2
The Ballad of Beta-2 continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Babel-17
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Babel-17, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Einstein Intersection
The Einstein Intersection continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Nova
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Nova, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Tides of Lust
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Tides of Lust, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Dhalgren
Dhalgren continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Tritón / Trouble on Triton
Tritón / Trouble on Triton is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Empire
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Empire, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Stars in My Pocket Like Grains of Sand, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
They Fly At Çiron
They Fly At Çiron continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Hogg
Hogg continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Mad Man
The Mad Man continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Dark Reflections
Dark Reflections continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Through the Valley of the Nest of Spiders
Through the Valley of the Nest of Spiders continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Voyage, Orestes!
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Voyage, Orestes!, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Shoat Rumblin: His Sensations and Ideas
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Shoat Rumblin: His Sensations and Ideas, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Jewels of Aptor
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Jewels of Aptor, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Empire Star
Empire Star continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Home Is the Hangman/We, in Some Strange Power's Employ, Move on a Rigorous Line
Home Is the Hangman/We, in Some Strange Power's Employ, Move on a Rigorous Line continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Bread and Wine
Bread and Wine is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Phallos
Phallos continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Aye, and Gomorrah
Aye, and Gomorrah is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Driftglass
Driftglass is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Distant Stars
Distant Stars continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Complete Nebula Award-Winning Fiction
Conflict and courage define The Complete Nebula Award-Winning Fiction, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Collections series by Samuel R. Delany that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Driftglass/Starshards
Driftglass/Starshards is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Atlantis
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Atlantis, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
A, B, C
A, B, C is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
The Novels of Samuel R. Delany Volume One
The Novels of Samuel R. Delany Volume One continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Occasional Views, Volume 1
Occasional Views, Volume 1 continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Occasional Views, Volume 2
Occasional Views, Volume 2 continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Roots of Imagination: A Chrestomathy
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Roots of Imagination: A Chrestomathy, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Last and First Tales
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Last and First Tales, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Jewel-Hinged Jaw
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Jewel-Hinged Jaw, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The American Shore
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The American Shore, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Heavenly Breakfast
Heavenly Breakfast continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Starboard Wine
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Starboard Wine, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Motion of Light in Water
The Motion of Light in Water is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Wagner Artaud
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Wagner Artaud, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Straits of Messina
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Straits of Messina, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Silent Interviews
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Silent Interviews, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Longer Views
Longer Views is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Times Square Red, Times Square Blue
Times Square Red, Times Square Blue is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
1984
1984 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Shorter Views
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Shorter Views, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Black Gay Man
Black Gay Man continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
About Writing
About Writing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Conversations with Samuel R. Delany
Conversations with Samuel R. Delany continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Letters from Amherst
Letters from Amherst is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Occasional Views, Volume 1
Occasional Views, Volume 1 continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Of Solids and Surds
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Of Solids and Surds, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Occasional Views, Volume 2
Occasional Views, Volume 2 continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Tragedy of Ophelia: Two Essays
The Tragedy of Ophelia: Two Essays is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Times Square Red, Times Square Blue
Times Square Red, Times Square Blue is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Sexual Cultures Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Dangerous Visions
Dangerous Visions is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Dangerous Visions 3
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Dangerous Visions 3, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Quark 1
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Quark 1, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Shores Beneath
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Shores Beneath, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Quark 4
Quark 4 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Those Who Can: A Science Fiction Reader
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Those Who Can: A Science Fiction Reader, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Alpha 5
Alpha 5 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Wondermakers 2
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Wondermakers 2, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Cosmos Science Fiction and Fantasy, November 1977
Cosmos Science Fiction and Fantasy, November 1977 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Nebula Awards 13
Conflict and courage define Nebula Awards 13, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Samuel R. Delany that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
TriQuarterly 49: Science Fiction
TriQuarterly 49: Science Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Three: Nebula Winners 1965-1969
The Science Fiction Hall of Fame, Volume Three: Nebula Winners 1965-1969 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
What If? Volume 3
What If? Volume 3 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Nebula Award Stories 3
Conflict and courage define Nebula Award Stories 3, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series by Samuel R. Delany that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.
Worlds Apart
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Worlds Apart, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
diacritics: a review of contemporary criticism
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with diacritics: a review of contemporary criticism, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Mississippi Review 47 / 48
Mississippi Review 47 / 48 is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Storming the Reality Studio
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Storming the Reality Studio, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Fiction International 22
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Fiction International 22, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Avant-Pop: Fiction for a Daydream Nation
Avant-Pop: Fiction for a Daydream Nation is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
The Mammoth Book of Erotica
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Mammoth Book of Erotica, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Swords of the Rainbow
Epic adventure awaits in Swords of the Rainbow, a landmark entry in the Publication Order of Anthologies series that raises the stakes across the realm Samuel R. Delany has built.
Shade
Shade continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
Boys Like Us: Gay Writers Tell Their Coming Out Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Boys Like Us: Gay Writers Tell Their Coming Out Stories, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with A Century of Speculative Fiction from the African Diaspora, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Ultimate Cyberpunk
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Ultimate Cyberpunk, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Supermen
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Supermen, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Reading the Bones
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Reading the Bones, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
110 Stories
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 110 Stories, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Space Opera Renaissance
The Space Opera Renaissance continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The WisCon Chronicles, Volume 1
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The WisCon Chronicles, Volume 1, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Fiction's Present
Fiction's Present is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
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 Samuel R. Delany.
Ecce Kosti Addenda
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Ecce Kosti Addenda, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
The Shadows Took Shape
The Shadows Took Shape continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
The Sixth Science Fiction Megapack
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Sixth Science Fiction Megapack, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Telling Tales: The Clarion West 30th Anniversary Anthology
Telling Tales: The Clarion West 30th Anniversary Anthology is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Cross Worlds: Transcultural Poetics: An Anthology
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Cross Worlds: Transcultural Poetics: An Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
Mermaids and Other Mysteries of the Deep
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Mermaids and Other Mysteries of the Deep, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
People of Color Destroy Science Fiction!
People of Color Destroy Science Fiction! is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 2018
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy 2018 continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Samuel R. Delany's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.
I Transgress
I Transgress is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Samuel R. Delany have come to expect.
Out of the Ruins: The Apocalyptic Anthology
Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Out of the Ruins: The Apocalyptic Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Samuel R. Delany.
? Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Samuel R. Delany?
Samuel R. Delany is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 104 books. Popular series include Publication Order of The Fall of the Towers Books, Publication Order of Return to Nevèrÿon Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.
What is the best Samuel R. Delany series to start with?
For readers new to Samuel R. Delany's work, the Publication Order of Anthologies series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 43 books. Begin with Dangerous Visions to start from the very beginning.
How many books has Samuel R. Delany written?
Samuel R. Delany has written over 104 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.
Should I read Samuel R. Delany books in order?
Yes, reading Samuel R. Delany'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 Samuel R. Delany write in?
Samuel R. Delany writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 104 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.
Are Samuel R. Delany's books standalone or must they be read as a series?
Most of Samuel R. Delany'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 Samuel R. Delany's most popular book?
Based on reader reviews and sales data, Samuel R. Delany's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Anthologies series. The first book, Dangerous Visions, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.