W

Willa Cather

Bestselling Author • 8 Series • 75 Books

8
Series
75
Books
8
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Collections
Start with: A Night at Greenway Court and Other Stories (1896)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Alexander's Bridge (1912)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: The Burglar's Christmas (1896)

About Willa Cather

Cather was the first born to her family; she had siblings, Douglass, Roscoe, Jessica, Elsie, James, and John. She admitted that she was indeed closer to her brothers than her sisters whom she did not like very much. She read extensively and made friends with a Jewish couple who offered her free entry to access their extensive library. In 1896, Cather relocated to Pittsburgh after getting a writing job for the Home Monthly, a women’s magazine. Twelve months later, she became a drama critic and a telegraph editor for the Pittsburgh Leader. She also regularly contributed short fiction and poetry to The Library, a local publication. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Collections series, Willa Cather 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 Willa Cather

Publication Order of Great Plains Trilogy Books
3 books 1913–1918
1

O Pioneers!

O Pioneers! continues the Publication Order of Great Plains Trilogy Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1913
2

The Song of the Lark

The Song of the Lark continues the Publication Order of Great Plains Trilogy Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1915
3

My Ántonia

My Ántonia continues the Publication Order of Great Plains Trilogy Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1918
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
9 books 1912–1940
1

Alexander's Bridge

Alexander's Bridge continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1912
2

One of Ours

One of Ours continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1922
3

A Lost Lady

A Lost Lady is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1923
4

The Professor's House

The Professor's House is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1925
5

My Mortal Enemy

My Mortal Enemy continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1926
6

Death Comes for the Archbishop

A gripping mystery unfolds in Death Comes for the Archbishop as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series showcases Willa Cather's mastery of suspense.

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1927
7

Shadows on the Rock

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Shadows on the Rock, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1931
8

Lucy Gayheart

Lucy Gayheart explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by Willa Cather.

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1935
9

Sapphira and the Slave Girl

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Sapphira and the Slave Girl, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1940
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
15 books 1896–2004
1

The Burglar's Christmas

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Burglar's Christmas, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1896
2

On the Divide, and Eric Hermannson's Soul

On the Divide, and Eric Hermannson's Soul is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1900
3

A Death in the Desert

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Death in the Desert as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series showcases Willa Cather's mastery of suspense.

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1903
4

A Wagner Matinee

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with A Wagner Matinee, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1904
5

The Sculptor's Funeral

The Sculptor's Funeral is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1905
6

The Enchanted Bluff

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Enchanted Bluff, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1909
7

The Bohemian Girl

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with The Bohemian Girl, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1912
8

The Diamond Mine

The Diamond Mine continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1916
9

A Gold Slipper

A Gold Slipper is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1917
10

Scandal

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Scandal, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1919
11

Coming, Aphrodite! / Coming, Eden Bower!

Coming, Aphrodite! / Coming, Eden Bower! continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1920
12

Paul's Case

Paul's Case continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1920
13

Neighbour Rosicky

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Neighbour Rosicky, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1932
14

Ardessa

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Ardessa, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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2004
15

El Dorado

El Dorado is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2004
Publication Order of Collections
27 books 1896–2022
1

A Night at Greenway Court and Other Stories

A Night at Greenway Court and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1896
2

Nanette: An Aside and Other Stories

Nanette: An Aside and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1897
3

Jack-A-Boy, and El Dorado

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Jack-A-Boy, and El Dorado, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1901
4

April Twilights and Other Poems

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with April Twilights and Other Poems, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1903
5

A Death in the Desert, and The Sculptor's Funeral

A gripping mystery unfolds in A Death in the Desert, and The Sculptor's Funeral as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Collections series showcases Willa Cather's mastery of suspense.

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1905
6

The Troll Garden

The Troll Garden is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1905
7

The Namesake, and the Profile

The Namesake, and the Profile is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1907
8

A Collection of Stories, Reviews, and Essays

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with A Collection of Stories, Reviews, and Essays, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1908
9

A Gold Slipper, and Ardessa

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with A Gold Slipper, and Ardessa, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1918
10

Youth and The Bright Medusa

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with Youth and The Bright Medusa, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1920
11

The Old Beauty and Others

The Old Beauty and Others continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1948
12

Five Stories

Five Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1956
13

Willa Cather's Collected Short Fiction, 1892-1912

Willa Cather's Collected Short Fiction, 1892-1912 continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1965
14

Collected Stories

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

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1970
15

Uncle Valentine and Other Stories

Uncle Valentine and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1973
16

The Troll Garden and Selected Stories

The Troll Garden and Selected Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
17

O Pioneers! and Other Tales of the Prairie

O Pioneers! and Other Tales of the Prairie continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1999
18

The Troll Garden and Others

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Collections with The Troll Garden and Others, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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2006
19

The Count of Crow's Nest and Other Stories

The Count of Crow's Nest and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2008
20

The Professor's Commencement, and the Treasure of Far Island

The Professor's Commencement, and the Treasure of Far Island is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2008
21

The Treasure of Far Island and Other Stories

The Treasure of Far Island and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
22

A Wagner Matinee and Paul's Case

A Wagner Matinee and Paul's Case continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
23

Peter and Other Stories

Peter and Other Stories continues the Publication Order of Collections story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2008
24

Paul's Case and Other Stories

Paul's Case and Other Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2012
25

Youth and the Bright Medusa - Scholar's Choice Edition

Youth and the Bright Medusa - Scholar's Choice Edition is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2015
26

Obscure Destinies

Obscure Destinies is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2019
27

Under Far Horizons - Selected Poetry of Willa Cather

Under Far Horizons - Selected Poetry of Willa Cather is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Children's Books
1 books 1974–1974
1

Friend of My Springtime

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Children's Books with Friend of My Springtime, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1974
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
4 books 1914–1988
1

The Autobiography of S. S. McClure

The Autobiography of S. S. McClure continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1914
2

The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy and the History of Christian Science

The Life of Mary Baker G. Eddy and the History of Christian Science is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1919
3

Not Under Forty

Not Under Forty continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1936
4

Willa Cather on Writing

Willa Cather on Writing continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1988
Publication Order of Bison Classic Editions Books
2 books 1913–1915
1

O Pioneers!

O Pioneers! continues the Publication Order of Bison Classic Editions Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1913
2

The Song of the Lark

The Song of the Lark continues the Publication Order of Bison Classic Editions Books story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1915
Publication Order of Anthologies
14 books 1975–2023
1

Women and Fiction

Women and Fiction continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1975
2

Child's Ploy

Child's Ploy continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1984
3

Women on Women

Women on Women continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1990
4

Prose and Poetry of the American West

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Prose and Poetry of the American West, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1991
5

The Screaming Skull

The Screaming Skull is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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1994
6

Chloe Plus Olivia

Chloe Plus Olivia continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1994
7

Bodies of the Dead & Other Great American Ghost Stories

A gripping mystery unfolds in Bodies of the Dead & Other Great American Ghost Stories as the investigation takes deadly new turns. This installment of the Publication Order of Anthologies series showcases Willa Cather's mastery of suspense.

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1995
8

Writing New York

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Writing New York, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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1998
9

The Best American Short Stories of the Century

The Best American Short Stories of the Century is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Willa Cather have come to expect.

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2000
10

40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with 40 Short Stories: A Portable Anthology, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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2000
11

Great American Ghost Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Great American Ghost Stories, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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2008
12

Great Short Stories by American Women

Great Short Stories by American Women continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Willa Cather's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2012
13

Writers: Their Lives and Works

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

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2018
14

The Dover Anthology of Classic Christmas Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with The Dover Anthology of Classic Christmas Stories, another outstanding contribution from Willa Cather.

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2023

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Willa Cather?

Willa Cather is a bestselling author known for 8 book series containing over 75 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Great Plains Trilogy Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Willa Cather series to start with?

For readers new to Willa Cather's work, the Publication Order of Collections series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 27 books. Begin with A Night at Greenway Court and Other Stories to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Willa Cather written?

Willa Cather has written over 75 books across 8 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Willa Cather books in order?

Yes, reading Willa Cather'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 Willa Cather write in?

Willa Cather writes primarily in fiction. With 8 series across 75 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Willa Cather's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Willa Cather'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 Willa Cather's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Willa Cather's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Collections series. The first book, A Night at Greenway Court and Other Stories, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.