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William Goldman

Bestselling Author • 6 Series • 30 Books

6
Series
30
Books
6
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: The Temple of Gold (1957)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Screenplay Books
Start with: Absolute Power (2000)

About William Goldman

A novelist, playwright and screenwriter, the American writer William Goldman has carved himself a long and extensive career. With a highly impressive list of works, he’s a master of his craft and looked up to by both his peers and contemporaries alike. Having created a whole host of famous works, he’s become almost an institution, as many have attempted to mimic his work and will continue to do so for many years to come. Early and Personal Life Born in 1931 on the 12th of August, William Goldman was born and raised in Chicago in Highland Park, Illinois. Brought up in a Jewish family, his life and writing were greatly influenced by his upbringing during his early years. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, William Goldman 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 William Goldman

Publication Order of Babe Levy Books
2 books 1974–1986
1

Marathon Man

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Babe Levy Books with Marathon Man, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1974
2

Brothers

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Babe Levy Books with Brothers, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1986
Publication Order of Screenplay Books
3 books 2000–2003
1

Absolute Power

Absolute Power is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Screenplay Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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2000
2

The Ghost and the Darkness

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Screenplay Books with The Ghost and the Darkness, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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2000
3

Dreamcatcher

Dreamcatcher continues the Publication Order of Screenplay Books story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2003
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
16 books 1957–1989
1

The Temple of Gold

The Temple of Gold continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1957
2

Soldier in the Rain

Conflict and courage define Soldier in the Rain, an action-packed entry in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series by William Goldman that puts the heroes through their toughest challenges yet.

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1961
3

Boys and Girls Together

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Boys and Girls Together, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1964
4

Your Turn to Curtsy, My Turn to Bow

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Your Turn to Curtsy, My Turn to Bow, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1966
5

The Thing of It Is

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Thing of It Is, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1967
6

Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1968
7

Father's Day

Father's Day is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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1970
8

The Princess Bride

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with The Princess Bride, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1973
9

Wigger

Wigger is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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1974
10

Magic

Magic takes center stage in Magic, a spellbinding addition to the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series that expands the enchanting world created by William Goldman.

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1976
11

Tinsel

Tinsel is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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1979
12

Control

Control is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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1982
13

The Silent Gondoliers

The Silent Gondoliers continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
14

The Colour of Light

The Colour of Light is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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1984
15

Edged Weapons / Heat

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Standalone Novels with Edged Weapons / Heat, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1985
16

No Way to Treat a Lady

No Way to Treat a Lady continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1989
Publication Order of Collections
1 books 1997–1997
1

William Goldman: Four Screenplays with Essays

William Goldman: Four Screenplays with Essays is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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1997
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
7 books 1969–2018
1

The Season

The Season continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1969
2

Story Of A Bridge Too Far

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Story Of A Bridge Too Far, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1977
3

Adventures in the Screen Trade

Adventures in the Screen Trade continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1983
4

Hype and Glory

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Hype and Glory, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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1990
5

The Big Picture

The Big Picture is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of William Goldman have come to expect.

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2000
6

Which Lie Did I Tell?

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with Which Lie Did I Tell?, another outstanding contribution from William Goldman.

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2000
7

Passing the Torch

Passing the Torch continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2018
Publication Order of Anthologies
1 books 1980–1980
1

The Best of All Possible Worlds

The Best of All Possible Worlds continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with William Goldman's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1980

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is William Goldman?

William Goldman is a bestselling author known for 6 book series containing over 30 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Babe Levy Books, Publication Order of Screenplay Books, Publication Order of Standalone Novels. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best William Goldman series to start with?

For readers new to William Goldman's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 16 books. Begin with The Temple of Gold to start from the very beginning.

How many books has William Goldman written?

William Goldman has written over 30 books across 6 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read William Goldman books in order?

Yes, reading William Goldman'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 William Goldman write in?

William Goldman writes primarily in fiction. With 6 series across 30 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are William Goldman's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of William Goldman'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 William Goldman's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, William Goldman's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, The Temple of Gold, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.