Z

Zora Neale Hurston

Bestselling Author • 7 Series • 59 Books

7
Series
59
Books
7
Active

🎯 Where Should I Start?

Best Starting Point
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
Start with: Jonah's Gourd Vine (1934)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
Start with: Drenched in Light (1924)
Popular Choice
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
Start with: Mules and Men (1935)

About Zora Neale Hurston

About Zora Neale Hurston An American folklorist, as well as being a highly regarded author, the writer Zora Neale Hurston was well known for being a well established voice during her time. Creating a rich and varied backlog of work, she would come to create a number of books that were extremely well received through her career. Producing a full and extensive oeuvre, she has definitely left a legacy which will be heard for many years to come yet. Early and Personal Life Born on the 7th of January 1891, the author Zora Neale Hurston would come to have a long productive writing career for the duration of her life. The sixth of eight children, she was born to father who was a preacher and sharecropper, along with her mother who was a schoolteacher. Rising to prominence with the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, Zora Neale Hurston 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 Zora Neale Hurston

Publication Order of Standalone Novels
6 books 1934–2025
1

Jonah's Gourd Vine

Jonah's Gourd Vine is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1934
2

Their Eyes Were Watching God

Their Eyes Were Watching God is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1937
3

Moses, Man of the Mountain

Moses, Man of the Mountain is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1939
4

Seraph on the Suwanee

Seraph on the Suwanee continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1948
5

Barracoon

Barracoon is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2018
6

The Life of Herod the Great

The Life of Herod the Great continues the Publication Order of Standalone Novels story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2025
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
4 books 1924–2023
1

Drenched in Light

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas with Drenched in Light, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1924
2

The Gilded Six-Bits

The Gilded Six-Bits is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1986
3

Sweat

Sweat is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1997
4

The Mule-Bone

The Mule-Bone continues the Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
17 books 1935–2022
1

Mules and Men

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Mules and Men, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1935
2

I Love Myself When I Am Laughing... And Then Again

I Love Myself When I Am Laughing... And Then Again explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by Zora Neale Hurston.

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1979
3

Hurston Reader

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Hurston Reader, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1979
4

The Sanctified Church

The Sanctified Church continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1981
5

Spunk!

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Spunk!, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1985
6

The Complete Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with The Complete Stories, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1995
7

Novels and Stories

Novels and Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1995
8

Zora Neale Hurston: Stories

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Zora Neale Hurston: Stories, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1995
9

Zora Neale Hurston: Plays

Zora Neale Hurston: Plays continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
10

Go Gator and Muddy the Water

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Go Gator and Muddy the Water, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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1999
11

Every Tongue Got to Confess

Every Tongue Got to Confess continues the Publication Order of Short Story Collections story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
12

In Search of Our Sister's Garden

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with In Search of Our Sister's Garden, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2003
13

What's the Hurry, Fox?

What's the Hurry, Fox? is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2004
14

Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Hitting a Straight Lick with a Crooked Stick, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2020
15

I Love Myself When I Am Laughing... And Then Again When I Am Looking Mean and Impressive

I Love Myself When I Am Laughing... And Then Again When I Am Looking Mean and Impressive explores the depths of love and connection in this compelling entry of the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series by Zora Neale Hurston.

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2020
16

Bookmarks in the Pages of Life

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Short Story Collections with Bookmarks in the Pages of Life, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2020
17

Collected Early Works

Collected Early Works is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Short Story Collections series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Plays
5 books 2009–2022
1

Three Plays: Lawing and Jawing; Forty Yards; Woofing

Three Plays: Lawing and Jawing; Forty Yards; Woofing is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2009
2

De Turkey an de Law

De Turkey an de Law continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2015
3

Spunk: A Play

Spunk: A Play continues the Publication Order of Plays story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2016
4

Three Plays: Meet the Mamma, Color Struck and Spunk

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Plays with Three Plays: Meet the Mamma, Color Struck and Spunk, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2022
5

Color Struck

Color Struck is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Plays series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2022
Publication Order of Picture Books
1 books 2023–2023
1

The Making of Butterflies

The Making of Butterflies continues the Publication Order of Picture Books story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books
11 books 1928–2023
1

How It Feels to Be Colored Me

How It Feels to Be Colored Me is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1928
2

Tell My Horse

Tell My Horse is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1938
3

Dust Tracks on a Road

Dust Tracks on a Road continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1942
4

Folklore, Memoirs, and Other Writings

Folklore, Memoirs, and Other Writings is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1995
5

Bottle Up and Go

Bottle Up and Go is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1995
6

Complete Essays

Complete Essays continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1997
7

Collected Essays

Collected Essays continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1998
8

You Don't Know Us Negroes and Other Essays

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with You Don't Know Us Negroes and Other Essays, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2022
9

You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays

You Don’t Know Us Negroes and Other Essays is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2022
10

The Last Slave Ship

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books with The Last Slave Ship, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2023
11

Cudjo's Own Story of the Last African Slaver

Cudjo's Own Story of the Last African Slaver continues the Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2023
Publication Order of Anthologies
15 books 1959–2021
1

The Saturday Review Gallery

The Saturday Review Gallery continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1959
2

The Best Short Stories by Black Writers

The Best Short Stories by Black Writers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1967
3

Louisiana Stories

Louisiana Stories is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1990
4

Florida Stories

Florida Stories continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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1993
5

Writing Women's Lives

Writing Women's Lives is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1994
6

Downhome

Downhome is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1995
7

The Prize Plays and Other One-Acts Published in Periodicals

The Prize Plays and Other One-Acts Published in Periodicals is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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1996
8

Writing New York

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

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1998
9

The Messenger Reader Stories, Poetry, and Essays from The Messenger Magazine

The Messenger Reader Stories, Poetry, and Essays from The Messenger Magazine is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2000
10

Mothers Through the Eyes of Women Writers

Mothers Through the Eyes of Women Writers continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2001
11

Rotten English

Rotten English continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2007
12

Graphic Classics, Volume 22: African-American Classics

Readers dive deeper into the world of Publication Order of Anthologies with Graphic Classics, Volume 22: African-American Classics, another outstanding contribution from Zora Neale Hurston.

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2011
13

Letters to Change the World: From Pankhurst to Orwell

Letters to Change the World: From Pankhurst to Orwell is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2018
14

American Midnight

American Midnight continues the Publication Order of Anthologies story arc with Zora Neale Hurston's signature blend of plot twists and unforgettable characters.

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2019
15

On Girlhood: 15 Stories from the Well-Read Black Girl Library

On Girlhood: 15 Stories from the Well-Read Black Girl Library is an essential installment in the Publication Order of Anthologies series, delivering the tension and character depth that fans of Zora Neale Hurston have come to expect.

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2021

? Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Zora Neale Hurston?

Zora Neale Hurston is a bestselling author known for 7 book series containing over 59 books. Popular series include Publication Order of Standalone Novels, Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas, Publication Order of Short Story Collections. Their work spans multiple genres and has captivated millions of readers worldwide.

What is the best Zora Neale Hurston series to start with?

For readers new to Zora Neale Hurston's work, the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series is the ideal entry point. It showcases the author's signature style and contains 6 books. Begin with Jonah's Gourd Vine to start from the very beginning.

How many books has Zora Neale Hurston written?

Zora Neale Hurston has written over 59 books across 7 series. This prolific output covers multiple genres, making them one of the most versatile authors in contemporary fiction.

Should I read Zora Neale Hurston books in order?

Yes, reading Zora Neale Hurston'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 Zora Neale Hurston write in?

Zora Neale Hurston writes primarily in fiction. With 7 series across 59 books, the author has explored a wide range of themes and storytelling approaches throughout their career.

Are Zora Neale Hurston's books standalone or must they be read as a series?

Most of Zora Neale Hurston'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 Zora Neale Hurston's most popular book?

Based on reader reviews and sales data, Zora Neale Hurston's most celebrated works come from the Publication Order of Standalone Novels series. The first book, Jonah's Gourd Vine, is widely considered the ideal starting point and consistently receives outstanding reader ratings.