
Clive Barker Reading Order
22 series · 164 books · Born 1952-10-05
Clive Barker is a prolific British author, filmmaker, and visual artist whose grotesque imagination has shaped contemporary horror and fantasy since the late 1970s. Rising to prominence through his visceral *Books of Blood* short story collections, Barker crafted nightmarish worlds that transcended the page through acclaimed film adaptations including *Hellraiser* and *Candyman*, establishing him as a singular voice in dark speculative fiction. His expansive body of work spans the ornate dark fantasy of *Abarat*, occult-tinged mythologies in the *Book of the Art*, and numerous interconnected series that blend literary sophistication with unflinching visual horror, complemented by his acclaimed paintings and illustrations that blur the boundaries between fine art and genre fiction.
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Abarat Series
Complete3 books (2002–2011)
Clive Barker's Abarat trilogy consists of three fantasy novels published between 2002 and 2011, concluding with Absolute Midnight. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Abarat: The First Book of Hours, followed by Days of Magic, Nights of War, and ending with Absolute Midnight.
Start with Abarat: The First Book of Hours and read in order.
Start this series with Abarat: The First Book of Hours
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleAnthologies Series
Ongoing61 books (1986–2024)
Clive Barker's Anthologies series comprises 59 books of horror, fantasy, and non-fiction short story collections published between 1986 and 2024, with new volumes still being released. These anthologies should be read in publication order, beginning with Cutting Edge and continuing through the complete chronological sequence. The series brings together work from multiple authors across varied horror and dark fantasy themes, making each volume a standalone collection while maintaining continuity as part of the larger series. This ongoing series offers readers a comprehensive exploration of contemporary and classic horror fiction across nearly four decades.
Start with Cutting Edge, the first of 59 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Cutting Edge
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Book of the Art Series
Complete2 books (1989–1994)
The Book of the Art is a complete two-book fantasy horror series by Clive Barker published between 1989 and 1994. Both novels should be read in publication order, beginning with The Great and Secret Show followed by Everville. The series combines Barker's signature blend of fantasy and horror elements across its interconnected narrative arc.
Start with The Great and Secret Show and read in order.
Start this series with The Great and Secret Show
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleBooks of Blood Series
Complete6 books (1984–1985)
The Books of Blood series by Clive Barker comprises six volumes of horror and fantasy short stories published between 1984 and 1985. This complete collection should be read in publication order, beginning with Volume 3 and continuing through Volume 6. The series showcases Barker's distinctive blend of visceral horror and imaginative storytelling across numerous standalone tales.
Start with Books Of Blood Volume 3, the first of 6 books in the Books of Blood series.
Start this series with Books Of Blood Volume 3
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Clive Barker's Book of the Damned Series
Complete4 books (1991–1993)
Clive Barker's Book of the Damned is a complete four-book series published between 1991 and 1993 that blends horror, fantasy, and non-fiction elements. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with the first book and continuing through all four installments. Each volume builds on the previous entries, making sequential reading essential to fully experience the author's vision.
Start with Book of the Damned, the first of 4 books in the Clive Barker's Book of the Damned series.
Start this series with Book of the Damned
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleClive Barker's Hellraiser (2011) Series
Complete5 books (2011–2013)
This completed horror series by Clive Barker consists of five volumes published between 2011 and 2013. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Volume 1, though readers will note that Volume 3 was released after Volume 4. All five installments are now available, making this a finished collection for fans of Barker's horror fiction.
Start with Clive Barker's Hellraiser Vol. 1, the first of 5 books in the Clive Barker's Hellraiser (2011) series.
Start this series with Clive Barker's Hellraiser Vol. 1
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleClive Barker's Next Testament Series
Complete3 books (2013–2015)
Clive Barker's Next Testament is a complete three-volume horror and fantasy series published between 2013 and 2015. The volumes should be read in publication order, beginning with Volume 1 and continuing through Volume 3 to experience the full narrative arc.
Start with Clive Barker's Next Testament Vol. 1 and read in order.
Start this series with Clive Barker's Next Testament Vol. 1
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleEncyclopocalypse Classics Series
Ongoing11 books (1978–2024)
The Encyclopocalypse Classics is an ongoing fantasy and horror series featuring 11 books published between 1978 and 2024, with contributions from multiple authors including Clive Barker alongside writers such as John Shirley, Steve Niles, and Ramsey Campbell. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Odd Job and continuing through The Nightmare Blonde as the most recent entry. Each installment combines elements of fantasy and horror across various narrative styles and collaborative efforts.
Start with The Odd Job(By: Bernard McKenna,Colin Bostock-Smith), the first of 11 books in the Encyclopocalypse Classics series.
Start this series with The Odd Job(By: Bernard McKenna,Colin Bostock-Smith)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Foundations of Fear Anthology Series
Complete4 books (1992–1994)
The Foundations of Fear Anthology is a four-volume horror collection series edited by Clive Barker and David G. Hartwell, published between 1992 and 1994. Beginning with An Exploration of Horror and continuing through three thematic volumes titled Shadows of Fear, Worlds of Fear, and Visions of Fear, the series gathers classic and contemporary horror fiction from renowned authors including Stephen King, H.P. Lovecraft, Richard Matheson, and Octavia E. Butler. The series is complete and should be read in publication order to experience Barker's curated progression through the foundations and evolution of horror literature.
Start with An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear(With: George R.R. Martin,Robert A. Heinlein,David G. Hartwell,Peter Straub,Richard Matheson,Daphne du Maurier,Carlos Fuentes,Arthur Machen,Gerald Durrell), the first of 4 books in the Foundations of Fear Anthology series.
Start this series with An Exploration of Horror: Foundations of Fear(With: George R.R. Martin,Robert A. Heinlein,David G. Hartwell,Peter Straub,Richard Matheson,Daphne du Maurier,Carlos Fuentes,Arthur Machen,Gerald Durrell)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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Galilee Series
Complete1 book (1998–1998)
Graphic Novels Series
Complete2 books (2008–2018)
Clive Barker's complete graphic novel series consists of two books published between 2008 and 2018. Age of Desire, created with P. Craig Russell, was followed by Edgar Allan Poe Turns 200: Halloween Comic Book, a collaboration with Roger Corman. These works should be read in publication order, beginning with Age of Desire.
Start with Age of Desire(With: P. Craig Russell) and read in order.
Start this series with Age of Desire(With: P. Craig Russell)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleHellraiser Series
Complete1 book (2027–2027)
Imajica Series
Complete3 books (1991–1995)
Clive Barker's Imajica is a three-book fantasy-horror series published between 1991 and 1995, now complete. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with Imajica, followed by The Fifth Dominion, and concluding with The Reconciliation.
Start with Imajica and read in order.
Start this series with Imajica
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleMondo Series
Complete4 books (1993–1996)
The Mondo series is a four-book collection of anthologies edited by Clive Barker, published between 1993 and 1996, featuring original fiction and essays from numerous acclaimed writers. Each volume in the series focuses on a different cultural icon: Mondo Barbie, Mondo Elvis, Mondo Marilyn, and Mondo James Dean. The series is complete and should be read in publication order to experience how each volume explores its subject through diverse literary perspectives. These anthologies blend fantasy, horror, and cultural commentary through contributions from both established and emerging authors.
Start with Mondo Barbie(By: John Varley,Lynne Barrett,Julia Alvarez,Philip Levine,A.M. Homes,David Trinidad,Sandra Cisneros,Marge Piercy,Gary Soto,Roberta Allen,Alice McDermott,Hilary Tham,Lyn Lifshin,Rebecca Brown,Denise Duhamel,Lucinda Ebersole,Richard Peabody,Jeanne Beaumont,Lynne McMahon,Kathryn Harrison,Patricia Storace,Richard Grayson,Leslie Shiel,Laura Costas,Sharon Henry,Cookie Lupton,Lisa B. Herskovits,Belinda Subraman,Ellie Schoenfeld,Sparrow .,Gregg Shapiro,Cathryn Hankla,Wayne E. Kline,Jose Padua,Jeff Weddle), the first of 4 books in the Mondo series.
Start this series with Mondo Barbie(By: John Varley,Lynne Barrett,Julia Alvarez,Philip Levine,A.M. Homes,David Trinidad,Sandra Cisneros,Marge Piercy,Gary Soto,Roberta Allen,Alice McDermott,Hilary Tham,Lyn Lifshin,Rebecca Brown,Denise Duhamel,Lucinda Ebersole,Richard Peabody,Jeanne Beaumont,Lynne McMahon,Kathryn Harrison,Patricia Storace,Richard Grayson,Leslie Shiel,Laura Costas,Sharon Henry,Cookie Lupton,Lisa B. Herskovits,Belinda Subraman,Ellie Schoenfeld,Sparrow .,Gregg Shapiro,Cathryn Hankla,Wayne E. Kline,Jose Padua,Jeff Weddle)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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| 1 | Mondo Barbie(By: John Varley,Lynne Barrett,Julia Alvarez,Philip Levine,A.M. Homes,David Trinidad,Sandra Cisneros,Marge Piercy,Gary Soto,Roberta Allen,Alice McDermott,Hilary Tham,Lyn Lifshin,Rebecca Brown,Denise Duhamel,Lucinda Ebersole,Richard Peabody,Jeanne Beaumont,Lynne McMahon,Kathryn Harrison,Patricia Storace,Richard Grayson,Leslie Shiel,Laura Costas,Sharon Henry,Cookie Lupton,Lisa B. Herskovits,Belinda Subraman,Ellie Schoenfeld,Sparrow .,Gregg Shapiro,Cathryn Hankla,Wayne E. Kline,Jose Padua,Jeff Weddle) |
| 2 | Mondo Elvis(By: Howard Waldrop,Cornelius Eady,Mark Childress,Susie Mee,Nick Cave,Mark Winegardner,Rafael Alvarez,Greil Marcus,Pagan Kennedy,Lucinda Ebersole,Richard Peabody,Lynne McMahon,Cathryn Hankla,Samuel Charters,Rachel Salazar,Eleanor Earle Crockett,Diane Wakoski,Judy Vernon,David Wojahn,William McCranor Henderson,Janice Eidus,Elizabeth Ash Vélez,Laura Kalpakian,Eri Makino,Ai,Michael Wilkerson,Brian Gilmore) |
| 3 | Mondo Marilyn(With: J.G. Ballard,Michael Hemmingson,Doris Grumbach,Beth Meacham,Lynne Tillman,Charles Bukowski,David Trinidad,Tom Whalen,Sharon Olds,Leslie Pietrzyk,Lyn Lifshin,Nanci Griffith,Robert Peters,Lucinda Ebersole,Richard Peabody,Jeanne Beaumont,Gregg Shapiro,Judy Grahn,Sam Toperoff,Julia P. Dubner,Bill Morris,John Rechy,L.A. Lantz,Phyllis Burke,Hillary Johnson,Rita Valencia,Michael Lally,Eleanor E. Crocket,Taylor Mead,Susan Compo,Rosanne Daryl Thomas) |
| 4 | Mondo James Dean(By: Lewis Shiner,Jack C. Haldeman II,Bentley Little,Michael Hemmingson,Chuck Taylor,Michael Martone,Louisa Ermelino,Terence Winch,Lucinda Ebersole,Richard Peabody,Sparrow .,Janice Eidus,Ai,Tino Villanueva,Edwin Corley,Robert Ready,Reuben Jackson,Stephanie Hart,D.E. Steward,David Plumb,Ed Graczyk,Hilary Howard,James Finney Boylan,Miranda Schwartz) |
Non-Fiction Series
Complete6 books (1991–2008)
Clive Barker's non-fiction series comprises six books published between 1991 and 2008, exploring the artist's creative vision, influences, and artistic philosophy. Most volumes were created in collaboration with editor Stephen Jones, offering insights into Barker's work across visual art, film, and literature. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Clive Barker's Shadows in Eden and concluding with The Painter, the Creature, and the Father of Lies.
Start with Clive Barker's Shadows in Eden(With: Stephen Jones), the first of 6 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Clive Barker's Shadows in Eden(With: Stephen Jones)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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P. Craig Russell Graphic Novels Series
Complete3 books (1992–2008)
P. Craig Russell's graphic novel adaptations span three complete works published between 1992 and 2008, all of which should be read in publication order. The collection includes Murder Mysteries adapted from Neil Gaiman's short story, Age of Desire based on Clive Barker's work, and a graphic adaptation of Neil Gaiman's Coraline. These standalone graphic novels showcase Russell's distinctive illustration style applied to contemporary fantasy and horror narratives.
Start with Murder Mysteries(By: Neil Gaiman,P. Craig Russell) and read in order.
Start this series with Murder Mysteries(By: Neil Gaiman,P. Craig Russell)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudiblePlayscripts Series
Likely Complete6 books (1999–2021)
This collection of six theatrical works by Clive Barker spans from 1999 to 2021 and should be read in publication order, beginning with The History of the Devil. The series comprises dramatic pieces that showcase Barker's distinctive voice across fantasy and horror themes. While the series appears to be complete, it remains a testament to Barker's contributions to experimental theater and dramatic literature.
Start with The History of the Devil, the first of 6 books in the Playscripts series.
Start this series with The History of the Devil
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleRoger Corman Graphic Novels Series
Complete1 book (2018–2018)
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete16 books (1984–2018)
Clive Barker's short stories and novellas collection spans 16 volumes published between 1984 and 2018, presenting a complete series best experienced in publication order. Beginning with Dread and concluding over three decades later, these tales showcase Barker's mastery of horror and dark fantasy across standalone and interconnected narratives. The collection includes his acclaimed novella The Hellbound Heart, which inspired the Hellraiser film, alongside original stories that demonstrate his range as a writer in genres from pure horror to surreal fantasy.
Start with Dread, the first of 16 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with Dread
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Short Story Collections Series
Complete12 books (1984–2018)
Clive Barker's Short Story Collections series spans 12 volumes published between 1984 and 2018, beginning with the foundational Books of Blood trilogy and concluding with Clive Barker's the Body Book. The series should be read in publication order to experience Barker's evolution as a writer across horror and fantasy short fiction over more than three decades. This complete series includes the classic early collections alongside later compilations and retrospectives that showcase his range across multiple genres including non-fiction works.
Start with Books of Blood I-III, the first of 12 books in the Short Story Collections series.
Start this series with Books of Blood I-III
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Standalone Novels Series
Complete7 books (1985–2007)
Clive Barker's seven standalone novels span from 1985 to 2007, each offering a distinct dark fantasy or horror story independent of the others. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Damnation Game and concluding with Mister B. Gone. The complete series showcases Barker's evolution as a novelist across fantasy, horror, and imaginative fiction over more than two decades.
Start with The Damnation Game, the first of 7 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Damnation Game
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleThe Dark Descent Series
Complete3 books (1987–1991)
The Dark Descent is a complete three-book horror and fantasy series by Clive Barker, published between 1987 and 1991. The volumes should be read in publication order, beginning with Volume I: The Color of Evil, followed by The Medusa In The Shield and concluding with A Fabulous, Formless Darkness. This series offers Barker's distinctive blend of dark imagination across its full trilogy arc.
Start with Volume I: The Color of Evil and read in order.
Start this series with Volume I: The Color of Evil
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Clive Barker written?
- Clive Barker has written 164 books across 22 series. Their published works span from 1978 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Clive Barker series?
- Here are the first books in Clive Barker's series: Abarat: Abarat: The First Book of Hours; Anthologies: Cutting Edge; Book of the Art: The Great and Secret Show; Books of Blood: Books Of Blood Volume 3; Clive Barker's Book of the Damned: Book of the Damned.
- What order should I read Clive Barker's books?
- We recommend reading Clive Barker's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Clive Barker still writing new books?
- Yes, Clive Barker has 2 ongoing series: Anthologies, Encyclopocalypse Classics.

