Frederik Pohl Reading Order
20 series · 330 books · Born 1919-11-26
Frederik Pohl Jr. was a prolific science fiction author and editor whose career spanned over seven decades, beginning with his first publication in Amazing Stories in 1937. A founding member of The Futurians, an influential New York science fiction writers' group he established as a teenager, Pohl became known for his sharp social commentary and imaginative worldbuilding across numerous series and standalone works. With more than 300 books to his name and contributions spanning multiple genres including fantasy and non-fiction, Pohl shaped the landscape of speculative fiction as both a creative force and influential editor of numerous anthologies and collections.
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Anthologies Series
Complete62 books (1953–2015)
Frederik Pohl edited 62 science fiction anthologies spanning from 1953 to 2015, creating a comprehensive collection that should be read in publication order to trace the evolution of the genre over six decades. The series includes foundational works like the Star Science Fiction Stories volumes alongside Galaxy Science Fiction issues, Dangerous Visions, and the Year's Best Science Fiction collections, showcasing some of the most significant short fiction of the era. This complete series represents one of the most prolific anthology editorial projects in science fiction history, offering readers a curated journey through decades of genre innovation and storytelling.
Start with Star Science Fiction Stories No. 1, the first of 62 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Star Science Fiction Stories No. 1
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Best Science Fiction of the Year Series
Complete16 books (1972–1987)
The Best Science Fiction of the Year is a completed 16-book anthology series edited by Frederik Pohl, spanning from 1972 to 1987. Each volume collects the year's most noteworthy science fiction stories and should be read in publication order to follow the chronological selection of stories. This series provides a comprehensive survey of science fiction short fiction across nearly two decades, making it ideal for readers interested in exploring influential work from this period.
Start with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 1, the first of 16 books in the Best Science Fiction of the Year series.
Start this series with The Best Science Fiction of the Year 1
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C.M. Kornbluth Collections Series
Complete13 books (1955–2010)
This thirteen-book collection series spans from 1955 to 2010 and gathers science fiction and fantasy short stories and essays by C.M. Kornbluth, a influential voice in mid-century speculative fiction. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Mindworm and concluding with Eight Worlds of C.M. Kornbluth. Each volume functions as a standalone anthology, allowing readers to sample Kornbluth's work across different periods and selections. The complete series is now closed, offering a comprehensive retrospective of this author's career and contributions to the genre.
Start with The Mindworm(By: C.M. Kornbluth), the first of 13 books in the C.M. Kornbluth Collections series.
Start this series with The Mindworm(By: C.M. Kornbluth)
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Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy Series
Likely Complete82 books (2005–2023)
Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy is an 80-book academic anthology series published between 2005 and 2023, likely now complete. The series features scholarly essays and critical analyses examining science fiction and fantasy literature, film, television, and related media through various thematic and theoretical lenses. Each volume focuses on different authors, franchises, or topics, from Tolkien and Star Trek to contemporary dystopian fiction and transmedia storytelling. Readers should approach these books in publication order, beginning with Worlds Apart? Dualism and Transgression in Contemporary Female Dystopias, though individual volumes can also be read as standalone critical explorations.
Start with Worlds Apart? Dualism and Transgression in Contemporary Female Dystopias(By: Dunja M. Mohr), the first of 80 books in the Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy series.
Start this series with Worlds Apart? Dualism and Transgression in Contemporary Female Dystopias(By: Dunja M. Mohr)
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Eschaton Sequence Series
Complete3 books (1996–1999)
The Eschaton Sequence is a completed three-book science fiction series by Frederik Pohl, published between 1996 and 1999. The trilogy should be read in publication order, beginning with The Other End of Time, followed by The Siege of Eternity, and concluding with The Far Shore of Time. This series represents Pohl's exploration of complex speculative concepts across its final three installments.
Start with The Other End of Time and read in order.
Start this series with The Other End of Time
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Graphic Novels Series
Complete1 book (1986–1986)
Heechee Collections Series
Complete1 book (1990–1990)
Heechee Saga Series
Complete5 books (1977–1990)
The Heechee Saga is a five-book science fiction series by Frederik Pohl published between 1977 and 1990. The complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Gateway and continuing through Beyond the Blue Event Horizon, Heechee Rendezvous, The Annals of the Heechee, and concluding with The Boy Who Would Live Forever. This interconnected sequence follows humanity's encounter with an ancient alien civilization and the far-reaching consequences of that discovery across generations.
Start with Gateway, the first of 5 books in the Heechee Saga series.
Start this series with Gateway
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Isaac Asimov's Anthology Series
Complete19 books (1980–2001)
Isaac Asimov's Anthology is a complete anthology series comprising 19 volumes published between 1980 and 2001, edited by Frederik Pohl and others. Each book features science fiction and fantasy short stories from an array of acclaimed authors, organized around specific themes such as robots, aliens, cybernetics, war, and detectives. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Isaac Asimov's Worlds of Science Fiction and continuing through the collection's thematic volumes.
Start with Isaac Asimov's Worlds of Science Fiction(By: Isaac Asimov,Tanith Lee,Phyllis Eisenstein,Gene Wolfe,Barry B. Longyear,John M. Ford,Arnie Bateman,Alan Dean Foster,Martin Gardner,Randall Garrett,Rob Chilson,Ted Reynolds,George Scithers,Richard S. McEnroe,Jeff Duntemann,R.N. Bracewell,K.W. MacAnn,G. Richard Bozarth), the first of 19 books in the Isaac Asimov's Anthology series.
Start this series with Isaac Asimov's Worlds of Science Fiction(By: Isaac Asimov,Tanith Lee,Phyllis Eisenstein,Gene Wolfe,Barry B. Longyear,John M. Ford,Arnie Bateman,Alan Dean Foster,Martin Gardner,Randall Garrett,Rob Chilson,Ted Reynolds,George Scithers,Richard S. McEnroe,Jeff Duntemann,R.N. Bracewell,K.W. MacAnn,G. Richard Bozarth)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
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| 1 |  Isaac Asimov's Worlds of Science Fiction(By: Isaac Asimov,Tanith Lee,Phyllis Eisenstein,Gene Wolfe,Barry B. Longyear,John M. Ford,Arnie Bateman,Alan Dean Foster,Martin Gardner,Randall Garrett,Rob Chilson,Ted Reynolds,George Scithers,Richard S. McEnroe,Jeff Duntemann,R.N. Bracewell,K.W. MacAnn,G. Richard Bozarth) |
| 2 |  Isaac Asimov's Near Futures and Far(With: Isaac Asimov,Carter Scholz,Barry B. Longyear,John M. Ford,Jack Williamson,Darrell Schweitzer,John Brunner,Juleen Brantingham,Martin Gardner,Richard Wilson,Milton A. Rothman,Elizabeth Anne Hull,Sharon Webb,Somtow Sucharitkul,Lee Weinstein,Ted Reynolds,George Scithers,F. Gwynplaine MacIntyre,William Tuning,Francis E. Izzo,Paul David Novitski,Lee Russell,Seth S. Horowitz,Tol E. Rant,S. Dale,Julie Flores,Tony Sarowitz) |
| 3 |  Isaac Asimov's Space of Her Own(By: Connie Willis,Ursula K. Le Guin,Pat Cadigan,Joan D. Vinge,Tanith Lee,Pamela Sargent,Lee Killough,Mary Gentle,Mildred Downey Broxon,Shawna McCarthy,Sharon Webb,Leigh Kennedy,Stephanie A. Smith,Cherie Wilkerson,Julie Stevens,Sydney J. Van Scyoc,Cyn Mason,P.A. Kagan,P.J. MacQuarrie,Janet O. Jeppson,Beverly Grant,Hope Athearn) |
| 4 |  Isaac Asimov's Fantasy!(By: Connie Willis,George R.R. Martin,Ron Goulart,John Kessel,George Alec Effinger,Robert Thurston,Tanith Lee,Lucius Shepard,Scott Baker,Lillian Carl,Juleen Brantingham,Lee Killough,Ian McDowell,Daphne Castell,Sharon N. Farber,Richard Kearns,Shawna McCarthy,Leigh Kennedy,Gregg Keizer,Kristi Olesen) |
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L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future Series
Ongoing41 books (1985–2025)
The L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future series is an annual anthology collection featuring fantasy and science fiction stories from both established and emerging authors. Beginning in 1985 and still ongoing, the series has published 41 volumes through 2025, with each installment edited by Frederik Pohl and released in publication order. Readers should start with volume one and progress sequentially through the numbered editions to follow the series chronologically. These anthologies showcase short fiction across multiple genres and serve as a platform for new voices in speculative fiction.
Start with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future 1, the first of 41 books in the L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future series.
Start this series with L. Ron Hubbard Presents Writers of the Future 1
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Man Plus Series
Complete2 books (1976–1994)
Frederik Pohl's Man Plus series consists of two science fiction novels published across nearly two decades. The first installment, Man Plus, appeared in 1976, followed by Mars Plus in 1994, which was co-written with Thomas T. Thomas. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with the original novel and continuing to its sequel.
Start with Man Plus and read in order.
Start this series with Man Plus
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Non-Fiction Series
Complete9 books (1951–1991)
Frederik Pohl's non-fiction series spans four decades with nine books published between 1951 and 1991, covering topics ranging from historical exploration to science policy and the future of humanity. This complete series should be read in publication order, beginning with Prince Henry Sinclair and concluding with Our Angry Earth. The collection reflects Pohl's diverse interests beyond his renowned science fiction career, including examinations of Viking settlements, political analysis, and critical perspectives on science fiction's cultural impact.
Start with Prince Henry Sinclair, the first of 9 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Prince Henry Sinclair
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Saga Of Cuckoo Series
Complete2 books (1975–1983)
The Saga of Cuckoo is a two-book science fiction series by Frederik Pohl, consisting of Farthest Star and Wall Around a Star, published between 1975 and 1983. The series is complete and should be read in publication order to follow the narrative as intended.
Start with Farthest Star and read in order.
Start this series with Farthest Star
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete8 books (1955–2011)
Frederik Pohl's Short Stories and Novellas collection spans eight science fiction and fantasy works published between 1955 and 2011, forming a complete series best approached in publication order. Beginning with The Tunnel Under the World, readers will encounter imaginative shorter works that showcase Pohl's versatility across speculative fiction across nearly six decades, concluding with The Day of the Boomer Dukes.
Start with The Tunnel Under the World, the first of 8 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with The Tunnel Under the World
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Short Story Collections Series
Complete23 books (1956–2015)
Frederik Pohl's Short Story Collections series spans 23 books published between 1956 and 2015, showcasing the science fiction and fantasy author's prolific output in the short form across nearly six decades. The series is now complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with Alternating Currents and progressing through collections like Tomorrow Times Seven, The Man Who Ate the World, Day Million, and The Gold at the Starbow's End. These volumes compile stories that highlight Pohl's imaginative explorations of speculative themes and technological futures, making them essential for readers seeking a comprehensive survey of his shorter works.
Start with Alternating Currents, the first of 23 books in the Short Story Collections series.
Start this series with Alternating Currents
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Space Merchants Series
Complete2 books (1952–1981)
This two-book science fiction series by Frederik Pohl and C.M. Kornbluth spans nearly three decades, beginning with The Space Merchants in 1952 and concluding with The Merchants' War in 1981. The series is complete and should be read in publication order to follow the narrative progression. Both installments are essential to experiencing the full arc of this classic science fiction duology.
Start with The Space Merchants / Gravy Planet(With: C.M. Kornbluth) and read in order.
Start this series with The Space Merchants / Gravy Planet(With: C.M. Kornbluth)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Complete34 books (1954–2017)
Frederik Pohl's 34 standalone science fiction novels span from 1954 to 2017, showcasing the prolific author's varied explorations of speculative futures and technological societies. Many of these works were written in collaboration with other science fiction authors, most notably C.M. Kornbluth, with whom Pohl co-authored several early entries including Search the Sky and Wolfbane. The series is complete and should be read in publication order to appreciate the evolution of Pohl's themes and storytelling across six decades. While each novel stands independently, reading them chronologically provides insight into how the author's vision of science fiction developed throughout his career.
Start with Search the Sky(With: C.M. Kornbluth), the first of 34 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Search the Sky(With: C.M. Kornbluth)
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Starchild Series
Complete3 books (1963–1969)
Frederik Pohl's Starchild trilogy comprises three science fiction novels published between 1963 and 1969, with the series now complete. Read the books in publication order: The Reefs of Space, Starchild, and Rogue Star, as each entry builds upon the previous one. This series represents Pohl's exploration of far-future space exploration and the mysteries humanity encounters beyond Earth.
Start with The Reefs of Space and read in order.
Start this series with The Reefs of Space
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
The Space Merchants Series
Complete1 book (1952–1952)
Undersea Eden Series
Complete3 books (1954–1958)
Frederik Pohl's Undersea Eden trilogy comprises three science fiction novels published between 1954 and 1958, following the series in publication order. The complete series consists of Undersea Quest, Undersea Fleet, and Undersea City, forming a finished narrative arc. Read these books sequentially as intended, beginning with the first installment to experience the full story development across all three volumes.
Start with Undersea Quest and read in order.
Start this series with Undersea Quest
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Frederik Pohl written?
- Frederik Pohl has written 330 books across 20 series. Their published works span from 1951 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Frederik Pohl series?
- Here are the first books in Frederik Pohl's series: Anthologies: Star Science Fiction Stories No. 1; Best Science Fiction of the Year: The Best Science Fiction of the Year 1; C.M. Kornbluth Collections: The Mindworm(By: C.M. Kornbluth); Critical Explorations in Science Fiction and Fantasy: Worlds Apart? Dualism and Transgression in Contemporary Female Dystopias(By: Dunja M. Mohr); Eschaton Sequence: The Other End of Time.
- What order should I read Frederik Pohl's books?
- We recommend reading Frederik Pohl's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Frederik Pohl still writing new books?
- Yes, Frederik Pohl has 1 ongoing series: L. Ron Hubbard Presents: Writers of the Future.