
Harlan Ellison Reading Order
15 series · 240 books · Born 1934-05-27
Harlan Ellison was a prolific science fiction writer and editor whose career spanned decades and produced hundreds of works across novels, short stories, and graphic adaptations. Known for his sharp wit, caustic social commentary, and imaginative storytelling, Ellison crafted some of the genre's most memorable tales while also becoming a vocal advocate for writer's rights and intellectual property protection. His output included landmark anthologies, collaborations on properties like Batman '66, and original graphic novel series that showcased his versatility across multiple formats.
Are you Harlan Ellison? Add a note for your readers →
Anthologies Series
Likely Complete98 books (1958–2025)
Harlan Ellison appeared in or edited 96 anthology collections spanning from 1958 to 2022, making this a sprawling compilation of his contributions to various science fiction and non-fiction anthologies across multiple decades. These entries should be read in publication order to follow the chronological development of Ellison's involvement in the anthology field. The series includes landmark collections such as Dangerous Visions and its sequels, as well as appearances in genre-defining anthologies like The Hugo Winners and Wandering Stars. This extensive list represents Ellison's prolific participation in shaping speculative fiction anthology culture throughout his career, likely concluding around 2022.
Start with The Big Countdown: Amazing Stories, December 1958, the first of 96 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with The Big Countdown: Amazing Stories, December 1958
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 16 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 | |
| 20 | |
| 21 | |
| 22 | |
| 23 | |
| 24 | |
| 25 | |
| 26 | |
| 27 | |
| 28 | |
| 29 | |
| 30 | |
| 31 | |
| 32 | |
| 33 | |
| 34 | |
| 35 | |
| 36 | |
| 37 | |
| 38 | |
| 39 | |
| 40 | |
| 41 | |
| 42 | |
| 43 | |
| 44 | |
| 45 | |
| 46 | |
| 47 | |
| 48 | |
| 49 | |
| 50 | |
| 51 | |
| 52 | |
| 53 | |
| 54 | |
| 55 | |
| 56 | |
| 57 | |
| 58 | |
| 59 | |
| 60 | |
| 61 | |
| 62 | |
| 63 | |
| 64 | |
| 65 | |
| 66 | |
| 67 | |
| 68 | |
| 69 | |
| 70 | |
| 71 | |
| 72 | |
| 73 | |
| 74 | |
| 75 | |
| 76 | |
| 77 | |
| 78 | |
| 79 | |
| 80 | |
| 81 | |
| 82 | |
| 83 | |
| 84 | |
| 85 | |
| 86 | |
| 87 | |
| 88 | |
| 89 | |
| 90 | |
| 91 | |
| 92 | |
| 93 | |
| 94 | |
| 95 | |
| 96 | |
| 97 | |
| 98 |
Batman '66 Series
Complete6 books (2014–2016)
Batman '66 is a six-book comic series published between 2014 and 2016, now complete. Primarily written by Jeff Parker with contributions from Ray Fawkes and Gabe Soria, the books should be read in publication order starting with Volume 1. The series includes a crossover entry with the Man From U.N.C.L.E., expanding the adventures of the classic 1960s Batman universe.
Start with Batman '66 Vol. 1(By: Jeff Parker), the first of 6 books in the Batman '66 series.
Start this series with Batman '66 Vol. 1(By: Jeff Parker)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 |
Brain Movies Series
Complete8 books (2011–2019)
The Brain Movies series is a complete eight-volume collection by science fiction author Harlan Ellison, published between 2011 and 2019. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Volume 1 and continuing through Volume 8. The series blends science fiction and non-fiction elements across its entries.
Start with Brain Movies, Volume 1, the first of 8 books in the Brain Movies series.
Start this series with Brain Movies, Volume 1
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 |
Dream Corridor Series
Complete4 books (1995–2007)
The Dream Corridor series consists of four books published between 1995 and 2007, presenting a complete collection that should be read in publication order. Beginning with Dream Corridor Special and continuing through Dream Corridor 1, Dream Corridor Quarterly, and Dream Corridor 2 (co-authored by Gerard Jones), this series is now finished. The works span science fiction and non-fiction content across the Harlan Ellison catalog.
Start with Dream Corridor Special, the first of 4 books in the Dream Corridor series.
Start this series with Dream Corridor Special
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleGraphic Novels Series
Complete1 book (2013–2013)
Greatest Hits Series
Complete2 books (2027–2027)
Start this series with Greatest Hits, Volume 2
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleMarvel Masterworks: The Avengers Series
Ongoing25 books (2009–2025)
The Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers series presents the classic early adventures of Marvel's superhero team in a high-quality hardcover format. This 25-volume collection spans from 2009 to 2025 and remains ongoing, reprinting the original comic book stories in publication order. The series begins with Volume 1 by Jack Kirby, Don Heck, and Stan Lee, and should be read sequentially to follow the chronological development of the team and its storylines across decades of Marvel comics.
Start with The Avengers, Vol. 1(By: Jack Kirby,Don Heck,Stan Lee), the first of 25 books in the Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers series.
Start this series with The Avengers, Vol. 1(By: Jack Kirby,Don Heck,Stan Lee)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 16 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 | |
| 20 | |
| 21 | |
| 22 | |
| 23 | |
| 24 | |
| 25 |
Non-Fiction Series
Complete9 books (1905–2020)
This nine-book non-fiction series by Harlan Ellison spans from 1905 to 2020 and should be read in publication order. The complete series includes The Thinking Machine, Memos From Purgatory, The Glass Teat, The Other Glass Teat, Sleepless Nights in the Procrustean Bed, An Edge in My Voice, Harlan Ellison's Watching, Harlan 101, and Working Without a Net. These works represent Ellison's essays, criticism, and reflections across his career in science fiction and broader cultural commentary.
Start with The Thinking Machine, the first of 9 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with The Thinking Machine
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 |
Plays Series
Complete3 books (1977–2012)
This collection of three science fiction screenplays and dramatic works by Harlan Ellison spans from 1977 to 2012 and should be read in publication order. The series is complete and includes The City on the Edge of Forever, I, Robot: The Illustrated Screenplay, and None of the Above. These works showcase Ellison's approach to dramatic storytelling across different media and time periods.
Start with The City on the Edge of Forever and read in order.
Start this series with The City on the Edge of Forever
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleShort Stories/Novellas Series
Complete18 books (1965–2013)
Harlan Ellison's collection of short stories and novellas spans from 1965 to 2013, comprising 18 books that should be read in publication order. The series includes acclaimed pieces such as "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman, A Boy and His Dog, The Deathbird, and Jeffty Is Five, showcasing Ellison's work across science fiction and related genres. This complete series offers readers a retrospective of the author's shorter fictional works across nearly five decades.
Start with "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman, the first of 18 books in the Short Stories/Novellas series.
Start this series with "Repent, Harlequin!" Said the Ticktockman
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 16 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 |
Short Story Collections Series
Ongoing44 books (1958–2024)
Harlan Ellison's short story collections span from 1958 to 2024 across 44 volumes, showcasing the acclaimed science fiction and non-fiction author's diverse output. This ongoing series should be read in publication order, beginning with The Deadly Streets and progressing through celebrated collections like Ellison Wonderland, I Have No Mouth and I Must Scream, and The Beast That Shouted Love at the Heart of the World. Each collection gathers previously published short stories, offering readers a comprehensive view of Ellison's prolific career across multiple decades.
Start with The Deadly Streets, the first of 44 books in the Short Story Collections series.
Start this series with The Deadly Streets
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 | |
| 12 | |
| 13 | |
| 14 | |
| 15 | |
| 16 | |
| 17 | |
| 18 | |
| 19 | |
| 20 | |
| 21 | |
| 22 | |
| 23 | |
| 24 | |
| 25 | |
| 26 | |
| 27 | |
| 28 | |
| 29 | |
| 30 | |
| 31 | |
| 32 | |
| 33 | |
| 34 | |
| 35 | |
| 36 | |
| 37 | |
| 38 | |
| 39 | |
| 40 | |
| 41 | |
| 42 | |
| 43 | |
| 44 |
Standalone Novels Series
Complete6 books (1958–1975)
Harlan Ellison's Standalone Novels series consists of six independent works published between 1958 and 1975, each offering its own complete story without requiring knowledge of the others. The collection spans science fiction and non-fiction across Web of the City, A Touch of Infinity, The Man with 9 Lives, Spider Kiss, Doomsman, and Phoenix Without Ashes. While each novel stands alone, readers should follow publication order to experience how Ellison's work evolved across this period. This complete series showcases the author's range and distinctive voice across nearly two decades of fiction writing.
Start with Web of the City, the first of 6 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Web of the City
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleStar Trek Fotonovel Series
Complete11 books (1967–1982)
The Star Trek Fotonovel series adapts classic episodes from the original television series and early films into photo-based illustrated stories, published between 1967 and 1982. This complete series consists of 11 books and should be read in publication order, beginning with Amok Time. The fotonovels feature still photography from the original Star Trek episodes and films combined with dialogue and narration to create a unique reading experience that captures pivotal moments from the franchise's early years.
Start with Amok Time(By: Theodore Sturgeon), the first of 11 books in the Star Trek Fotonovel series.
Start this series with Amok Time(By: Theodore Sturgeon)
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 | |
| 11 |
The Dark Descent Series
Complete3 books (1987–1991)
The Dark Descent is a completed three-book series by Harlan Ellison published between 1987 and 1991. Readers should follow the books in their 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 science fiction series combines elements across the author's characteristic genres of speculative fiction and non-fiction writing.
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 AudibleVic and Blood Series
Complete2 books (1988–2019)
Harlan Ellison's Vic and Blood series consists of two science fiction works published across three decades, beginning with Vic and Blood in 1988 and concluding with Blood's a Rover in 2019. This complete series should be read in publication order to follow the narrative as intended. The two-book sequence represents Ellison's exploration of speculative themes across the final years of his prolific career.
Start with Vic and Blood and read in order.
Start this series with Vic and Blood
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on AudibleFrequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Harlan Ellison written?
- Harlan Ellison has written 240 books across 15 series. Their published works span from 1905 to 2027.
- What is the first book in each Harlan Ellison series?
- Here are the first books in Harlan Ellison's series: Anthologies: The Big Countdown: Amazing Stories, December 1958; Batman '66: Batman '66 Vol. 1(By: Jeff Parker); Brain Movies: Brain Movies, Volume 1; Dream Corridor: Dream Corridor Special; Greatest Hits: Greatest Hits, Volume 2.
- What order should I read Harlan Ellison's books?
- We recommend reading Harlan Ellison's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Harlan Ellison still writing new books?
- Yes, Harlan Ellison has 2 ongoing series: Marvel Masterworks: The Avengers, Short Story Collections.

