Philip Pullman Reading Order
16 series · 252 books · Born 1946-10-19
Philip Pullman is an English author whose imaginative storytelling has captivated millions of readers worldwide. Best known for His Dark Materials, an epic fantasy trilogy that explores parallel worlds and philosophical questions, Pullman has demonstrated remarkable range across genres, from Victorian adventure novels like the Sally Lockhart series to thought-provoking retellings such as The Good Man Jesus and the Scoundrel Christ. His work has earned widespread critical acclaim, including recognition by The Times as one of Britain's greatest writers since 1945, and has been adapted for film and television, cementing his influence on contemporary fantasy literature.
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Adventures Of John Blake Graphic Novels Series
Complete1 book (2017–2017)
Anthologies Series
Complete11 books (1994–2020)
Philip Pullman contributed to nine anthology collections published between 1994 and 2016, which are now complete. These books should be read in publication order, beginning with Thirteen More Tales of Horror. The series includes varied collections spanning fantasy, horror, science writing, and literary celebration, with Pullman's work appearing alongside other contributors across genres including action and adventure.
Start with Thirteen More Tales of Horror, the first of 9 books in the Anthologies series.
Start this series with Thirteen More Tales of Horror
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Book Of Dust Series
Ongoing3 books (2017–2025)
Philip Pullman's Book of Dust trilogy comprises three fantasy adventures published between 2017 and 2025, with the series still ongoing. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with La Belle Sauvage, followed by The Secret Commonwealth and The Rose Field. This action-packed fantasy series expands Pullman's imaginative world with new perspectives and interconnected narratives.
Start with La Belle Sauvage and read in order.
Start this series with La Belle Sauvage
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Canongate Myths Series
Complete1 book (2009–2009)
Dramascripts Series
Complete57 books (1915–2017)
The Dramascripts series is a collection of 56 dramatized adaptations spanning from 1915 to 2017. These scripts transform classic literature and contemporary works into performance pieces suitable for educational and theatrical contexts. The series is complete and should be read in publication order, beginning with The Valley of Fear and progressing through various literary adaptations including works by Arthur Miller, Charles Dickens, and Charlotte Brontë, among others.
Start with The Valley of Fear(By: Adrian Flynn), the first of 56 books in the Dramascripts series.
Start this series with The Valley of Fear(By: Adrian Flynn)
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His Dark Materials Series
Likely Complete8 books (1995–2022)
Philip Pullman's His Dark Materials comprises eight fantasy novels published between 1995 and 2022, with the series appearing to be complete. The first three books—Northern Lights (also published as The Golden Compass), The Subtle Knife, and The Amber Spyglass—form the main trilogy, while the subsequent five books are shorter works that expand the world. Read these books in publication order to experience the story as intended, beginning with Northern Lights and progressing through to The Imagination Chamber.
Start with Northern Lights / The Golden Compass, the first of 8 books in the His Dark Materials series.
Start this series with Northern Lights / The Golden Compass
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His Dark Materials Graphic Novels Series
Likely Complete3 books (2014–2022)
The His Dark Materials Graphic Novels adaptation brings Philip Pullman's fantasy epic to illustrated form across three volumes published between 2014 and 2022. The series begins with The Golden Compass in two volumes before continuing with The Subtle Knife, and should be read in publication order starting with Volume 1 of The Golden Compass. The adaptation appears to be complete or nearing completion, making it accessible for readers seeking a visual interpretation of the original fantasy adventure series.
Start with The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1 and read in order.
Start this series with The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
NHB Modern Plays Series
Ongoing131 books (1861–2025)
The NHB Modern Plays series is an extensive collection of 115 dramatic works published from 1861 to 2025, encompassing adaptations of classic literature alongside contemporary original plays. The series spans multiple genres including fantasy, action and adventure, and non-fiction, featuring contributions from playwrights such as Caryl Churchill, Stephen Jeffreys, and others. This ongoing series should be read in publication order, beginning with Great Expectations and continuing through works like Mary Queen of Scots Got her Head Chopped Off, Mrs Klein, and Far Away. The collection represents a diverse range of theatrical voices and storytelling approaches across more than a century of dramatic writing.
Start with Great Expectations(By: Charles Dickens), the first of 115 books in the NHB Modern Plays series.
Start this series with Great Expectations(By: Charles Dickens)
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New Cut Gang Series
Complete4 books (1994–2012)
Philip Pullman's New Cut Gang series comprises four complete books published between 1994 and 2012, best enjoyed in publication order beginning with Thunderbolt's Waxwork. The series follows in the fantasy and adventure genres, with entries spaced across nearly two decades of the author's career. Readers should start with the first installment and progress sequentially through The Gas Fitters' Ball, The Adventures of the New Cut Gang, and concluding with Two Crafty Criminals!
Start with Thunderbolt's Waxwork, the first of 4 books in the New Cut Gang series.
Start this series with Thunderbolt's Waxwork
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Non-Fiction Series
Complete4 books (1978–2017)
Philip Pullman's non-fiction series comprises four complete works published between 1978 and 2017, best read in publication order. The collection includes Using the Oxford Junior Dictionary, Ancient Civilizations, Daemon Voices, and Imaginary Friends, offering insight into the author's perspectives across lexicography, history, creative practice, and imagination.
Start with Using the Oxford Junior Dictionary, the first of 4 books in the Non-Fiction series.
Start this series with Using the Oxford Junior Dictionary
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Picture Series
Complete2 books (1999–2000)
The Picture series by Philip Pullman consists of two complete fantasy adventure books published between 1999 and 2000. Both books should be read in publication order, beginning with Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp, followed by Puss in Boots: The Adventures of That Most Enterprising Feline. These standalone retellings showcase Pullman's imaginative take on classic tales.
Start with Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp and read in order.
Start this series with Aladdin and the Enchanted Lamp
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Plays Series
Complete1 book (2005–2005)
Red Hot Reads Series
Complete6 books (1996–1999)
Red Hot Reads is a complete six-book series published between 1996 and 1999, featuring short story collections across various genres including mystery, ballet, detective work, and animal tales by authors such as Helen Cresswell and Michael Morpurgo. The series should be read in publication order, beginning with Mystery Stories and concluding with Animal Stories. Each book stands as a collection of engaging tales designed to appeal to young readers interested in fantasy, action, and adventure narratives.
Start with Mystery Stories(By: Helen Cresswell), the first of 6 books in the Red Hot Reads series.
Start this series with Mystery Stories(By: Helen Cresswell)
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Sally Lockhart Series
Complete4 books (1985–1994)
Philip Pullman's Sally Lockhart series comprises four complete novels published between 1985 and 1994, featuring a resourceful female protagonist navigating mystery and adventure. The books should be read in publication order, beginning with The Ruby in the Smoke and continuing through The Shadow in the North, The Tiger in the Well, and concluding with The Tin Princess. This action-driven series blends fantasy and adventure elements across its tightly plotted narratives.
Start with The Ruby in the Smoke, the first of 4 books in the Sally Lockhart series.
Start this series with The Ruby in the Smoke
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Short Story Collections Series
Complete3 books (2012–2012)
Philip Pullman's collection of three short story books was published in 2012 and is now complete. The series consists of retellings and adaptations that should be read in publication order, beginning with Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm, followed by Grimm Tales for Young and Old, and concluding with The Golden Key. These fantasy-driven collections blend adventure and storytelling across their standalone tales.
Start with Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm and read in order.
Start this series with Fairy Tales from the Brothers Grimm
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Complete13 books (1972–2009)
Philip Pullman's collection of standalone novels spans from 1972 to 2009 and comprises 13 complete works that should be read in publication order. These fantasy and adventure stories, including titles such as Count Karlstein, The Firework-Maker's Daughter, Clockwork, and I Was a Rat!, showcase Pullman's versatility across different narrative styles and age ranges. Each book stands independently with its own story and characters, making them accessible as individual reads while collectively representing the author's broader body of work.
Start with The Haunted Storm, the first of 13 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with The Haunted Storm
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Philip Pullman written?
- Philip Pullman has written 252 books across 16 series. Their published works span from 1861 to 2025.
- What is the first book in each Philip Pullman series?
- Here are the first books in Philip Pullman's series: Anthologies: Thirteen More Tales of Horror; Book Of Dust: La Belle Sauvage; Dramascripts: The Valley of Fear(By: Adrian Flynn); His Dark Materials: Northern Lights / The Golden Compass; His Dark Materials Graphic Novels: The Golden Compass: The Graphic Novel, Volume 1.
- What order should I read Philip Pullman's books?
- We recommend reading Philip Pullman's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Is Philip Pullman still writing new books?
- Yes, Philip Pullman has 2 ongoing series: Book Of Dust, NHB Modern Plays.