Thorne Smith Reading Order
5 series · 19 books · Born 1892
Thorne Smith was an American writer who specialized in humorous supernatural fiction, blending comedy with fantastical elements that often involved ghosts, romance, and adult themes. He achieved major commercial success in the 1930s with his Topper series, which became cultural phenomena through both hardcover and paperback editions, featuring irreverent plots filled with drinking, romance, and spectral complications. Smith's wit and satirical approach to the fantastic influenced American humor writing and established a template for comedic fantasy that emphasized character over traditional plot conventions.
Are you Thorne Smith? Add a note for your readers →
Biltmore Oswald Series
Complete2 books (1918–1919)
This two-book fantasy series by Thorne Smith was published between 1918 and 1919 and is now complete. The novels should be read in publication order, beginning with Biltmore Oswald followed by Out O' Luck. Both entries in this compact series showcase Smith's distinctive fantasy storytelling style.
Start with Biltmore Oswald and read in order.
Start this series with Biltmore Oswald
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Collections Series
Complete1 book (2011–2011)
Short Stories/Novellas Series
Complete3 books (2011–2020)
This complete fantasy collection from author Thorne Smith comprises three short stories and novellas published between 2011 and 2020. The series consists of A Smokey Lady in Knickers, Yonder's Henry, and The Bishop's Jaegers, which should be read in publication order for the intended experience. Each installment stands as its own narrative while contributing to the overall body of Smith's fantasy short fiction.
Start with A Smokey Lady in Knickers and read in order.
Start this series with A Smokey Lady in Knickers
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Standalone Novels Series
Complete10 books (1927–1941)
Thorne Smith's collection of ten standalone fantasy novels spans from 1927 to 1941 and should be read in publication order, beginning with Dream's End. Each book offers its own complete story rather than an overarching narrative, allowing readers to enjoy them individually or collectively. The series concludes with The Passionate Witch in 1941, representing the full extent of Smith's work in this category.
Start with Dream's End, the first of 10 books in the Standalone Novels series.
Start this series with Dream's End
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible| # | Title |
|---|---|
| 1 | |
| 2 | |
| 3 | |
| 4 | |
| 5 | |
| 6 | |
| 7 | |
| 8 | |
| 9 | |
| 10 |
Topper Series
Complete3 books (1926–1932)
Thorne Smith's Topper series consists of three complete fantasy novels published between 1926 and 1932, beginning with The Jovial Ghosts: The Misadventures of Topper, followed by Topper and Topper Takes a Trip. The books should be read in publication order to fully appreciate the progression of Smith's comedic supernatural storytelling.
Start with The Jovial Ghosts: The Misadventures of Topper and read in order.
Start this series with The Jovial Ghosts: The Misadventures of Topper
Buy Book 1 🇺🇸🎧 Listen free on Audible
Frequently Asked Questions
- How many books has Thorne Smith written?
- Thorne Smith has written 19 books across 5 series. Their published works span from 1918 to 2020.
- What is the first book in each Thorne Smith series?
- Here are the first books in Thorne Smith's series: Biltmore Oswald: Biltmore Oswald; Short Stories/Novellas: A Smokey Lady in Knickers; Topper: The Jovial Ghosts: The Misadventures of Topper.
- What order should I read Thorne Smith's books?
- We recommend reading Thorne Smith's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
- Are Thorne Smith's series complete?
- Thorne Smith has 5 completed series.