Reading Order List β€” Book Series Reading Order Guide

William McIlvanney Reading Order

6 series Β· 23 books

William McIlvanney was a prominent Scottish author celebrated for his impactful contributions to crime fiction and literary works. Over his career, which spanned from 1966 to 2021, he authored 23 books across six series, including the acclaimed Jack Laidlaw series, as well as standalone novels, poetry, and nonfiction. His most notable works capture the essence of urban life, with "Laidlaw" being a standout example of his ability to blend gritty realism with poetic narrative.

Anthologies Series

Complete

1 book (2012–2012)

#Title
1

Jack Laidlaw Series

Likely Complete

4 books (1977–2021)

Start with Laidlaw, the first of 4 books in the Jack Laidlaw series.

#Title
1
2
Cover of The Papers of Tony Veitch
The Papers of Tony Veitch
3
Cover of Strange Loyalties
Strange Loyalties
4
Cover of The Dark Remains(With: Ian Rankin)
The Dark Remains(With: Ian Rankin)

Non-Fiction Series

Complete

1 book (1993–1993)

#Title
1
Cover of Shades of Grey
Shades of Grey

Poems/Short Story Collections Series

Complete

5 books (1970–1991)

Start with The Longships In Harbour, the first of 5 books in the Poems/Short Story Collections series.

#Title
1
Cover of The Longships In Harbour
The Longships In Harbour
2
Landscapes & Figures
3
These Words
4
Walking Wounded
5
Cover of Surviving the Shipwreck
Surviving the Shipwreck

Saltire Series

Likely Complete

5 books (2013–2021)

Start with The Artist and Nationality(By: Meaghan Delahunt), the first of 5 books in the Saltire series.

#Title
1
The Artist and Nationality(By: Meaghan Delahunt)
2
Dreaming Scotland
3
Cover of Nevertheless(By: Allan Massie)
Nevertheless(By: Allan Massie)
4
Second Wind(By: Douglas Dunn)
5
Ploughing the City(By: Sorcha Carey)

Standalone Novels Series

Complete

7 books (1966–2006)

Start with Remedy is None, the first of 7 books in the Standalone Novels series.

#Title
1
Cover of Remedy is None
Remedy is None
2
Cover of A Gift From Nessus
A Gift From Nessus
3
4
Cover of The Big Man
The Big Man
5
Cover of In Through the Head
In Through the Head
6
7

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books has William McIlvanney written?
William McIlvanney has written 23 books across 6 series. Their published works span from 1966 to 2021.
What is the first book in each William McIlvanney series?
Here are the first books in William McIlvanney's series: Jack Laidlaw: Laidlaw; Poems/Short Story Collections: The Longships In Harbour; Saltire: The Artist and Nationality(By: Meaghan Delahunt).
What order should I read William McIlvanney's books?
We recommend reading William McIlvanney's series in publication order. Each series can be read independently.
Are William McIlvanney's series complete?
William McIlvanney has 4 completed series.

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