Gene Wolfe

1931–2019

3 series 11 books in order 1980–2004

Gene Wolfe was an American science fiction and fantasy writer who was born in Texas. He left Texas A&M University before completing his degree and served in the Korean War. Later, he earned a degree from the University of Houston. He worked as an engineer, contributing to the design of the machine that produces Pringles potato chips, and also served as an editor for the magazine Plant Engineering. Wolfe was a highly productive author, publishing more than 30 novels and hundreds of short stories. His work was noted for its intricate storytelling and complex characters, often employing unreliable narrators to explore themes of memory. His writing frequently addressed moral questions through the perspective of his Catholic faith. He was honored with multiple awards in science fiction and fantasy, including the British Science Fiction, World Fantasy, British Fantasy, Locus, Nebula, and Campbell Memorial Awards. In 2012, he was named the 29th Grand Master by the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America.

Born: 1931
Active years: 1980–2004
Known for: The Book of the New Sun, The Wizard Knight, The Book of the Long Sun

More: Wikidata · Open Library · VIAF

Series by Gene Wolfe

The Book of the New Sun

7 books in order · 1980–1994

The Shadow of the Torturer

1980 · Gene Wolfe

A 1980 novel by Gene Wolfe, the first volume in the four-volume series The Book of the New Sun. It tells of young Severian, an apprentice in the…
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The Claw of the Conciliator

1981 · Gene Wolfe

The Claw of the Conciliator is a science fantasy novel by American writer Gene Wolfe, published in 1981. It is the second book in The Book of the New…
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The Sword of the Lictor

1981 · Gene Wolfe

A science fantasy novel by American writer Gene Wolfe, first released in 1982 as the third volume in the four-volume series The Book of the New Sun.…
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The Citadel of the Autarch

1983 · Gene Wolfe

The Citadel of the Autarch is a science fantasy novel by American writer Gene Wolfe, first released in 1983. It is the fourth and final volume in the…
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The Urth of the new sun

1987 · Gene Wolfe

A sequel to The Book of the New Sun, this novel follows Severian, the Autarch of Urth, as he leaves the planet aboard one of the huge spaceships of…
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The Wizard Knight

2 books in order · 2004

The Knight

2004 · Gene Wolfe

A young man in his teens is transported to a magical realm of seven levels of reality, where magic transforms him into a heroic-looking adult who…
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The Wizard

2004 · Gene Wolfe

Young teen Able, previously transported to a magical world into the body of an adult hero, returns to Mythgarthr in possession of special powers that…
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The Book of the Long Sun

2 books in order · 1993–1994

Nightside The Long Sun (Book of the Long Sun)

1993 · Gene Wolfe

Nightside The Long Sun (Book of the Long Sun) is a 1993 book by Gene Wolfe. It is book 1 of the series The Book of the Long Sun. Catalog genres:…
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Caldé of the Long Sun

1994 · Gene Wolfe

Caldé of the Long Sun is a 1994 book by Gene Wolfe. It is book 3 of the series The Book of the Long Sun. Catalog genres: Science Fiction.
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Frequently asked questions

How many books has Gene Wolfe written?

We list 11 books by Gene Wolfe across 3 series, published between 1980–2004 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read Gene Wolfe's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The Shadow of the Torturer.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy Gene Wolfe's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases, at no extra cost to you.

Bibliography and reading orders compiled from verified bibliographic data. Spotted an error? We continuously correct the catalog.