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Iris Murdoch Books in Order
Iris Murdoch is a highly acclaimed Irish-born British writer, university lecturer, and novelist. Her works delve into everyday ethical and moral issues, often illuminated by mythological themes. As a perfectionist, Murdoch was meticulous in maintaining control over her writing, resisting editorial changes. Throughout her 40-year career, she produced 26 novels, including those written during her battle with Alzheimer's disease. A masterful storyteller, Murdoch's writing is characterized by its pace, comedy, and philosophical depth, inviting readers to experience her unique and imaginative world. Her dedication to exploring complex ideas and emotions has cemented her status as a literary icon.
Bibliography verified: March 2026
Quick Answer
What are all of Iris Murdoch's book series? Iris Murdoch has written 2 book series. The most notable is the Non-Fiction series.
Complete series list with all books in reading order below.
Book Series by Iris Murdoch
- #1
Sartre: Romantic Rationalist(1953) - #2
The Sovereignty of Good(1970) - #3
The Fire and the Sun(1976) - #4
Existentialist Political Myth(1989) - #5
Metaphysics as a Guide to Morals(1992) - #6
Existentialists and Mystics(1997) - #7
Iris Murdoch, A Writer at War: Letters and Diaries, 1939-1945(2002) - #8
Living on Paper: Letters from Iris Murdoch, 1934–1995(2015) - #9
A Year of Birds(1978) - #10
Women Writing(1979) - #11
Best for Winter(1979)
- #1
Under the Net(1954) - #2
The Flight from the Enchanter(1956) - #3
The Sandcastle(1957) - #4
The Bell(1958) - #5
Cloches(1958) - #6
A Severed Head(1961) - #7
An Unofficial Rose(1962) - #8
The Unicorn(1963) - #9
The Italian Girl(1964) - #10
The Red and the Green(1965) - #11
The Time of the Angels(1966) - #12
The Nice and the Good(1968) - #13
Bruno's Dream(1969) - #14
A Fairly Honourable Defeat(1970) - #15
An Accidental Man(1971) - #16
The Black Prince(1973) - #17
The Sacred and Profane Love Machine(1974) - #18
A Word Child(1975) - #19
Henry and Cato(1976) - #20
The Sea, The Sea(1978) - #21
Nuns and Soldiers(1980) - #22
The Philosopher's Pupil(1983) - #23
The Good Apprentice(1985) - #24
The Book and the Brotherhood(1987) - #25
The Message to the Planet(1989) - #26
The Green Knight(1993) - #27
Jackson's Dilemma(1995) - #28
Something Special(1957) - #29
The Three Arrows(1973) - #30
The Three Arrows and the Servants and the Snow(1974) - #31
Acastos(1986) - #32
Joanna Joanna(1994) - #33
The One Alone(1995)
About Iris Murdoch
Iris Murdoch is a highly acclaimed Irish-born British writer, university lecturer, and novelist. Her works delve into everyday ethical and moral issues, often illuminated by mythological themes. As a perfectionist, Murdoch was meticulous in maintaining control over her writing, resisting editorial changes. Throughout her 40-year career, she produced 26 novels, including those written during her battle with Alzheimer's disease. A masterful storyteller, Murdoch's writing is characterized by its pace, comedy, and philosophical depth, inviting readers to experience her unique and imaginative world. Her dedication to exploring complex ideas and emotions has cemented her status as a literary icon.
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