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John Barnes Books in Order
John Barnes is a renowned American science fiction author, whose thought-provoking stories delve into the complexities of individual moral responsibility within a broader social context. Through his narratives, he seamlessly weaves social commentary, inviting readers to critically examine the world around them. His most notable works include the Thousand Cultures series, comprising four novels that pose profound questions about the far-reaching consequences of globalization on isolated societies. Holding a doctorate in theatre, Barnes leverages his interdisciplinary background to craft compelling stories that resonate with readers. Currently residing in Colorado, he continues to draw from his experiences as a former educator, bringing a unique perspective to his writing.
Bibliography verified: March 2026
Quick Answer
What are all of John Barnes's book series? John Barnes has written 8 book series. The most notable is the Century Next Door series.
Complete series list with all books in reading order below.
Book Series by John Barnes
- #1
Orbital Resonance(1991) - #2
Kaleidoscope Century(1995) - #3
Candle(2000) - #4
The Century Next Door(2000) - #5
The Sky So Big and Black(2002)
- #1
Directive 51(2010) - #2
Daybreak Zero(2011) - #3
The Last President(2012)
- #1A Million Open Doors(1992)
- #2
Earth Made of Glass(1998) - #3
The Merchants of Souls(2001) - #4
The Armies of Memory(2006)
- #1
The Duke of Uranium(2002) - #2
A Princess of the Aerie(2003) - #3
In the Hall of the Martian King(2003)
- #1
The Man Who Pulled Down the Sky(1986) - #2
Sin of Origin(1988) - #3
Mother of Storms(1994) - #4
One for the Morning Glory(1996) - #5Encounter with Tiber(1996)
- #6
Payback City(1998) - #7
Finity(1999) - #8
The Return(2000) - #9
Gaudeamus(2004) - #10
Raise the Gipper!(2012) - #11
Apostrophes & Apocalypses(1998) - #12
An Ocean is a Snowflake, Four Billion Miles Away(2011) - #13
Rod Rapid and His Electric Chair(2011) - #14My Advice to the Civilized(1990)
- #15Between Shepherds and Kings(1997)
- #16
Upon Their Backs, to Bite 'em(2000) - #17
Poga(2011) - #18
Every Hole is Outlined(2011) - #19
The Lost Princess Man(2011) - #20
Things Undone(2011) - #21
The Quiet Guy It Always Was(2011)
- #1Tales of the Madman Underground(2009)
- #2
Losers in Space(2012) - #3
Free Space(1997) - #4
The Best of Jim Baen's Universe(2007) - #5
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Fourth Annual Collection(2007) - #6
Science Fiction: The Best of the Year, 2008 Edition(2008) - #7
The Mammoth Book of Best New SF 21(2008) - #8
The New Space Opera 2(2009) - #9
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Seventh Annual Collection(2010) - #10
Timeless Time Travel Tales(2012) - #11
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Twenty-Ninth Annual Collection(2012) - #12
The Year's Top Ten Tales of Science Fiction 4(2012) - #13
The Year's Best Science Fiction & Fantasy, 2012(2012) - #14
The Year's Best Science Fiction: Thirty-Third Annual Collection(2016) - #15
Galactic Empires(2017) - #16
The 2020 Look at Mars Fiction Book(2020)
- #1
Patton's Spaceship(1997) - #2
Washington's Dirigible(1997) - #3
Caesar's Bicycle(1997)
- #1
Wartide(1992) - #2
Battlecry(1992) - #3
Union Fires(1992)
About John Barnes
John Barnes is a renowned American science fiction author, whose thought-provoking stories delve into the complexities of individual moral responsibility within a broader social context. Through his narratives, he seamlessly weaves social commentary, inviting readers to critically examine the world around them. His most notable works include the Thousand Cultures series, comprising four novels that pose profound questions about the far-reaching consequences of globalization on isolated societies. Holding a doctorate in theatre, Barnes leverages his interdisciplinary background to craft compelling stories that resonate with readers. Currently residing in Colorado, he continues to draw from his experiences as a former educator, bringing a unique perspective to his writing.
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