A. Bertram Chandler books in order let readers experience the growth of one of science fiction’s most respected space adventure writers. Best known for the John Grimes series, Chandler created exciting stories that combine realistic space travel, military action, and interstellar exploration.
Reading his books in publication order reveals the evolution of his characters, world-building, and storytelling style. Alongside his novels, Chandler wrote numerous short stories that expanded his imaginative universe.
Whether you are new to classic science fiction or revisiting a favourite author, this complete reading order provides an easy way to explore A. Bertram Chandler’s enduring and influential works.
A. Bertram Chandler Biography
A. Bertram Chandler (1912–1984) was an Australian-born science fiction author and merchant navy captain whose seafaring career inspired his realistic space adventures.
He wrote more than 40 novels and over 200 short stories, earning recognition as one of the genre’s leading writers. Chandler gained lasting fame through his John Grimes series, which blended military action, exploration, and compelling characters.
His authentic knowledge of navigation and leadership gave his stories remarkable depth. He won multiple Ditmar Awards and left a lasting legacy in classic science fiction literature.
Publication Order of Commander Grimes Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Rendezvous on a Lost World | (1961) | Buy Now |
| The Deep Reaches of Space | (1967) | Buy Now |
| Catch the Star Winds | (1969) | Buy Now |
| The Far Traveler | (1977) | Buy Now |
| To Keep the Ship | (1978) | Buy Now |
| Matilda’s Stepchildren | (1979) | Buy Now |
| Star Loot | (1980) | Buy Now |
| The Anarch Lords | (1981) | Buy Now |
| The Wild Ones | (1984) | Buy Now |
| The Last Amazon | (1984) | Buy Now |
| Tramp Captain | (1990) | Buy Now |
| Lieutenant Of The Survey Service | (2000) | Buy Now |
| Survey Captain | (2002) | Buy Now |
| Rim Runner | (2004) | Buy Now |
| Reserve Commodore | (2004) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Derek Calver Adventures Books
Publication Order of Grimes in the Rim World Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Into the Alternate Universe | (1964) | Buy Now |
| Contraband from Otherspace | (1967) | Buy Now |
| The Rim Gods | (1968) | Buy Now |
| The Dark Dimensions | (1971) | Buy Now |
| Gateway to Never | (1972) | Buy Now |
| The Way Back | (1978) | Buy Now |
| The Commodore at Sea / Alternate Orbits | (1981) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Empress Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Empress of Outer Space | (1965) | Buy Now |
| Space Mercenaries | (1965) | Buy Now |
| Nebula Alert | (1969) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Grimes in Federation Service Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| The Road To The Rim | (1967) | Buy Now |
| False Fatherland / Spartan Planet | (1968) | Buy Now |
| To Prime the Pump | (1971) | Buy Now |
| The Inheritors | (1972) | Buy Now |
| The Big Black Mark | (1975) | Buy Now |
| The Broken Cycle | (1975) | Buy Now |
| Star Courier | (1977) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of John Grimes Saga Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| To the Galactic Rim | (2011) | Buy Now |
| First Command | (2011) | Buy Now |
| Galactic Courier | (2011) | Buy Now |
| Ride the Star Winds | (2012) | Buy Now |
| Upon a Sea of Stars | (2014) | Buy Now |
| Note: This is an omnibus series with various works by Chandler. | ||
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Bring Back Yesterday | (1961) | Buy Now |
| The Hamelin Plague | (1963) | Buy Now |
| The Coils of Time | (1964) | Buy Now |
| Glory Planet | (1964) | Buy Now |
| The Alternate Martians | (1965) | Buy Now |
| The Sea Beasts | (1971) | Buy Now |
| When the Dream Dies | (1981) | Buy Now |
| Frontier of the Dark | (1984) | Buy Now |
| Kelly Country | (1985) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Giant Killer | (1945) | Buy Now |
| Wet Paint | (1959) | Buy Now |
| Raiders of the Solar Frontier | (2011) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Short Story Collections
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Beyond the Galactic Rim | (1963) | Buy Now |
| The Hard Way Up | (1972) | Buy Now |
| Up to the Sky in Ships | (2015) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Anthologies
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Astounding Science Fiction, February 1946 | (1946) | Buy Now |
| The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, Fall 1950 | (1950) | Buy Now |
| Science Fiction Vol. 9 No. 25 | (1957) | Buy Now |
| The Waters Under the Earth | (1958) | Buy Now |
| The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction, May 1959 | (1959) | Buy Now |
| Great Short Novels of Science Fiction | (1970) | Buy Now |
| SF Authors’ Choice 2 | (1970) | Buy Now |
| Galaxy Magazine, March 1971 | (1971) | Buy Now |
| The Astounding-Analog Reader, Book Two | (1973) | Buy Now |
| Other Worlds | (1978) | Buy Now |
| The Best Australian Science Fiction | (2005) | Buy Now |
| Worst Contact | (2016) | Buy Now |
| Out of this World Adventures, July 1950 | (2016) | Buy Now |
| Vanguard Science Fiction, June 1958 | (2021) | Buy Now |
Short Notes on A. Bertram Chandler Books
1. Vanguard Science Fiction, June 1958
Vanguard Science Fiction, June 1958 is a vintage science fiction magazine featuring a story by A. Bertram Chandler, celebrated for his realistic space adventures. Chandler’s contribution combines fast-paced action, imaginative technology, and thought-provoking themes about exploration beyond Earth.
The story follows determined characters as they face unexpected dangers and difficult decisions in the vastness of space.
With its engaging narrative, strong sense of adventure, and classic Golden Age science fiction style, this issue offers readers an entertaining glimpse into the creativity and optimism that defined science fiction during the late 1950s.
2. Out of this World Adventures, July 1950
Out of This World Adventures, July 1950 is a classic pulp science fiction magazine that delivers thrilling tales of space exploration, alien encounters, and futuristic technology.
This issue features imaginative stories filled with daring heroes, mysterious worlds, and high-stakes adventures that reflect the optimism of early science fiction. Blending action, suspense, and creative speculation, it captures the excitement of the genre’s Golden Age.
With its memorable storytelling and vintage charm, the July 1950 issue remains an enjoyable read for fans of classic speculative fiction and pulp magazines.
3. Worst Contact
Worst Contact is a science fiction story that explores the unpredictable consequences of humanity’s encounter with an unfamiliar alien civilisation.
Blending suspense, humor, and thoughtful speculation, the narrative examines how cultural misunderstandings, communication barriers, and conflicting assumptions can turn a first meeting into a dangerous situation.
The characters must rely on intelligence, adaptability, and cooperation to overcome unexpected challenges. With its engaging plot and clever ideas, Worst Contact highlights A. Bertram Chandler’s talent for combining exciting space adventure with insightful reflections on human nature and interstellar diplomacy.
FAQ on A. Bertram Chandler Books In Order
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Who was A. Bertram Chandler?
A. Bertram Chandler (1912–1984) was an Australian-born science fiction author and merchant navy captain. He is best known for his space adventure novels, especially the John Grimes series, which combines realistic space travel with exciting exploration.
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What is A. Bertram Chandler best known for?
Chandler is best known for the John Grimes novels and short stories. The series follows the career of spaceship captain John Grimes as he navigates military service, frontier exploration, and interstellar politics.
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How many books did A. Bertram Chandler write?
A. Bertram Chandler wrote more than 40 novels and over 200 short stories during his career, making him one of the most prolific science fiction authors of the twentieth century.
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Are there any new or upcoming A. Bertram Chandler books?
No. Since A. Bertram Chandler passed away in 1984, there are no new novels planned. However, publishers continue to release reprints, omnibus editions, and digital editions of his classic works, allowing new generations of readers to discover his stories.
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