Peter Dickinson Books In Order is a fascinating collection that spans multiple genres, including mystery, fantasy, and young adult fiction. His stories have captured the imaginations of readers of all ages, but especially teens and young adults, thanks to his compelling narratives and thoughtful themes.
His books often explore complex ideas such as identity, society, and change, making them not just entertaining but also intellectually engaging. Many of his young adult novels are considered coming-of-age stories, tackling real-life issues through speculative settings and memorable characters. These stories help readers reflect on personal growth and societal norms in a creative and approachable way.
While legendary authors like C.S. Lewis and J.R.R. Tolkien shaped the early fantasy and YA genres, Peter Dickinson emerged as a powerful voice in the late 20th century. Today, he remains celebrated for his unique blend of mystery, imagination, and literary depth across his many published works.
A Quick Biography of Peter Dickinson
Peter Dickinson was born on 16 December 1927 in Livingstone, Northern Rhodesia (now Zambia), to British parents. He was educated at Eton College and later attended King’s College, Cambridge, where he earned a degree in Classics. His academic background played a key role in shaping his imaginative and thoughtful storytelling.
Before becoming a full-time author, Peter worked as an assistant editor and literary critic for Punch magazine. He also held several other roles, including journalist and poetry editor, before devoting himself entirely to writing. He lived much of his life in England and later settled with his family in Hampshire.
In his writings, Peter Dickinson addressed various social, ethical, and philosophical themes through mystery, fantasy, and young adult fiction. Because of his versatile storytelling and ability to cross genres, we’ve listed Peter Dickinson’s books to help readers explore his wide-ranging contributions to literature.
Publication Order of The Changes Trilogy Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| The Weathermonger | (1968) | Buy Now |
| Heartsease | (1969) | Buy Now |
| The Devil’s Children | (1970) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Jimmy Pibble Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| The Glass Sided Ant’s Nest / Skin Deep | (1968) | Buy Now |
| The Old English Peep Show / A Pride of Heroes | (1969) | Buy Now |
| The Sinful Stones / The Seals | (1970) | Buy Now |
| Sleep and His Brother | (1971) | Buy Now |
| The Lizard in the Cup | (1972) | Buy Now |
| One Foot in the Grave | (1979) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of The Kin Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Mana’s Story | (1998) | Buy Now |
| Po’s Story | (1998) | Buy Now |
| Noli’s Story | (1998) | Buy Now |
| Suth’s Story | (1998) | Buy Now |
| The Kin | (2003) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Princess Louise Books
Publication Order of The Ropemaker Books
Publication Order of Tales Of Elemental Spirits Books
Publication Order of Standalone Novels
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Emma Tupper’s Diary | (1971) | Buy Now |
| The Iron Lion | (1972) | Buy Now |
| The Dancing Bear | (1972) | Buy Now |
| Mandog | (1972) | Buy Now |
| The Gift | (1973) | Buy Now |
| The Poison Oracle | (1974) | Buy Now |
| The Lively Dead | (1975) | Buy Now |
| The Blue Hawk | (1976) | Buy Now |
| Walking Dead | (1977) | Buy Now |
| Annerton Pit | (1977) | Buy Now |
| Hepzibah | (1978) | Buy Now |
| The Flight of Dragons | (1979) | Buy Now |
| A Summer in the Twenties | (1981) | Buy Now |
| The Seventh Raven | (1981) | Buy Now |
| The Last House-Party | (1982) | Buy Now |
| Hindsight | (1983) | Buy Now |
| Healer | (1983) | Buy Now |
| Death of a Unicorn | (1984) | Buy Now |
| Giant Cold | (1984) | Buy Now |
| A Box of Nothing | (1985) | Buy Now |
| Tefuga | (1986) | Buy Now |
| Mole Hole | (1987) | Buy Now |
| Eva | (1988) | Buy Now |
| Merlin Dreams | (1988) | Buy Now |
| Perfect Gallows | (1988) | Buy Now |
| AK | (1990) | Buy Now |
| Play Dead | (1991) | Buy Now |
| Time and the Clock Mice, Etcetera | (1993) | Buy Now |
| A Bone From a Dry Sea | (1993) | Buy Now |
| The Yellow Room Conspiracy | (1994) | Buy Now |
| Shadow of a Hero | (1994) | Buy Now |
| Chuck and Danielle | (1996) | Buy Now |
| Touch and Go | (1999) | Buy Now |
| Some Deaths Before Dying | (1999) | Buy Now |
| The Tears of the Salamander | (2003) | Buy Now |
| Inside Grandad / The Gift Boat | (2004) | Buy Now |
| In the Palace of the Khans | (2012) | Buy Now |
| The Green Gene | (2015) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Flight | (1987) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Collections
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| Chance, Luck & Destiny | (1975) | Buy Now |
| City of Gold and Other Stories from the Old Testament | (1980) | Buy Now |
| The Lion Tamer’s Daughter: And Other Stories | (1997) | Buy Now |
| The Weir | (2007) | Buy Now |
| A Closer Look At Me | (2019) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of MagicQuest Books
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| The Sherwood Ring | (1958) | Buy Now |
| The Seventh Swan | (1962) | Buy Now |
| The Dragon Hoard | (1971) | Buy Now |
| The Throme of the Erril of Sherill | (1973) | Buy Now |
| The Perilous Gard | (1974) | Buy Now |
| The Magic Three of Solatia | (1974) | Buy Now |
| Power of Three | (1976) | Buy Now |
| Time Piper | (1976) | Buy Now |
| The Dark Lord of Pengersick | (1976) | Buy Now |
| East of Midnight | (1977) | Buy Now |
| The Devil on the Road | (1978) | Buy Now |
| The Ash Staff | (1979) | Buy Now |
| Tulku | (1979) | Buy Now |
| The Magicians of Caprona | (1980) | Buy Now |
| The Princess and the Thorn | (1980) | Buy Now |
| Mont Cant Gold | (1981) | Buy Now |
| The Hawks of Fellheath | (1984) | Buy Now |
| Talking to Dragons | (1985) | Buy Now |
| The Last Days of the Edge of the World | (1985) | Buy Now |
Publication Order of Anthologies
| Book Title | Year | Buy at Amazon |
|---|---|---|
| The Tenth Ghost Book | (1974) | Buy Now |
| The Bumper Book of Ghost Stories | (1976) | Buy Now |
| Verdict of Thirteen | (1979) | Buy Now |
| Travellers in Time: Past, Present, and to Come | (1980) | Buy Now |
| The Year’s Best Fantasy Stories 12 | (1986) | Buy Now |
| Year’s Best Fantasy and Horror: Sixteenth Annual Collection | (2003) | Buy Now |
4 Most Popular Peter Dickinson Books In Order
1) The Weathermonger (1968)
The Weathermonger kicks off Peter Dickinson’s acclaimed Changes Trilogy, set in a future Britain where technology has mysteriously become taboo and people violently reject machines. The story follows Geoffrey and his sister Sally, who begin to investigate the origins of this nationwide hysteria. Their journey uncovers dark forces rooted in ancient powers and forgotten truths. With its eerie atmosphere and thought-provoking themes about progress, fear, and control, the book stands as one of Dickinson’s most compelling YA novels.
2) Eva (1988)
Eva is a powerful and emotionally rich science fiction novel that explores what it means to be human. After a horrific car accident leaves 13-year-old Eva paralyzed, her consciousness is transplanted into the body of a chimpanzee—a groundbreaking scientific experiment. As Eva adjusts to her new form, she grapples with questions of identity, humanity, and animal rights. The novel challenges readers to consider ethical boundaries in science and the nature of self. It’s widely regarded as one of Dickinson’s most important and original works.
3) The Blue Hawk (1976)
Winner of the prestigious Carnegie Medal, The Blue Hawk is a richly imagined fantasy novel that explores themes of religion, authority, and rebellion. The story follows Tron, a young temple acolyte, who begins to question the oppressive religious system he serves. When he is chosen by a sacred blue hawk, Tron is thrust into a journey that will challenge his beliefs and determine the fate of his people. With vivid world-building and philosophical depth, this novel showcases Dickinson’s gift for blending adventure with deeper social and spiritual commentary.
4) Tulku (1979)
Set during the Boxer Rebellion in early 20th-century China and Tibet, Tulku is a sophisticated and deeply moving story of cultural clash and spiritual discovery. Theodore, the son of a Christian missionary, is forced to flee when violence erupts. Alongside an eccentric British woman, he journeys to a Tibetan monastery where he is mistaken for a reincarnated lama—a tulku. The novel skillfully navigates themes of faith, identity, and self-discovery, earning Dickinson the Whitbread Children’s Book Award. It remains a favorite among fans of historical and cross-cultural fiction.
To Sum Up
Peter Dickinson’s work stands out for its imaginative storytelling, deep philosophical questions, and genre-crossing brilliance. Whether exploring dystopian futures in The Weathermonger, ethical dilemmas in Eva, spiritual awakenings in The Blue Hawk, or cultural identity in Tulku, his books offer something profound for both young adults and thoughtful readers of all ages. These four titles not only represent the best of his writing but also showcase why Peter Dickinson remains a respected voice in young adult and speculative fiction. If you’re new to his work, this list is the perfect place to start.
Top FAQ on Peter Dickinson
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Who was Peter Dickinson?
Peter Dickinson was a British author known for his award-winning work in children’s literature, young adult fiction, fantasy, and mystery. He wrote nearly 50 books during his career.
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What is Peter Dickinson best known for?
He’s best known for The Changes Trilogy, the thought-provoking novel Eva, and his Carnegie Medal-winning books like The Blue Hawk and Tulku.
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What is Peter Dickinson’s most recent book?
A Closer Look at Me is the most recent book published in 2019.
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