Today, we are exploring the literary path of a noted author who penned his works under the name Sax Rohmer. Born as Arthur Henry Sarsfield Ward in 1883 and living until 1959, he had a humble beginning in Birmingham, England. Occupations such as a poet, songwriter, and comedy sketch writer for a music hall performer were some of his stepping stones before he embraced the role of a novelist. Sax Rohmer left his imprint on the world of literature with his passion for mysterious and intriguing narratives, particularly shining with his widely known Fu Manchu series.
Depicting the Author’s Life and Work
Knowing the author intimately often leads us to understand their work in a profound way. Rohmer started his writing journey modestly in 1910 with his first book, ‘Pause!’, which was published anonymously and is now long out of print. Regardless of the challenging beginnings, he moved towards acclaim three years later, in 1913. This was when his novel, ‘The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu’, marked his debut as ‘Sax Rohmer’. This initiated his journey into the world of suspense and his defined narrative style began to captivate readers worldwide.
The Unique Writing Style of Sax Rohmer
Rohmer’s work is spiced with suspense and rich in intricate plots; his storytelling keeps readers on edge as they navigate his journeys of mystery. His well-crafted narrative creates vivid images and settings that take readers directly into the unfolding drama. His works, particularly the Fu Manchu Series, offer deep cultural insights, married with a weaving narrative that ensures a captivating read.
A Glance at Sax Rohmer’s Books in Order
Here is a chronological listing of Sax Rohmer’s books in order, from when they were first made accessible to the reading community.
Publication Order of Fu Manchu Books
| The Mystery of Dr. Fu-Manchu / The Insidious Dr. Fu-Manchu | (1913) |    |
| The Return of Dr. Fu-Manchu / The Devil Doctor | (1916) | |
| The Hand of Fu-Manchu / The Si-Fan Mysteries | (1917) | |
| The Daughter of Fu-Manchu | (1931) | |
| The Mask of Fu-Manchu | (1932) | |
| The Bride of Fu-Manchu / Fu-Manchu’s Bride | (1933) | |
| The Trail of Fu-Manchu | (1934) | |
| President Fu-Manchu | (1936) | |
| The Drums of Fu-Manchu | (1939) | |
| The Island of Fu-Manchu | (1940) | |
| The Shadow of Fu-Manchu | (1948) | |
| Re-enter Fu-Manchu | (1957) | |
| Emperor Fu-Manchu | (1959) | |
| The Wrath of Fu-Manchu | (1973) | |