Books in Order: Exploring the Literary Legacy of Robert Van Gulik
Who is Robert Van Gulik?
Robert Van Gulik (1910-1967), a noteworthy Dutch author, penned an array of chronological mystery novels and riveting short stories. His most prominent work revolves around the intriguing “Judge Dee” mystery series. Born in the Netherlands, Van Gulik spent his formative years exploring the diverse cultures of Jakarta in Indonesia, developing a skill set in various languages.
Academic Pursuits and Professional Life
He returned to his homeland, where he earned a PhD from Leiden University in 1935. An expert linguist, he worked for the Dutch Foreign Service. Amid World War II, he found himself evacuated from Tokyo and eventually relocated to China, the country where he tied the knot.
Laden with globe-trotting experiences, Van Gulik’s lifetime was a journey across the globe, culminating in The Hague, The Netherlands. Upon his demise, he was serving as the Dutch ambassador to Japan.
Highlights of His Publishing Career
Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books
| Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An | (1949) |    |
| The Chinese Bell Murders | (1958) | |
| The Chinese Gold Murders | (1959) | |
| The Chinese Lake Murders | (1960) | |
| The Chinese Nail Murders | (1961) | |
| The Haunted Monastery | (1961) | |
| The Red Pavilion | (1961) | |
| The Chinese Maze Murders | (1962) | |
| The Lacquer Screen | (1962) | |
| The Emperor’s Pearl | (1963) | |
| The Monkey and The Tiger | (1965) | |
| The Phantom of the Temple | (1965) | |
| The Willow Pattern | (1965) | |
| Murder in Canton | (1966) | |
| Judge Dee at Work | (1967) | |
| Necklace and Calabash | (1967) | |
| Poets and Murder / The Fox-Magic Murders | (1968) | |