Books in Order: A Comprehensive Guide on Robert van Gulik's Work

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

Van Gulik kick-started his publishing career in 1948 with the mystery novel Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee. His original literary masterpiece, The Chinese Maze Murders, soon followed this success. His final composition, Murder in Canton, hit the stands in 1966.

Let’s delve into the list of Robert Van Gulik’s enchanting books in order by their original release dates:

Publication Order of Judge Dee Mysteries Books

Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An (1949) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Chinese Bell Murders (1958) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Chinese Gold Murders (1959) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Chinese Lake Murders (1960) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Chinese Nail Murders (1961) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Haunted Monastery (1961) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Red Pavilion (1961) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Chinese Maze Murders (1962) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Lacquer Screen (1962) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Emperor’s Pearl (1963) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Monkey and The Tiger (1965) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Phantom of the Temple (1965) 📚 Buy on Amazon
The Willow Pattern (1965) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Murder in Canton (1966) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Judge Dee at Work (1967) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Necklace and Calabash (1967) 📚 Buy on Amazon
Poets and Murder / The Fox-Magic Murders (1968) 📚 Buy on Amazon