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

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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

Start with Book 1: Celebrated Cases of Judge Dee / Dee Goong An

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