The Alexandria Quartet Reading Order

Here's the correct Alexandria Quartet reading order: every book in the right order, where to start, and answers to common questions.

Lawrence Durrell's Alexandria Quartet tells one story of love and intrigue in 1930s and 1940s Alexandria, retold from different viewpoints across four novels. Durrell explained his structure in the book: the first three novels cover the same events from different angles, and only the fourth moves the story forward in time.

Our Recommendation: Publication Order (Durrell's Order) Read Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive, then Clea, the order Durrell intended. The first three overlap and reinterpret the same events; Clea is the true sequel.

The Alexandria Quartet in Order

  1. JustineBuy NowAudible1957
  2. BalthazarBuy NowAudible1958
  3. MountoliveBuy NowAudible1958
  4. CleaBuy NowAudible1960
Own the Complete Series Buying the whole series at once is usually cheaper than individual books, and box sets make a great gift. See The Alexandria Quartet box set options on Amazon ›

Boxed Set

  1. The Alexandria Quartet Boxed Set (all four novels)Buy NowAudible1962

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct Alexandria Quartet reading order?

Read Justine, Balthazar, Mountolive, then Clea, the order Durrell intended. The first three overlap and reinterpret the same events; Clea is the true sequel.

Is the Alexandria Quartet finished?

Yes. Clea (1960) completes the quartet.

Do I need to read The Alexandria Quartet in order?

Yes. Each novel changes your understanding of the one before it, so reading out of order spoils the reveals.

Is there an Alexandria Quartet box set?

Yes. All four novels are available together as a boxed set, and a one-volume omnibus edition has also been published.

Similar Series You Might Like

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Last updated: October 2026.