Gormenghast Reading Order

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

Mervyn Peake's Gormenghast novels are gothic fantasy set in a vast, crumbling castle ruled by ritual. They follow Titus Groan, the 77th Earl, and the ambitious kitchen boy Steerpike. Peake's three novels are often called a trilogy, and a fourth was completed from his notes by his widow, Maeve Gilmore.

Our Recommendation: Read Titus Groan and Gormenghast First Read Titus Groan, then Gormenghast; these two are the core of the series. Titus Alone is very different, set outside the castle and written while Peake was ill, so read it knowing that. Titus Awakes is optional.

The Gormenghast Novels in Order

Titus GroanBuy Now Audible1946
GormenghastBuy Now Audible1950
Titus AloneBuy Now Audible1959
Titus Awakes (completed by Maeve Gilmore)Buy Now Audible2011

Own the Complete Series Buying the whole series at once is usually cheaper than individual books, and box sets make a great gift. See Gormenghast box set options on Amazon ›

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the correct Gormenghast reading order?

Read Titus Groan, then Gormenghast; these two are the core of the series. Titus Alone is very different, set outside the castle and written while Peake was ill, so read it knowing that. Titus Awakes is optional.

Is the Gormenghast series finished?

Yes. Peake's three novels plus Titus Awakes (2011) are all published.

Is Titus Alone worth reading?

Opinions are split. It moves Titus out of Gormenghast into a strange modern world, and Peake was seriously ill while writing it. Many readers stop after book two.

Who wrote Titus Awakes?

Maeve Gilmore, Peake's widow, wrote it from his notes. It was published in 2011.

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