Biggles Books In Order

Publication Order of Biggles Books

The Biggles series is a successful novel series of adventure, historical fiction, aviation, and children’s books written by a famous English novelist named W.E. Johns. This series is comprised of 98 books in total, which were released between the years 1932 and 1999. All the books of this series feature the main protagonist as James Bigglesworth or ‘Biggles’, as he is commonly referred to. Biggles is depicted in the series as an adventurer and pilot. Author Johns created this character, especially for younger readers.

The first appearance of Biggles is seen in a story called The White Fokker. It was published in the Popular Magazine’s first issue. After this, the character was seen again in the initial collection of the Biggles stories. Author Johns continued writing the Biggles novels until he breathed his last in 1968. Overall, the book series spanned nearly a 100 volumes, including the short story collections and novels. Most of the stories that Johns wrote later were based on a common period and had a common setting. Initially, Biggles is introduced in the form of a teenaged scout pilot serving in the ‘Royal Flying Corps’ at the time of the World War Ist. When Biggles joins the RFC, he is just 17 years old. The representation of Biggles is done like a typical British hero, who has the combination of professionalism and a gentleman nature.

The stress of Biggles’ combat training makes him develop into a confident, competent, and calm leader, as opposed to the hysterical youth he was before making practical jokes all the time. Throughout the series, it is seen that Biggles is ordered to carry out secret and special missions on many occasions. He is under the command of a shadowy figure named Colonel Raymond. In some of the missions, Biggles is joined by one of his cousins named Algernon Lacey and a Flight Sergeant named Smyth. In 1935, author Johns added another member in Biggles’ team in the form of a teenager named Ginger Hebblethwaite. It is mandatory for all these individuals to accompany Biggles in the adventures of the missions. Author Johns was a pilot himself during the War, which is why he was able to create the character of Biggles with so much perfection.

However, his personal career did reach the heights as that of Biggles. His main purpose behind writing the stories was to provide entertainment for the adolescent boys with the stories of the 1st World War. While writing the stories and plots, author Johns paid a great deal of attention to the historical details. He even helped himself in recreating the primitive days of the initial air combat. The descriptions date back to the period when the pilots used to die very often in the first combat and devices like parachutes and respirators had just become practical. When asked about which real character he had in mind while developing James Bigglesworth, author Johns he suggested himself many models, including the popular WWI ace and rugby player Cyril Lowe, Albert Ball, Arthur Bigsworth, etc. But, the character did not reflect a single person completely. In fact, he seems to be a mixture of real persons from the RFC, including himself. A major part of Biggles novel is set during the events that followed WWI, and after the career of author Johns had come to an end. The fighter pilot career of Biggles appears to be unusually lengthy.

He flies numerous aircrafts that represent the military aviation of Britain. Some of the aircrafts commanded by him include Sopwith Camels, Hawker Hurricanes, Supermarine Spitfires, Hawker Hunter, etc. The historical and geographical accuracies in some later books of the series look like less evident. Following the immense success of the Biggles novels throughout the world, they were translated into numerous foreign languages such as Finnish, Icelandic, Spanish, Dutch, Czech, Italian, Swedish, Danish, German, Norwegian, Hungarian, Portuguese, and Flemish.

The series is filled with many interesting supporting characters such as Algernon Montgomery Lacey, Smyth, Lord Bertie Lissie, Ginger Hebblethwaite, Tug Carrington, Erich Von Stalhein, William Raymond, etc. Not many female characters are shown in the books as Biggles remains more or less single and does not indulge in any serious relationship. However, he does fall in love with a spy from Germany named Marie Janis. Seeing the great success of the book series, a maker came forward to develop the stories in various video formats as well. A Black & White TV show was made during the 1960s by the Granada. Neville Whiting was cast in the role of James Bigglesworth. In 1986, a movie titled Biggles was made that featured actor Neil Dickson in the lead role. John Hough was the director of the film. Neil Dickson portrayed the role once again in a feature film that was released later. An adventure video game was also developed in the same year by Microsoft. It was made for the platforms or Commodore 64, ZX Spectrum, and Amstrad CPC.

Besides all these, several comics were also published based on the popular character. Some versions of the comics were published in countries like France, Belgium, Sweden, and Great Britain. A very famous from the Biggles series written by WE Johns is entitled ‘Biggles and The Rescue Flight’. It was released by the Red Fox publication in the year 1993, after its first release in 1939. The story features a couple of boys, who run away from their homes because of their dislike for school. They end up signing up in an RFC by lying about their age.

The boys join the 266 Squadron and come in contact with Biggles. They accompany him in one of his flights. It is only after some time that Biggles finds out their reality and story unfolds with several twists and turns. Another popular novel published in this series is called ‘Another Job for Biggles’. This book was published by Hodder and Stoughton publication in 1951. At the beginning of the story of this book, it is depicted that James Bigglesworth gets promoted to the rank of Detective Air Inspector. The first mission that he is given after his promotion is to investigate about the supply of an addictive drug named Gurra. Biggles trace the supply back to the main culprits and helps to throw them behind bars.

This novel was received very well by the masses all across the globe. The increasing number of sales with each passing day after the release helped the book become a grand success. It helped author Johns in establishing himself as a noteworthy novelist and achieving new heights in his already successful writing career.

2 Responses to “Biggles”

1. Priscilla: 2 years ago

   Do you know which books were translated into other languages? I am trying very hard to find any copies in Spanish, but haven’t had any luck so far. I’d really like to be able to get my hands on a Biggles book in Spanish!

   Reply
2. Dennis Malcolm Gedye: 5 years ago

   Great series, I started reading them in grade 6, 1963, & several years later had read 90 of them! Unfortunately, the library system doesn’t seem to have many of them now!

   Reply