M. John Harrison Books In Order

Publication Order of Kefahuchi Tract Books

Publication Order of Viriconium Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Graphic Novels

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of New Writings in SF Anthology Books

Publication Order of Tag, the Cat Books

Publication Order of Knot Garden Books

Publication Order of The Year's Best Dark Fantasy & Horror Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About M. John Harrison

The British author Michael John Harrison, aka M. John Harrison, is well regarded for his science-fiction and fantasy novels. Reaching a huge audience of readers worldwide, he’s made a name for himself with his imaginative and creative perspective of the genres. Taking readers on a journey essentially, he allows them to lose themselves in his words and work, providing them with a fresh and unique insight. From short stories to long-form novels, he’s a versatile writer as well, with a lot to say offer within his particular field and genre.

Also writing under the pseudonym of Gabriel King, he’s also been known to write with fellow author Jane Johnson under his pen-name. Working as an English critic too, he provides an in-depth look at genre fiction, saying something quite different in the process. Keeping readers invested in his writing, he also knows how to entertain, allowing them to really feel as if they’re a part of the action. His rich and intricate narratives are well written, as he expertly balances a number of different elements throughout his fiction.

Another well managed feature of Harrison’s work is that of his characters, as he really manages to bring them to life. Giving them a real sense of personality, he allows them to have a fully three-dimensional personality all of their very own. Over the years this has seen him become a household name for many worldwide, as his work is universal in both its nature and its appeal. He will carry on writing for many years to come as well, as he definitely isn’t stopping any time soon either, with lots more on the way.

Early and Personal Life

Born and raised in Rugby, Warwickshire, in the United Kingdom on the 26th of July, 1945, Michael John Harrison would grow up with a keen interest in all things literature. Developing his craft throughout the intervening years, he would come to establish his own personal style, making a name for himself. Taking a great deal of his inspiration from the world around him, he would put many of his experiences back into his work and writing.

Attending Dunsmore School, he would gain an interest in polemic, with his writing becoming heavily influenced by the work of George Bernard Shaw. Working through a range of different jobs prior to writing full-time, he would also work as a student teacher for a few years as well. Currently living and working in London, he continues to write regularly, with more expected to follow in the near future as well.

Writing Career

It was in 1966 that Michael John Harrison would see his first short story published, which was released in the ‘Science Fantasy’ magazine. Working for the ‘New Worlds’ New Wave science-fiction magazine in London, he would meet fellow famous authors such as Michael Moorcock. Providing reviews for them under the name of Joyce Churchill, he would also work as their literary editor as well.

One of the first novels he would write was titled ‘The Committed Men’ released in 1971, and he would also bring out ‘The Pastel City’ beginning the ‘Viriconium’ series of novels that same year. Another series he would release was titled ‘Light,’ with much of his work centering around Imagistic absurdism. Winning numerous awards for his writing, such as the ‘Guardian Fiction Prize’ in 1982, he’s gone on to inspire countless writers since, from Neil Gaiman to China Miéville, while also writing graphic novels and non-fiction as well.

The Committed Men

Initially published through the ‘VGSF’ imprint, this would be one of the first books released by Harrison back in 1971. Illustrated by Peter Elson, it’s a classic stand-alone science-fiction novel, with a completely self-contained story of its own. Setting the template for a lot of what was to come, it’s an imaginative debut with a lot to offer fans of both the author and the genre overall.

Society is on the brink of collapse in modern-day Britain, with society in a state of catastrophe, along with deformity being widespread. Looking to stamp out all abnormality with a sense of crazed zeal, the more cancerous remnants of the population are bent on crushing any difference. Then there are those that look beyond their own in order to hope for a mutant society that can potentially survive these hostile conditions. Will they be able to prevail against the odds though, can they face the future together, and what is going to become of the committed men?

One of the first things immediately evident with this book is its beautifully crafted and florid prose that flows seemingly effortlessly across the page. The descriptions and the visuals are extremely vivid, really evoking a strong and clear set of images in the minds of the readers. On top of that it also has something deeper and more profound to say too, effectively commenting on the state of contemporary society as well.

The Floating Gods

Released through the ‘Pocket Books’ publishing outlet, this would be the third book in the ‘Viriconium’ series of novels. Following on from the previous books, it provides further world-building in its fantasy setting, with another story set in the same alternate world. Coming out in 1982 originally, the books take place in the near future after a new medieval system rises up out of self-destructive technology that came before.

Draining the hope and vitality of all those in the artist’s quarter, a mysterious plague besets their quarter of the city. Slowly dying from the plague, Ashlynne attempts to save her friend the artist Audsley King, although the attempts become increasingly absurd. Set in an almost alternate London, the story that then transpires is darkly comic, seeing Ashlynne’s try to save her friend. Will she be able to do it, can he ever hope to be saved, and what will finally become of the Floating Gods?

There’s an almost musical element to the novel, as both the structure and the prose is filled with all manner of musicality. With a strong poetic style of prose, the rhythm of the novel flows just as it did with the previous books in the fantasy series. Capturing a real feeling of ambiance and atmosphere, the world of the story definitely comes alive on the page, fully immersing the reader, making it an excellent example of the genre, and of Harrison’s work as a whole.