Richard Hughes Books In Order

Publication Order of The Human Predicament Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Standalone Plays

Publication Order of Short Story Collections

Publication Order of Poetry Collections

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Richard Hughes

Richard Arthur Hughes was a British author who wrote in many forms, including poetry, short fiction, novels, and plays. His work showed a strong ability to build interesting characters that felt real and full of life. Readers often found his stories hard to put down because he made the people in them so engaging. The way he shaped his protagonists made his fiction enjoyable and memorable.

Hughes had a talent for telling stories that pulled readers in and kept them hooked. His narratives moved smoothly, mixing action and depth in a way that felt natural. The situations he created were often unusual but never confusing, making his books fun to explore. He knew how to balance excitement with thoughtful moments, giving his work lasting appeal.

Those who enjoy well-crafted fiction often appreciate Hughes for his skill in making ordinary moments fascinating. His writing stayed clear and direct while still carrying deeper layers for those who looked. Whether through poetry or novels, he left a mark with his sharp yet approachable style. His stories remain fresh because they focus on timeless human experiences told in inventive ways.

Richard Hughes entertained readers across the globe by writing stories that felt both exciting and deeply personal. His fiction worked because it was honest, and he wrote what interested him, not just what might sell. This authenticity made his books stand out, drawing in audiences who appreciated genuine storytelling. Readers could tell he put real thought into every character and plot twist.

His novels and short stories had a way of feeling adventurous while still being grounded in real emotions. He didn’t rely on gimmicks; instead, he crafted narratives that were clever and full of life. Whether writing for adults or younger audiences, he kept his voice consistent, never forcing his style. That natural approach made his work relatable to people from different places and backgrounds.

Even as his stories reached wide audiences, they never lost their unique touch. He blended humor, tension, and heart in ways that felt effortless. Readers returned to his books because they trusted his storytelling; he never pretended to be something he wasn’t. That sincerity, paired with his gift for entertainment, kept his writing fresh and enjoyable decades later.

Richard Hughes’s work continues to be remembered and appreciated long after his time. His novels and poems remain in print, finding new readers who enjoy his sharp storytelling and vivid characters. Scholars and critics still discuss his contributions to literature, recognizing his unique voice and skill. His legacy endures because his writing, honest, engaging, and timeless, still resonates with people today.

Early and Personal Life

Richard Hughes was born in Weybridge, Surrey, in 1900, into a family with diverse influences. His father worked as a civil servant, while his mother had spent her early years in Jamaica, bringing a unique perspective to his upbringing. From an early age, he developed a love for stories, which later shaped his path as a writer.

He attended Charterhouse School before studying at Oriel College, Oxford, where he graduated in 1922. His education helped refine his literary skills, allowing him to explore poetry, fiction, and drama. Over time, he found inspiration in his own experiences, blending imagination with real-life observations in his work.

Hughes married Frances Hughes, and together they raised five children. Their daughter Penelope later wrote a memoir about him, offering insight into his life as both a writer and a father. His legacy lives on through his published works, which continue to be enjoyed by readers who appreciate his storytelling talent.

Writing Career

Richard Hughes developed his literary career while working as a journalist, a job that took him to many places before he settled down. In 1932, he married Frances Bazley, a painter, and the couple lived first in Norfolk before moving to Castle House in Laugharne, Wales, in 1934. This seaside town became a creative hub, famously hosting Dylan Thomas, who wrote Portrait of the Artist as a Young Dog while staying with them.

Hughes gained recognition with his 1929 novel A High Wind in Jamaica, a gripping adventure story that showcased his talent for vivid storytelling. He followed it with In Hazard (1938), another well-received work, before later writing The Fox in the Attic (1961), the first in his unfinished Human Predicament series. Alongside novels, he published poetry and short stories, including The Spider’s Palace (1931), proving his versatility across genres.

Though best known for fiction, Hughes also wrote plays and children’s stories, such as The Wonder Dog (1977). Even decades later, his works remain admired for their sharp prose and compelling narratives.

A High Wind in Jamaica

Richard Hughes’ adventure novel A High Wind in Jamaica was first published in 1928. The New York Review of Books later reissued the classic work as part of its distinguished reprint series. This edition made Hughes’ gripping tale accessible to modern readers while preserving its original literary impact.

Following a devastating hurricane that destroys their Jamaican home, the Bas-Thornton children are sent to England for safety. During the voyage, pirates capture their ship, and the children are mistakenly taken aboard the pirate vessel. Captain Jonsen, though not cruel, struggles with this unexpected responsibility while the children adapt alarmingly well to pirate life. Their Caribbean misadventures grow increasingly dangerous, culminating in a startling betrayal after the children finally return to civilized society.

Readers will find A High Wind in Jamaica both thrilling and thought-provoking, with its unpredictable twists and vivid storytelling. Hughes masterfully blends adventure and psychological depth, creating a tale that stays with you long after reading.

The New York Review of Books edition presents this classic in an accessible yet authentic format. This unconventional pirate story offers surprising insights into human nature, making it far more than just an adventure novel.

The Fox in the Attic

Richard Hughes’ historical novel The Fox in the Attic (1961), first in The Human Predicament series, was also republished by The New York Review of Books.

The book itself opens Richard Hughes’s Human Predicament series with historical suspense. Set in post-WWI Europe, it follows Augustine, a Welsh aristocrat fleeing false murder accusations to his Bavarian relatives’ castle. His love for cousin Mitzi distracts him from Germany’s rising fascist movement. The novel culminates with Hitler’s Munich putsch, blending personal drama with historical events.