Shirley Jackson Books In Order

Publication Order of Life Among the Savages Books

Publication Order of Standalone Novels

Publication Order of Short Stories/Novellas

Publication Order of Shirley Jackson Chap Books

Publication Order of Collections

Publication Order of Non-Fiction Books

Publication Order of Selected Shorts Books

Publication Order of The Dark Descent Books

Publication Order of Anthologies

About Shirley Jackson

Renowned for her horror and mystery writing, Shirley Jackson crafted an innovative style over her two-decade career that earned her a prominent place within modern literature and hundreds of critical accolades. In 1948, The Road Through the Wall — a semi-autobiographical narrative of her childhood in California — marked her debut novel. It was followed by her acclaimed short story ‘The Lottery’ the following year, which explored the dark secrets of a seemingly golden small town.

In 1959, The Haunting of Hill House made its way to the echelons of great supernatural horror and saw her reach her creative peak with the 1962 gothic masterpiece We Have Always Lived in The Castle. During her later years, Jackson’s prestige continued to rise and her influence was cemented with the Shirley Jackson Awards, established in 2007.

Early and Personal Life

Shirley Hardie Jackson was born into a wealth family in San Francisco on December 14, 1916 and was the descendant of Revolutionary War hero General Nathanael Greene. Although she was raised in an affluent two-storey brick home, she had a strained relationship with her parents, especially her mother Geraldine who was disappointed with her pregnancy. The family moved to Rochester, New York when Shirley reached high school so her parents could keep a closer eye on her. Jackson’s writing career began at college where her first story ‘Janice’ was published describing a teenage suicide attempt.

In 1940, she wed Stanley Edgar Hyman and they had four children together while she supported the family financially as her fame as a writer grew. The couple would often host literary members of the elite at their house, and Shirley gained admiration for her incisive wit. Her drawings showing expectant mothers with accompanying husbands carrying out warnings of avoiding lifting heavy objects served to reveal her lightheartedness.

Writing Career

With her 1948 short story ‘The Lottery’ Jackson rose to international fame. Published in The New Yorker, its shock elements received over 300 letters, leading to her next work The Road Through the Wall, an autobiography, and Hangsaman, a novel based on a true mysterious disappearance. Her 1952 memoir Life Among the Savages gained even more attention.

The Bird’s Nest, a psychological thriller, was recognized by her publisher in 1954, and her 1959 tale The Haunting of Hill House is heralded among the greatest supernatural horror novels of all time. In 1960, it was nominated for the National Book Award, allowing Jackson to further her success, followed by a 1966 stage adaptation of They Have Always Lived in the Castle by Hugh Wheeler, as well as numerous films and plays that were based on her stories.

That same year, Jackson also won the Edgar Allan Poe Award with her short story ‘The Possibility of Evil’ and was posthumously honored with it again in 2006 for ‘Family Treasures’. Current authors such as Neil Gaiman and Joanne Harris also draw much inspiration from her work. Her life and work were documented further through the 2014 biographical novel Shirley and a 2020 feature film of the same name.

Every June 27th, North Bennington community celebrates Shirley Jackson Day with lectures, readings, and seminars. Jackson’s legacy lives on, reflecting her witty humour, strong writing, and families focus.

The Haunting of Hill House

In 1959, Shirley Jackson’s ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ was published by Viking Press, and quickly became one of the most acclaimed horror novels of the twentieth century. After its release, the novel has since been adapted for both film and television. Following a quest for the supernatural, Dr. Montague, Theodora, Eleanor and Luke found themselves bravely facing the mysterious forces of Hill House.

As the story progresses, readers find themselves whisked away on an adventure with the group as they experience the strange and extraordinary events of this haunted house. Unexpected surprises and philosophical inquiries arise along the way, as readers are taken on a thrilling ride through Hill House. In the end, they come to question their own reality and its seeming limits.

This unforgettable novel by Shirley Jackson weaves an unforgettable story of the supernatural and the bizarre. Holding its well-deserved place in the pantheon of twentieth-century literature, ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ is a captivating read that entertains from start to finish.

We Have Always Lived in the Castle

On September 21, 1962, ‘We Have Always Lived in the Castle’ by Shirley Jackson saw light. It was an instant hit and has remained a timeless classic. The gripping mystery-thriller set the stage for the Blackwood family’s fateful secrets to unfold.

The isolated estate of the two sisters, Merricat and Constance, proves to be one of the most haunting places to explore. When a devious cousin turns up, internal tensions culminate in unexpected ways. The riveting interplay that follows reveals a sinister streak and practically comes alive on the pages, enveloping its readers in suspense.

Thrilling, puzzling and awe-inspiring, this novel continues to charm readers who are looking for something truly captivating to read. ‘We Have Always Lived in the Castle’ stands as an everlasting classic that showcases Shirley Jackson’s timeless craftsmanship. It captures the essence of her extraordinary writing in a way that is both gripping and unforgettable. It is a must-read for anyone seeking mysterious thrills.

Hangsaman

In 1951, Shirley Jackson’s ‘Hangsaman’ was released to an enthusiastic response by Farrar, Straus and Young. This pioneering Gothic horror novel was one of the first to bridge the gap between literary and horror fiction. Considered to be one of Jackson’s darker works, ‘Hangsaman’ still holds a special place in both academia and modern culture.

The protagonist, Natalie Waite, was a fifteen year old when she realized she had to take control of her life. Her singleminded, Egomanical father, continuously complaining mother, and brother Bud filled her home with strange yet stimulating energies. Visiting a holiday cocktail gathering revealed her family’s dysfunction among her peers. Despite the psychological challenge of her complex home life, she persisted through college, determined to build her own path.

Jackson’s ‘Hangsaman’ has remained captivating since the day it was published. Through a seamless blend of dark and humorous elements, she crafted an award-winning novel that stands the test of time. Read by generations, ‘Hangsaman’ continues to be a masterpiece of literary horror.