Philip José Farmer

Philip José Farmer was an American author known for his science fiction and fantasy novels. He is best known for his Riverworld series and his use of unconventional themes and characters.

This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.

  1. 1. A Feast Unknown

    The Memoirs of Lord Grandrith

    "A Feast Unknown" is a controversial and explicit novel that blends elements of adventure, science fiction, and eroticism. The story follows two immortal brothers, who are thinly veiled analogs of popular pulp fiction heroes, as they are compelled by a mysterious force to engage in a brutal and sexualized conflict with one another. The narrative delves into themes of power, masculinity, and the nature of violence, set against a backdrop of a secret society and a world teeming with danger and intrigue. As the brothers grapple with their fates and the curse of their eternal life, the book pushes the boundaries of traditional genre storytelling, challenging readers with its graphic content and unconventional approach to its characters' legacies.

    The 4059th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  2. 2. Venus On The Half Shell

    The Life and Times of Kilgore Trout

    This novel follows the interstellar adventures of Simon Wagstaff, narrowly escaping the destruction of Earth, as he embarks on a quest for the meaning of life across the cosmos. Along his journey, Wagstaff encounters a myriad of bizarre creatures and civilizations, each offering their own philosophies and ways of life. A satirical homage to the science fiction genre, the narrative is filled with humor, existential inquiry, and a deep dive into the absurdity and wonder of the universe. The protagonist's quest is both a physical and metaphysical one, leading readers through a richly imagined galaxy that mirrors the diversity and complexity of life itself.

    The 5419th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  3. 3. The Maker Of Universes

    World of Tiers

    In this science fiction novel, a disillusioned man named Robert Wolff discovers a mysterious horn that transports him to a fantastical universe known as the World of Tiers. This universe is a series of stacked worlds, each with its own unique environment and inhabitants, all created by a powerful and enigmatic being known as the Maker. As Wolff navigates these diverse realms, he encounters strange creatures, forms alliances, and confronts the Maker's oppressive rule. Throughout his journey, Wolff seeks to uncover the secrets of the World of Tiers and his own mysterious connection to it, ultimately embarking on a quest for freedom and self-discovery.

    The 6077th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  4. 4. To Your Scattered Bodies Go

    The Riverworld Series

    In this science fiction novel, every human who has ever lived is resurrected along the banks of an enigmatic river on an unknown planet. The protagonist, a 19th-century explorer, awakens in this afterlife and quickly discovers that he is not alone. Surrounded by historical figures and ordinary people from all eras and cultures, he must navigate a new existence where basic needs are met but the greater mysteries of this world—such as who is responsible for the resurrection and the purpose of this second life—remain unsolved. As he forms alliances and seeks answers, he also contends with the darker aspects of human nature that persist in this strange hereafter.

    The 9235th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
  5. 5. The Lovers

    A Science Fiction Novel

    This science fiction novel explores the boundaries of love, society, and identity through the story of Hal Yarrow, a linguist living in a future Earth governed by a puritanical theocracy. Sent on a mission to translate the language of an alien race on the planet Ozagen, Yarrow encounters Jeanette, a human-alien hybrid, challenging his beliefs and the laws of his society. Their forbidden relationship not only defies the strict moral codes of Earth but also leads Yarrow to question the nature of humanity and love itself. The novel delves into themes of repression, freedom, and the transformative power of love, set against a backdrop of interstellar exploration and cultural conflict.

    The 13327th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon
  6. 6. The Unreasoning Mask

    The novel centers around the journey of Ramstan, captain of the al-Buraq, a spaceship capable of interstellar travel through a process that defies the laws of physics. The story unfolds as Ramstan becomes embroiled in a cosmic quest to stop a mysterious, destructive force that threatens the universe. His mission is complicated by personal demons, including his own faith and morality, as well as the diverse and often conflicting motives of his crew. As they traverse exotic locations and encounter alien civilizations, the crew grapples with profound philosophical questions and the very nature of existence, leading to a climax that challenges the boundaries of perception and reality.

    The 17008th Greatest Book of All Time
    Purchase from Amazon