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 4060th Greatest Book of All Time
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  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
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  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 6078th Greatest Book of All Time
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  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 9236th Greatest Book of All Time
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  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
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  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 17010th Greatest Book of All Time
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  7. 7. The Fabulous Riverboat

    The Second Book of the Riverworld Series

    In a world where historical figures are resurrected along the banks of a seemingly endless river, a determined Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain, embarks on an ambitious quest to build a magnificent riverboat. Teaming up with the enigmatic and resourceful King John of England, Clemens navigates a landscape filled with rival factions, technological challenges, and the mysterious overseers of this afterlife realm. As they strive to achieve their dream of exploration and adventure, they must confront both external threats and internal conflicts, all while unraveling the secrets of their strange new existence.

  8. 8. Dioses Del Mundo Del Rio

    In this captivating continuation of the Riverworld saga, the narrative delves deeper into the enigmatic world where every human who has ever lived is resurrected along the banks of a colossal river. As the story unfolds, a diverse group of historical figures, including explorers, warriors, and philosophers, band together to unravel the mysteries of their new existence. They face challenges from both the environment and other resurrected souls, all while seeking the elusive beings known as "Ethicals," who hold the secrets to their resurrection. The tale is a rich tapestry of adventure, intrigue, and philosophical exploration, as the characters grapple with questions of identity, purpose, and the nature of humanity itself.

  9. 9. El Oscuro Designio

    Set in a universe where the boundaries between reality and myth blur, the story follows a group of adventurers as they navigate a world filled with ancient secrets and cosmic mysteries. As they delve deeper into the enigmatic forces at play, they uncover a dark design that threatens to unravel the very fabric of existence. With time running out, the protagonists must confront their own fears and desires to prevent an impending catastrophe, all while questioning the true nature of their reality and the roles they are destined to play in the grand scheme of things.

  10. 10. El Fabuloso Barco Fluvial

    Set in a fantastical world where the boundaries between life and death blur, the story follows a diverse group of individuals who find themselves resurrected on the banks of a colossal river. As they embark on a journey aboard a magnificent riverboat, they encounter a series of challenges and mysteries that test their resolve and unity. The narrative explores themes of identity, redemption, and the quest for meaning in a universe governed by enigmatic forces, weaving together elements of adventure, intrigue, and philosophical reflection.

  11. 11. El Mundo Del Río Y Otras Historias

    Set in a universe where humanity is resurrected along the banks of a seemingly endless river, this collection of stories explores the profound implications of immortality and the quest for meaning in a world where death is no longer an end. The narratives delve into the lives of historical figures and ordinary individuals as they navigate a landscape filled with mystery, adventure, and philosophical dilemmas. Through a tapestry of interconnected tales, the book examines the essence of human nature, the pursuit of knowledge, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

  12. 12. El Laberinto Mágico

    In this captivating installment of a science fiction series, readers are transported to a fantastical world where historical figures and fictional characters coexist in a vast, mysterious river valley. As the narrative unfolds, the protagonist embarks on a quest to unravel the secrets of this enigmatic realm, encountering a diverse cast of individuals, each with their own motives and desires. The story weaves together themes of identity, power, and the nature of reality, all set against a backdrop of intrigue and adventure that challenges the boundaries of imagination.

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  13. 13. Dare

    In a world where humans and aliens coexist, a group of rebellious teenagers, disillusioned by the oppressive societal norms imposed by their alien overlords, embarks on a daring journey to reclaim their freedom. As they navigate through a landscape filled with danger and intrigue, they confront not only the external threats posed by their alien rulers but also the internal struggles of identity and belonging. Their quest becomes a powerful exploration of courage, defiance, and the unyielding spirit of youth in the face of overwhelming odds.

  14. 14. Doc Savage

    His Apocalyptic Life

    A playful, metafictional fictional biography that treats a pulp-era superman as a real man, tracing his secret origins, prodigious intellect and physical prowess, the formation of his loyal team, and globe-spanning adventures while revealing the private flaws and moral ambiguities behind the public legend. Blending action, pastiche and wry analysis, it both celebrates and deconstructs the myths of the larger-than-life adventurer.

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