Peter Dickinson

Peter Dickinson was a prolific British author known for his works in both children's and adult literature. He won numerous awards, including the Carnegie Medal and the Guardian Children's Fiction Prize. His writing often blended elements of mystery, fantasy, and historical fiction.

Books

Ranked Books All Books

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. The Blue Hawk

    Cover of 'The Blue Hawk' by Peter Dickinson

    In this fantasy novel, a young temple servant named Tron is thrust into a perilous journey after he is chosen to be the guardian of a sacred blue hawk, a symbol of divine power. As political tensions rise and the ruling powers seek to exploit the hawk for their own gain, Tron must navigate a world of intrigue and danger to protect the bird and uncover his own destiny. Through his adventures, Tron learns about loyalty, courage, and the complex interplay between faith and power in a richly imagined ancient world.

    The 6798th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. The Glass Sided Ants’ Nest

    A Detective Story
    Cover of 'The Glass Sided Ants’ Nest' by Peter Dickinson

    In a bustling London neighborhood, the murder of a tribal chief from New Guinea sends shockwaves through a community of expatriates living in a peculiar enclave. The investigation, led by the astute Detective Superintendent Pibble, delves into the intricate web of cultural tensions, secrets, and loyalties that bind the group. As Pibble navigates the complexities of tribal customs and modern life, he uncovers a tapestry of human emotions and motivations, revealing that the truth is as multifaceted as the glass-sided ant's nest that serves as a metaphor for the fragile balance of this unique society.

    The 14984th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Ropemaker

    Cover of 'The Ropemaker' by Peter Dickinson

    "The Ropemaker" by Peter Dickinson is a fantasy novel set in a world where magic is dying and the land is threatened by a dark force known as the Shadow. When a young girl named Tilja is sent on a quest to find the Ropemaker, the only person who can save their world, she must navigate through treacherous landscapes and face dangerous obstacles. Along the way, she meets a group of unlikely allies who join her on her journey and help her to uncover the truth about the Ropemaker and the Shadow. As they race against time to save their world, they realize that the true power of magic lies within themselves.

    The 17151st Greatest Book of All Time
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  4. 4. The Poison Oracle

    Cover of 'The Poison Oracle' by Peter Dickinson

    Set in a fictional African kingdom, this intriguing mystery follows the story of a British anthropologist who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after a chimpanzee, trained to communicate through sign language, witnesses the crime. As the anthropologist delves deeper into the case, he navigates the complexities of cultural tensions, political intrigue, and the enigmatic behavior of the chimpanzee, all while uncovering hidden truths that challenge his understanding of human and animal intelligence. The narrative weaves a rich tapestry of suspense, ethical dilemmas, and the exploration of communication across species.

    The 17151st Greatest Book of All Time
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