Next Book in the Series Browse A–Z
This site contains affiliate links. The creator of this site may receive a commission for purchases made through these links, at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Asian Saga

by James Clavell

7 books Started 1962 Latest 1995
Publication Reading Order

The Asian Saga is a Historical Fiction / Mystery series by James Clavell, made up of 7 books published between 1962 and 1995. It begins with King Rat (1962), and is best read in publication order. The most recent entry is Escape (1995), spanning 33 years of storytelling.

7books
33years active
4decades
~5.5yrs between books
1995latest release
# Title Year Buy
1960s
1 King Rat 1962 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
2 Tai-Pan 1966 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1970s
3 Shogun 1975 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1980s
4 Noble House 1981 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
5 Whirlwind 1986 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
1990s
6 Gai-Jin 1993 Buy from Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia
7 EscapeLatest 1995 Search on Amazon U.S / Intl. Buy from Amazon Australia

Asian Saga series: frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Asian Saga series?

Start with King Rat (1962), the first book in the Asian Saga series by James Clavell. Follow the books in publication order for the best reading experience.

How many books are in the Asian Saga series?

There are 7 books in the Asian Saga series by James Clavell, published between 1962 and 1995.

What is the first book in the Asian Saga series?

The first book in the Asian Saga series is King Rat, published in 1962 by James Clavell.

What is the latest book in the Asian Saga series?

The most recent book in the Asian Saga series is Escape (1995) by James Clavell.

More books by James Clavell View all series and reading orders →
More series by James Clavell
Chronological Asian Saga 7 books
Similar Historical Fiction series
Personal Touch! Series with Kate Hoffmann, Cara Summers, Heather MacAllister, Jo Leigh Stephanie Bond · 5 books Seven Deadly Sins Victoria Christopher Murray · 5 books Chronological Lonesome Dove Larry McMurtry · 4 books Chronological Saga of the Mountain Saga W Michael Gear · 4 books Chronological The Last Valois Alexandre Dumas · 4 books Chronological Three Days Kerry Greenwood · 4 books
Featured in
Shōgun: James Clavell's Novel and the FX Series Compared →
About James Clavell

James Clavell (1920-1994) was a British novelist known for his epic historical fiction. Born in Australia, he served in the Royal Marines during World War II and was held as a prisoner of war in Japan. After the war, Clavell turned to writing, drawing inspiration from his wartime experiences. His breakthrough novel, "King Rat" (1962), depicted the horrors of a Japanese POW camp. "Tai-Pan" (1966), the first book in his "Asian Saga" series, won international acclaim for its sweeping portrayal of the rise of the British Empire in Hong Kong. Clavell's other notable works include "Shogun" (1975), a sprawling epic set in feudal Japan, and "Noble House" (1981), a thriller set amid the turbulent political climate of Hong Kong in the 1960s. Clavell's books have sold over 20 million copies worldwide and have been translated into more than 20 languages. He received numerous awards, including the British Book Award and the Mystery Writers of America Edgar Award. His work has been praised for its historical accuracy, immersive storytelling, and complex characterization.

View all James Clavell series →

About the Asian Saga series

James Clavell's Asian Saga is a series of huge, immersive historical epics about the meeting of East and West, beginning with the phenomenon "Shōgun." Spanning centuries — from feudal Japan to the founding of Hong Kong to 20th-century intrigue — the novels follow Westerners thrown into Asian societies they barely comprehend.

Clavell is a master of sweeping narrative, political maneuvering and cultural collision; "Shōgun" alone, with its English pilot navigating samurai Japan, is one of the most engrossing historical novels ever written, and its adaptations are landmarks.

The books are largely standalone and span different eras, linked by recurring families and themes. Most readers start with "Shōgun," then read by preference rather than strict order.