The Asian Saga is a Historical Fiction 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.
| # | 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.
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.