Overview of the Poldark Series
The Poldark series by Winston Graham is a collection of historical novels set in Cornwall, England, spanning from the late 18th century into the early 19th century. The series primarily follows Ross Poldark, a British Army officer returning from the American Revolutionary War, as he navigates love, family, and the socio-economic upheavals of his time.
Initially published between 1945 and 1953, the series was later revived with new novels published from 2015 onwards. Additionally, Graham wrote prequels and related works that expand on the origins of the Poldark family and the historical setting.
Original Poldark Series in Publication Order
The most straightforward way to read the core series is in the order the books were published. This approach preserves the narrative’s natural progression as experienced by readers over time.
Publication Order of the Original Series
- Ross Poldark (1945) – The debut novel that introduces Ross Poldark returning to Cornwall after the American Revolutionary War.
- Demelza (1946) – Follows Ross’s marriage to Demelza and the early challenges they face.
- Jeremy Poldark (1950) – Focuses on Ross and Demelza’s son, Jeremy, and the subsequent generations.
- The Black Moon (1951) – Continues the saga with more family drama and social upheaval.
- The Stranger from the Sea (1954) – Further adventures of Ross and his family amidst Cornwall’s turbulent times.
- The Four Swans (1959) – Concludes the original series, wrapping up long-standing storylines.
Note: Many readers prefer this order because it reflects the series' original publication and narrative flow.
Chronological Order of the Series
While publication order is common, some readers opt for chronological order, which arranges the books based on the internal timeline of events. This can offer a different perspective and a more linear understanding of the characters’ journeys.
Chronological Sequence of the Poldark Series
- The Twisted Sword (2011, prequel) – Set during the American Revolutionary War, this novel explores Ross Poldark’s early military career and the events leading to his return to Cornwall.
- Ross Poldark (1945) – The original first book that begins with Ross’s return to Cornwall.
- Demelza (1946) – Continues with Ross and Demelza’s life together.
- Jeremy Poldark (1950) – Covers the next generation.
- The Black Moon (1951) – Further family and social storylines.
- The Four Swans (1959) – Concludes the series with the final chapters of the family saga.
Note: The inclusion of The Twisted Sword at the beginning provides a more comprehensive chronological experience, especially for those interested in Ross’s background and early military exploits.
Prequels and Related Works
In addition to the main series, Winston Graham wrote other works that expand on the Poldark universe or explore related themes. These can be read before or after the main series, depending on your preference.
Prequel Novel
- The Twisted Sword (2011) – As mentioned, this novel is set during the American Revolutionary War and serves as a prequel, providing context and background to Ross Poldark’s early life and motivations.
Related Work and Spin-offs
- The Poldark Chronicles – Winston Graham’s series of books and articles that delve into the historical context of Cornwall and the series’ background, although not novels, they are valuable for enthusiasts.
Note: The prequel The Twisted Sword is particularly recommended for readers interested in the origins of the Poldark family and the historical backdrop of the series.
TV Adaptations and Their Relation to the Book Order
The popular BBC adaptation titled “Poldark,” first aired in 2015, follows the core storylines of the original series but with some deviations and modernizations. When reading the books, it’s helpful to be aware of the adaptation’s sequence:
- It primarily covers the events of the first two books, Ross Poldark and Demelza, with some elements from subsequent novels.
- The show’s timeline aligns closely with the publication order but may condense or alter certain plot points.
For fans who want to experience the series as portrayed on screen, reading the books in publication order or chronological order is advisable.
Recommended Reading Order for Fans
Based on different preferences, here are some recommended sequences:
For Purists and Publication Enthusiasts
- Follow the publication order:
- Ross Poldark
- Demelza
- Jeremy Poldark
- The Black Moon
- The Stranger from the Sea
- The Four Swans
For Those Interested in Chronology and Background
- Start with the prequel:
- The Twisted Sword
- Then proceed with the main series in chronological order:
- Ross Poldark
- Demelza
- Jeremy Poldark
- The Black Moon
- The Four Swans
Tip: Reading the prequel first provides valuable context and enhances understanding of Ross Poldark’s background.
Conclusion: Navigating the Poldark Series
Understanding the poldark order of books is key to enjoying the series’s depth and richness. Whether you choose to follow the publication order, chronological sequence, or include the prequel, each approach offers a unique perspective on Winston Graham’s masterful storytelling.
To summarize:
- The publication order preserves the original narrative flow.
- The chronological order offers a linear timeline, starting with Ross’s early military days.
- The prequel, The Twisted Sword, provides essential background and context for fans eager to deepen their understanding.
No matter which path you choose, the Poldark series promises a compelling journey through Cornwall’s history, love, hardship, and resilience. Prepare to be immersed in a vivid world where history and human drama intertwine seamlessly.
Happy reading!
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the correct reading order for the Poldark book series?
The recommended reading order is chronological by publication: starting with 'Ross Poldark', then 'Demelza', followed by 'Jeremy Poldark', 'Warleggan', 'The Stranger from the Sea', 'The Miller's Dance', 'The Angry Tide', and 'The Four Swans'.
Are there any prequels or spin-offs in the Poldark series?
The main series is sequential, but there are related works like 'The Poldark Companion' and other short stories; however, the core novels follow the original publication order as listed.
Should I read the Poldark series in publication order or chronological order?
It's best to read the series in publication order to experience the story as the author intended, though reading chronologically by story timeline is also an option for a different perspective.
How many books are in the original Poldark series?
There are eight main novels in the original Poldark series, published between 1945 and 1953.
Has the Poldark series been adapted into other media?
Yes, the series has been adapted into a popular BBC television series, which loosely follows the plot of the books but has its own sequence and interpretation.
Is there a recommended reading order if I want to follow the TV adaptation?
While the TV series loosely follows the books, it is best to read the books in publication order for the original storyline, then watch the series for visual adaptation.
Are there any newer books or spin-offs after the original Poldark series?
As of now, no official new novels or spin-offs have been published after the original eight books, but the series has inspired related works and adaptations.
Where can I find the complete list of Poldark books in order?
The complete list is available on various book retailer websites, fan sites, and the official Winston Graham bibliography, typically starting with 'Ross Poldark' and ending with 'The Four Swans'.
