Photo of E. M. Forster
Open Library

E. M. Forster

1 series 9 books in order 6 standalone books

E. M. Forster (1879-1970) was an English novelist, short story writer, essayist, and librettist, OM, CH, known for ironic, well-plotted novels examining class difference, hypocrisy, and attitudes toward gender and homosexuality in early 20th-century British society.

Born
1879
Known for
E.M. Fōsutā chosakushū

Where to start with E. M. Forster

Begin with Howards End, the first book in the E.M. Fōsutā chosakushū series. It introduces Forster’s signature exploration of class, connection, and the tensions between personal values and social expectations. Proceed with the remaining books in the series in publication order: A Room with a View, followed by Maurice. These works trace the development of Forster’s themes through the lives of individuals navigating personal and societal constraints. For standalone works, consider A Passage to India next, as it extends his examination of cultural and moral boundaries into a colonial context. The Machine Stops offers a stark contrast, a visionary short story that anticipates modern concerns about technology and isolation. Where Angels Fear to Tread and Aspects of the Novel provide further insight into his narrative style and thematic depth.

Series by E. M. Forster

E.M. Fōsutā chosakushū

3 books in order · 1910–1923

  1. Cover of Howards End

    Howards End

    1910 · E. M. Forster

    Howards End is a novel by E. M. Forster that explores social conventions, codes of conduct, and relationships in turn-of-the-century England. A…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  2. Cover of Pharos and Pharillon

    Pharos and Pharillon

    1923 · E. M. Forster

    Set in Alexandria, Egypt, a trading hub and cosmopolitan crossroads, this is where E.M. Forster fell in love with a young Egyptian man, Mohammed el…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  3. Cover of The Longest Journey

    The Longest Journey

    Year unknown · E. M. Forster

    The passage centers on a scene in which a character named Ansell lights a match and holds it out over a carpet, repeatedly declaring, "The cow is…

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon

Standalone books

  1. Cover of Aspects of the novel
    Buy on Amazon
  2. Cover of A Passage to India
    Buy on Amazon
  3. Cover of The Machine Stops
    Buy on Amazon
  4. Cover of Maurice

    Maurice

    Year unknown

    Read more →
    Buy on Amazon
  5. Cover of Where Angels Fear to Tread
    Buy on Amazon
  6. Cover of A passage to India
    Buy on Amazon

Frequently asked questions

How many books has E. M. Forster written?

We list 9 books by E. M. Forster across 1 series, published between 1909–1927 — each shown in full reading order.

What order should I read E. M. Forster's books?

Read each series in publication order. A good place to start is “The Longest Journey.” Open any series above for its complete numbered reading order.

Where can I buy E. M. Forster's books?

Every title links to Amazon from its series page — see our affiliate disclosure in the footer for how that supports the site.

Reading order compiled from author/publisher guidance and verified bibliographic data. Spotted a wrong order, a missing book, or any other mistake? and we'll correct it.