Old Filth Books in Order

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The Old Filth series by Jane Gardam follows the life and marriage of Sir Edward Feathers, known as Old Filth, a retired Hong Kong barrister who built a fortune before returning to England. The series explores his relationship with his wife Betty, examining their fifty-year marriage through various perspectives, including Betty's own reflections and the observations of their friend Terry Veneering. Central themes include love, loyalty, and the complexities of long-term relationships, set against the backdrop of postwar migration and social change.

Publication order

In the order the books were originally released.

  1. Cover of Old Filth

    Old Filth

    2004 · Jane Gardam

    The title of this 2004 novel by Jane Gardam is an acronym standing for "Failed in London, Try Hong Kong." Old Filth is Sir Edward Feathers, a wealthy…

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  2. Cover of The Man in the Wooden Hat

    The Man in the Wooden Hat

    2009 · Jane Gardam

    The Man in the Wooden Hat is a 2009 novel by Jane Gardam that serves as a companion to her earlier work, Old Filth. It tells the story of the…

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  3. Cover of Last friends

    Last friends

    2013 · Jane Gardam

    The Marriage of Edward Feathers and Betty is a 2013 novel by Jane Gardam told from the perspective of Terry Veneering, a friend of Edward and lover…

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Frequently asked questions

What order should I read the Old Filth books in?

Read them in publication order, starting with “Old Filth”. Start with “Old Filth.”

How many books are in the Old Filth series?

We list 3 books by Jane Gardam , published between 2004–2013.

Where can I buy the Old Filth books?

Each title above links to Amazon. See our affiliate disclosure.

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.