- How many books did Barbara Cartland write? She wrote a staggering 723 books, making a complete chronological list a massive undertaking for any reader.
- Is there a reading order? Almost all of her books are standalone novels. You can start anywhere without needing to follow a strict order.
- What about the posthumous books? After her death, 160 unpublished manuscripts were released as the “Barbara Cartland Pink Collection,” which are now available as ebooks.
- Where should I start? For a classic taste, try one of her 1970s bestsellers. For a modern format, explore the digitally re-released “Pink Collection.”
Trying to read all of Barbara Cartland's books in order is a monumental task. With a career spanning over 70 years and an output of 723 novels, it is easy to feel lost. You are not alone in wondering where to even begin with such a massive bibliography.
The good news is, you've found the definitive guide. We are breaking down her entire catalog, from her first publication in 1925 to the posthumously released "Pink Collection." This chronological reading list will help you navigate the world of the undisputed Queen of Romance.
Who Was Barbara Cartland? The Prolific Queen of Romance
Before we list the books, it is helpful to understand the author behind them. Dame Barbara Cartland (1901-2000) was more than just a writer; she was a cultural phenomenon. Known for her glamorous persona and distinctive pink outfits, she became one of the most successful and productive authors of the 20th century.
Her influence on the romance genre is immense. While others, like Georgette Heyer, established the Regency romance, Cartland popularized it for a global audience. Her stories are famous for their chaste heroines, dashing heroes, and guaranteed happily-ever-afters. She crafted a world of escapism, focusing on themes of love, honor, and tradition that resonated with millions.
Her productivity was legendary. She sold over 750 million copies of her books worldwide, and her work has been translated into dozens of languages. This incredible output was the result of a strict writing routine. She would often dictate her stories to a secretary, allowing her to complete novels at a dizzying pace. Even for seasoned writers, her level of output is something to behold, and many wonder about the secrets to boosting writing productivity.
A World Record Holder
Barbara Cartland's writing speed wasn't just impressive; it was record-breaking. According to an official press release celebrating her work, she holds the Guinness World Record for writing the most novels in a single year. In 1976 alone, she published an astonishing 23 books. This pace cemented her status as a literary force and made her name synonymous with the romance genre.
How to Read Barbara Cartland's Books: A Simple Guide
The most common question from new readers is: "Where do I start?" The sheer number of Barbara Cartland books in order can feel intimidating. Here's the simple answer:
You can start almost anywhere.
The vast majority of her 723 novels are standalone stories. They do not connect or form traditional series. This gives you complete freedom to pick up any book that catches your eye without worrying about missing crucial backstory.
However, for collectors and dedicated fans, reading her work chronologically offers a unique journey through the evolution of her style and the romance genre itself. We have structured this guide by publication era to help you navigate her extensive bibliography.
A Note on Titles and Pseudonyms
One point of confusion for collectors is the issue of retitled books. Some of Cartland's novels were re-released over the years with different names. Additionally, she wrote several books early in her career under her married name, Barbara McCorquodale. Most of these have since been republished under the more famous Barbara Cartland byline, but it's something to be aware of when hunting for original editions.
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The Complete Barbara Cartland Bibliography by Year
Creating a single, scrollable list of all 723 books would be impractical. Instead, we've broken down her publishing history into key periods, highlighting her first novel, her most prolific era, and the posthumous collections that continue her legacy.
The Early Years: The 1920s and 1930s
Cartland's career began in 1925 with her debut novel, Jig-Saw. This book, written when she was just 24, set the stage for a lifetime of storytelling. Her early works reflect the social attitudes of the time and show a writer finding her unique voice.
Here is a selection of her books from the first two decades of her career:
- Jig-Saw (1925)
- Sawdust (1926)
- If the Tree is Saved (1929)
- For What? (1930)
- Sweet Punishment (1931)
- A Virgin in Mayfair (1932)
- Just Off Piccadilly (1933)
- Not Love Alone (1933)
- A Beggar Wished (1934)
- First Class, Lady? (1935)
- Dangerous Experiment (1936)
- Desperate Defiance (1936)
- The Forgotten City (1937)
- Saga at Forty (1937)
- But Never Free (1937)
- Broken Barriers (1938)
- The Bitter Winds of Love (1938)
- Escape from Passion (1939)
The Mid-Century Novels: The 1940s and 1950s
During and after World War II, Cartland continued to write, providing readers with romantic escapism during a tumultuous period. Her stories from this time often feature themes of duty, honor, and love conquering adversity. She also began publishing non-fiction works during this period, including biographies and books on health.
A selection of her mid-century romance novels includes:
- The Gods Forget (1940)
- Stolen Halo (1940)
- Now Rough, Now Smooth (1941)
- Open Wings (1942)
- The Leaping Flame (1942)
- After the Night (1944)
- The Dream Within (1946)
- Against the Stream (1947)
- If We Will (1947)
- The Enchanted Waltz (1948)
- Cupid Rides Pillion (1951)
- Love is an Eagle (1951)
- The Knave of Hearts (1952)
- Elizabethan Lover (1953)
- The Little Pretender (1954)
- The Outrageous Queen (1955)
- The Bewitching Women (1955)
- Polly: My Wonderful Mother (1956) (Non-Fiction)
- The Scandalous Life of King Carol (1957) (Non-Fiction)
- Love Me for Ever (1958)
- Sweet Adventure (1959)
The Peak Years: The 1960s and 1970s
This was Barbara Cartland's golden era. Her popularity exploded, and her publishing schedule accelerated to a pace few authors could dream of. It was during the 1970s that she set her world record for productivity. The books from this period are what many consider classic Cartland: historical romances set in the Georgian, Regency, and Victorian eras, filled with innocent heroines and worldly, aristocratic heroes.
Her output was so vast that listing all titles is difficult, but here is a snapshot of her work from this incredibly productive time:
| Year | Number of Books Published | Example Titles |
|---|---|---|
| 1970 | 10 | The Incomparable |
| 1972 | 15 | A Halo for the Devil, The Wicked Marquis |
| 1974 | 20 | The Poor Governess, A Dream from the Night |
| 1976 | 23 (World Record) | The Proud Princess, The Devil in Love |
| 1978 | 21 | The Passion and the Flower, Love in the Clouds |
| 1979 | 24 | A Song of Love, The Dawn of Love |
If you want to experience peak Barbara Cartland, picking a novel from the 1970s is an excellent choice. The sheer volume speaks to her mastery of the genre and her connection with her audience. While many of her stories are standalone, authors who do choose to write and publish a series often find a similarly dedicated readership.
Later Career and Final Works: The 1980s and 1990s
Cartland showed no signs of slowing down in her later years. She continued to publish over 20 books a year well into the 1980s and maintained a steady output throughout the 1990s. Her final novel published during her lifetime was The Way to Heaven in 2000.
These later books stayed true to her established formula, offering the comfort and predictable romance her readers had come to expect. She remained a dominant force in the publishing world until her death at the age of 98. It's an incredible story for anyone who wants to learn how to write a book with no experience and build a lasting career.
The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection: Posthumous Releases
Barbara Cartland's death in 2000 was not the end of her publishing career. She left behind an incredible legacy: 160 completed, unpublished manuscripts. Her son, Ian McCorquodale, began releasing these novels digitally as "The Barbara Cartland Pink Collection."
This collection introduced her work to a new generation of readers who prefer ebooks. As an official source from her publishers notes, all 160 of these novels were published by 2018, completing her full bibliography. These posthumous books are pure, classic Cartland, full of the romance and adventure she was known for.
Finding a full list of the Pink Collection can be done on her official publisher's website or major ebook retailers. Here are the first 15 titles in the collection to give you a taste:
- The Cross of Love
- Love in the Highlands
- Love Finds the Way
- The Castle of Love
- Love is a Maze
- A Kiss in the Desert
- The Heart of the Clan
- The Coin of Love
- A Coronation of Love
- Love at First Sight
- A Victory for Love
- Love on the High Seas
- Love in the Ruins
- The Rose in the Woods
- The Frightened Bride
Where to Find Barbara Cartland's Books in 2026
Despite being vintage romance novels, Cartland's books are more accessible than ever. Thanks to dedicated efforts from publishers like M-Y Books and Saga Egmont, her entire backlist is being managed for the digital age.
- Ebooks: Almost her entire catalog, including the Pink Collection, is available on major ebook platforms like Amazon Kindle, Apple Books, and Kobo.
- Audiobooks: An increasing number of her novels are being released as audiobooks. Reports confirm that over 130 audiobooks have been published, with more planned, expanding her reach to listeners worldwide.
- Print Books: You can still find new and used paperback copies of her most popular novels online and in secondhand bookstores. For collectors, finding first editions can be a rewarding treasure hunt.
Her continued presence in digital formats ensures that her stories of chaste, sweeping romance will endure. Her work holds a unique place among the most popular book genres selling on Amazon, appealing to readers who crave a classic, feel-good love story.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many books did Barbara Cartland write in total?
Barbara Cartland wrote an incredible 723 books throughout her long career. This figure includes her romantic novels as well as non-fiction works on health, history, and biography.
Are Barbara Cartland's books part of a series?
No, almost all of Barbara Cartland's books are standalone novels. You can read them in any order you wish without missing any crucial plot points. This makes it very easy for new readers to jump in anywhere.
What is the "Barbara Cartland Pink Collection"?
The Pink Collection consists of 160 completed novels that were left unpublished at the time of her death in 2000. Her son released them as ebooks, making them available to a modern audience and completing her full bibliography.
What is the best Barbara Cartland book to start with?
For a taste of her classic style, try one of her novels from the 1970s, such as The Wicked Marquis or A Hazard of Hearts. If you prefer ebooks, starting with the first book in the Pink Collection, The Cross of Love, is a great option.
Are Barbara Cartland's books "clean" romance?
Yes, her books are known for being very chaste or "clean" romances. The stories focus on emotional connection and romantic tension rather than explicit content, always ending with a proposal and a happily-ever-after.
Why do some of her books have different titles?
Some of Cartland's novels were re-released over the years under new titles. This was a common marketing practice at the time. She also published some early works under her married name, Barbara McCorquodale, which were later reissued under the Barbara Cartland name.