Best Books by Charles Bukowski – All His Novels Ranked

“Don’t try.” – Charles Bukowski. You might be here thinking, well, what are the best books by Charles Bukowski? We’ll get to that in a sec. First, let’s talk about his life. For a long time, Charles Bukowski wanted to be a writer. However, he only achieved success in writing during his 50s. 

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Best Books by Charles Bukowski - All His Novels Ranked

For decades, his work was rejected by magazines and publishers. But in the 1960s and 1970s, he began to gain a cult following when an editor took a risk on him. Prior to this, he worked at a post office and spent the little money he made on booze. But after signing the contract, he would then publish and sell over two million copies of his book.

The words engraved on his tombstone read, “Don’t try.” This is because Charles Bukowski was brutally candid about his own life and experiences. He never tried to be something he’s not, and he’s always lived by that. In fact, when you read most of his works, you’ll see how he injected himself into them. 

He wrote about his experiences in life with vulgar honesty and raw emotion. Prior to becoming a successful writer, his life was characterized by poverty, drunkenness, and a string of menial jobs. Being brutally honest about his experiences led his readers to easily connect with him. This made a mark on modern literature. 

Bukowski does have a controversial reputation because of his explicit content and themes. His work is known for its gritty realism and dark humor. Some of the themes his works portray are sex, love, and relationships. These are often written with raw and unflinching honesty. 

Charles Bukowski published over 40 books during his lifetime, and around 10 to 15 were published posthumously. If you’ve read one of his works and are looking for what to read next, this is the perfect article for you. 

Best Books by Charles Bukowski – All Novels Ranked

Post Office: A Novel

Post Office: A Novel

This first book was written three weeks after he signed the contract with his editor. “Post Office” is a semi-autobiographical novel by Charles Bukowski. It follows the life of Henry Chinaski, a low-level postal worker. He spends his day drinking and chasing women while trying to find meaning in his existence. It delves into themes of alienation and loneliness. This novel shows a glimpse into the life of the working class and the struggles they face as they try to find purpose and happiness in an oppressive system. It sold over two million copies and was translated into languages such as German, French, and Portuguese.

You can find this book here.

Ham on Rye: A Novel

Ham On Rye: A Novel

Ham on Rye is also a semi-autobiographical novel. This is a coming-of-age novel that tells the story of Henry Chinaski during his childhood and teenage years in the Depression Era. This novel offers a raw and unfiltered portrayal of the realities of growing up poor in America. It shows the harshness of growing up in a dysfunctional family. As the novel delves into Chinaski’s struggles with his abusive father, bullying, and rejection, we also witness his search for a sense of belonging. 

To find the book, click on this link.

Women: A Novel

Women: A Novel

Women, another semi-autobiographical novel, features Chinaski as a struggling writer in his 50s. Bukowski draws from his own experiences in his tumultuous relationships with women. In this novel, we witness how he comes to terms with his own misogyny. Through Chinaski’s cynical and often vulgar narration, this novel offers a frank and unapologetic depiction of love, sex, and relationships. 

Find out more about the book here.

Factotum: A Novel

Factotum

This novel is the prequel to “Post Office.” It features Henry “Hank” Chinaski as he drifts through various jobs, relationships, and cities. Set against the backdrop of 1940s Los Angeles, Factotum is the candid story of a man searching for meaning in a society that values conformity and stability above all else. 

This book is available to buy here.

Pulp

Pulp

Pulp was published shortly before Bukowski’s death in 1994. It follows the story of a hardboiled detective, Nick Belane, who takes on a case that leads him down a dark and surreal path. During his mission to track down a missing person, he encounters a cast of eccentric and dangerous characters. Pulp is a part-crime thriller, part-existential meditation, and an overall darkly humorous novel. It explores themes of mortality, identity, and the human condition. 

To find the book, click on this link.

Hollywood: A Novel

Hollywood

Hollywood is the fictional version of his experience with writing the screenplay for Barfly. As with the first few novels, this is also a semi-autobiographical novel. Chinaski was a struggling writer and alcoholic who moved to Hollywood to try and make it in the movie industry. The novel navigates through the cutthroat world of Hollywood and faces rejection, betrayal, and disillusionment. Hollywood is a good critique of the American dream and celebrity culture.

Get a copy of the book here.

The Captain is Out to Lunch and the Sailors Have Taken Over the Ship

The Captain is Out to Lunch

“The Captain is Out to Lunch and the Sailors Have Taken Over the Ship” is a posthumously published collection of diary entries written by Charles Bukowski during the last years of his life. Bukowski writes candidly about his health issues, love affairs, and the struggles of growing old. It is a must-read for Bukowski fans who want to know him better.

You can find the book here.

Barfly: The Movie (screenplay)

Barfly - The Movie

Barfly is a screenplay written by Charles Bukowski during his stay in Los Angeles. The semi-autobiographical story follows Henry Chinaski, Bukowski’s alter ego. Bukowski’s raw and unfiltered writing style is on full display in the screenplay, capturing the gritty reality of life on the fringes of society. The film has since become a cult classic and is considered one of the best adaptations of Bukowski’s work.

Click here to find the book.

Notes of a Dirty Old Man

Notes of a Dirty Old Man

Notes of a Dirty Old Man is a collection of essays written by Bukowski for the underground newspaper “Open City” in the 1960s. These columns showcase Bukowski’s sharp wit. It includes a mix of fiction, poetry, and non-fiction. These columns explore themes of sex, alcohol, and poverty. 

You can get this book here.

The Roominghouse Madrigals: Early Selected Poems 1946-1966

The Roominghouse Madrigals: Early Selected Poems 1946-1966

This collection features some of Bukowski’s earliest poems, showcasing his evolution as a writer and his unique perspective on the world around him. The poems were from before he gained widespread recognition as a writer. It reflects the gritty and raw style of writing that Bukowski is known for. These poems explore themes of loneliness and the struggle to find the meaning of life.

Find out more about the book at this link.

Love Is a Dog from Hell: Poems, 1974-1977

Love is a Dog From Hell

Love Is A Dog From Hell is a poetry collection that explores the various facets of love. This contains some of Bukowski’s most famous poems, like “Bluebird” and “The Lady in the Castle.” Bukowski’s style of writing is showcased. His poems often feature vivid imagery and explicit language. The poems in this collection offer a glimpse into his worldview and unique perspective on love and life.

This book is available here.

You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense

You Get So Alone at Times

“You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense” is a collection of poetry and prose by Charles Bukowski. The book of poetry contains some of his most renowned and poignant works. The collection includes poems like “The Crunch,” “Quiet Clean Girls in Gingham Dresses,” and “The Shower.” These works showcase his unique literary style that focuses on darker aspects of life.

You may find the book here.

The Last Night of the Earth Poems

The Last Night of the Earth Poems

The Last Night of the Earth Poems is a poetry collection that captures Bukowski’s raw and honest voice. The poems cover a range of subjects, from love and relationships to death and immortality. The poems are often autobiographical, drawing from his own experiences. This is a powerful and poignant reflection on life and the human condition, seen from the perspective of one of the most iconic poets of the 20th century.

To find the book, click on this link.

Betting on the Muse: Poems and Stories

Betting on the Muse

“Betting on the Muse” is a collection of poems and short stories. The collection features some of Bukowski’s best works, which display his unique style and voice. We encounter themes of love, loss, and reminiscing about the golden days. “Betting on the Muse” is a must-read for Bukowski fans, as well as anyone interested in gritty, honest, and unapologetic writing. This was also published in 1996, two years after his death in 1994.

Find a copy of Betting on the Muse here.

South of No North: Stories of the Buried Life

South of No North

This is a collection of short stories published in 1973. The stories focus on characters who are living on the margins of society, struggling with poverty, addiction, and the darker side of human nature. It’s a good and honest take on the struggles and loneliness men feel as they search for meaning in a world that is sometimes unforgiving.

Find out more about the book here.

Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame: Selected Poems, 1955-1973

Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame: Selected Poems 1955-1973

“Burning in Water, Drowning in Flame” is a collection of selected poems by Charles Bukowski. The poems explore themes of gambling, drinking, and women. Bukowski writes about the harsh realities of life and his unflinching observations of the world.

You may find the book here.

The Most Beautiful Woman in Town & Other Stories

The Most Beautiful Woman in Town

This is a collection of short stories by Charles Bukowski that depict the gritty reality of urban and everyday life. As he often does, Charles Bukowski writes with a touch of dark humor and irony. These short stories portray the struggles of ordinary people as they navigate poverty and life. This is a must-read for fans and those especially interested in exploring the darker side of the human experience. 

This book is available here.

Open All Night: New Poems

Open All Night

Open All Night is a collection of poems published posthumously in 2000. This collection of poems has themes that deal with love, sex, death, and the everyday struggles of life. One of the standout poems in the collection is “Let It Enfold You,” which is a great reflection on life and death. Immerse yourself in Bukowski’s works as he writes with his signature unfiltered style and great attention to detail.

Get Open All Night here

The Pleasures of the Damned: Poems, 1951-1993

The Pleasures of the Damned: Poems, 1951-1993

“The Pleasures of the Damned” is a posthumous collection of Bukowski’s poetry, spanning over four decades of his work. This collection offers a comprehensive overview of his career and writing. It includes both well-known and previously unpublished works that show the breadth and depth of his talent.

Find out more about the book here.

Tales of Ordinary Madness

Tales of Ordinary Madness

“Tales of Ordinary Madness” is a collection of short stories. These stories explore the seedy underbelly of Los Angeles through the eyes of its working-class inhabitants. It explores the lives of its most downtrodden inhabitants. Although these stories can be shocking and disturbing for some, they can also be really thought-provoking. Bukowski’s sharp literary style is obvious in his characteristic themes of alcoholism, sex, and violence. 

To find the book, click this link.

Sifting Through the Madness for the Word, the Line, the Way: New Poems

sifting through the madness for the word, the line, the way: New Poems

This is a collection of new poems that were published posthumously in 2002. He drew on experiences from the final years of his life. These poems offer a haunting reflection on mortality, love, and existential musings. The poems are mostly autobiographical and focus on his life experiences and struggles. Notable poems in this collection are “What Can We Do?,” “A Good Man,” and “Love and Fame and Death.” He also has a poem titled “My Friend William Burroughs,” which pays tribute to the author.

Get a copy of the book here.

Septuagenarian Stew: Stories & Poems

Septuagenarian Stew: Stories & Poems

“Septuagenarian Stew: Stories & Poems” is a collection of short stories and poems by Charles Bukowski, published in 1990. The book showcases his versatility as it includes a mix of poems and stories. It includes some of his unpublished material alongside selected work from previous books. It explores themes of sex, love, aging, and death. This is a great, introspective read.

The book is available here.

On Love

On Love

“On Love” is a collection of poems and prose that explores the complex nature of love and relationships. This book is divided into three sections: “In and Out of Love,” “Alone,” and “The Dark Side of Love.’ Bukowski’s raw and unfiltered prose delves into themes of passion, heartbreak, and connection. Not only that, but it greatly captures the highs and lows of love in a way that is relatable and thought-provoking.

On Love is available through this link.

On Writing

On Writing

“On Writing” is a collection of essays and letters on his experiences and thoughts about the craft of writing. Bukowski gives us insights into his writing process, revealing the influences and techniques that shaped his literary style. It offers blunt and honest advice to aspiring writers. What makes this compelling is his willingness to share the raw and sometimes messy aspects of his creative process, which can be very helpful for other writers.

Find out more about On Writing here.

Play the Piano Drunk Like a Percussion Instrument Until the Fingers Begin to Bleed a Bit

Play the Piano

This is a collection of Bukowski’s poetry, written in his classic and unapologetic style. It touches upon themes of aging, loneliness, and life. The poems in this collection were published between 1970 and 1979 in different magazines, such as the Ontario Review, The Goodly Company, and Midwest. 

You may find the book here.

What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through the Fire

What Matters Most Is How Well You Walk Through the Fire

This collection of poetry and prose reflects Bukowski’s obsession with death and his struggle to find meaning in a world that often seems cruel and meaningless. Published in 1999, this collection contains some of his most personal and vulnerable poems. The title is taken from one of his poems in the book.

The book is available here.

Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions, and General Tales of Ordinary Madness

Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions and General Tales of Ordinary Madness

“Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions, and General Tales of Ordinary Madness” is a collection of Bukowski’s short stories and poems. These stories revolve around Bukowski’s alter ego, Henry Chinaski. It explores themes such as sex, violence, alcoholism, and social alienation. These stories offer a glimpse into everyday urban life.

Find out more about the book through this link.

The Captain is Out to Lunch and the Sailors Have Taken Over the Ship

The Captain is Out to Lunch

This is a collection of journal entries by Charles Bukowski from the last years of his life. It contains reflections on his life, writing, and relationships. Since these entries are unfiltered and raw, they perfectly capture Bukowski’s humor, wit, and wisdom. These entries span from 1991 to 1993 and were first published in 1998 with illustrations by Robert Crumb. 

Get a copy of the book here.

Bone Palace Ballet: New Poems

Bone Palace Ballet

“Bone Palace Ballet” is a collection of poems published posthumously in 1997. It contains 175 previously unpublished works that offer readers a glimpse into Bukowski’s later years. It explores themes of love, loss, and the human condition. The poems are honest and darkly humorous and feature his exemplary writing style.

You may find the book here.

Mockingbird Wish Me Luck

Mockingbird Wish Me Luck

“Mockingbird Wish Me Luck” is a collection of poems and prose by Bukowski. Published in 1972, these poems cover themes such as sex, violence, loneliness, and existence. This contains some of his best-known poems, such as “A Smile to Remember” and “Love is a Dog From Hell.” There are also several autobiographical pieces that offer insights into Bukowski’s life and personality. This collection is a powerful and thought-provoking one that encapsulates Bukowski and his writing.

Get Mockingbird Wish Me Luck here.

The Continual Condition: Poems

The Continual Condition: Poems

“The Continual Condition: Poems” is a posthumous collection of poems by Charles Bukowski, published in 2009, six years after his death. The poems explore themes of aging, mortality, time, and the human experience. This is a great read as you experience and understand Bukowski’s perspective.

Get a copy of The Continual Condition here.

The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses Over the Hills

The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses

“The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses Over the Hills” is a collection of poems published in 1969. This collection contains some of his most popular and critically acclaimed poems. Many of these poems are autobiographical and draw on his experiences of poverty, alcoholism, and failed relationships. This is a must-read for anyone who enjoys the honest and raw poetry of the human experience.

Find out more about the book here.

Bring Me Your Love

Bring Me Your Love

“Bring Me Your Love” is a collection of Bukowski’s short stories that feature some of his earliest works. Published in 1983, this was also illustrated by Robert Crumb. This includes 23 stories with their own unique characters and settings. Some notable stories are “All the Assholes in the World and Mine” and “The Best Love Poem I Can Write at the Moment.” 

Bring Me Your Love is available here.

The Flash of Lightning Behind the Mountain: New Poems

The Flash of Lightning Behind the Mountain: New Poems

“The Flash of Lightning Behind the Mountain: New Poems” is a posthumous collection of poetry by Charles Bukowski, published in 2004. The poems in this collection reflect his later years and deal with death and the meaning of life. Some of the poems are written in a more reflective and introspective tone compared to his earlier works, yet still have his gritty and raw style. 

Get a copy of the book here.

Hot Water Music

Hot Water Music

This is a collection of short stories by Bukowski, published in 1983. The themes of these stories are drinking, women, gambling, and drinking. As always, Bukowski writes with his unique literary style and offers a vivid portrayal of characters. The stories feature a cast of misfits and outcasts. “Hot Water Music” has been praised for its raw depiction of life on the fringes of society.

You may find the book here.

On Cats

On Cats

Fun fact: Bukowski loves cats. This collection of essays celebrates his love for them. It becomes evident as he writes about the quirks and personalities of his own cats as well as those cats he encounters on the streets. “On Cats” shows the tender side of Bukowski as he shows vulnerability towards these creatures. It also includes black-and-white sketches by Bukowski.

Get a copy of On Cats here.

Run with the Hunted: A Charles Bukowski Reader

Run With The Hunted: A Charles Bukowski Reader

“Run with the Hunted” is a comprehensive reader of Charles Bukowski’s work. This includes poetry, short stories, and excerpts from his novels. It covers some of his best works and reads as an autobiography. It spans from the 1940s, with his early works, up to his later works in the 1990s. This book is perfect for those who are new to writing and is a good collection for fans as well. 

The book is available here.

More Notes of a Dirty Old Man: The Uncollected Columns

More Notes of a Dirty Old Man: The Uncollected Columns

“More Notes of a Dirty Old Man” is a collection of columns written by Charles Bukowski for the underground newspaper Open City. These columns were not included in his earlier book, “Notes of a Dirty Old Man.” This collection contains his humorous and crude observations on life, literature, and society. In this book, mainly, Bukowski shows us material from his career as a columnist.

Get your own copy of the book here.

On Drinking

On Drinking

It’s not a secret that Charles Bukowski is an alcoholic. In fact, most articles you find will let you know about his alcoholism. “On Drinking” is a collection of writings about his experiences with alcohol. It includes poems, stories, and essays that explore his relationship with drinking. This book is both humorous and heartbreaking, talking about the ways alcohol can both inspire and destroy.

Find out more about “On Drinking” here.

Shakespeare Never Did This: A Charles Bukowski Diary

Shakespeare Never Did This

This is a non-fiction work by Charles Bukowski. Published in 1979, the book is a collection of his journal entries from his travels in the early 1970s. The diary offers a raw and unfiltered glimpse into his thoughts, experiences, and observations through his travels. This book is a treat for any of his fans, as it feels very personal and candid.

You can find the book here.

Other Books by Charles Bukowski: 

  • Essential Bukowski: Poetry
  • The Bell Tolls for No One
  • Come On In!
  • The People Look Like Flowers At Last: New Poems
  • War All The Time: Poems, 1981 – 1984
  • Screams from the Balcony: Selected Letters 1960 – 1970
  • The Night Torn Mad With Footsteps: New Poems
  • Storm from the Living and the Dead: Uncollected and Unpublished Poems
  • Absence of the Hero
  • Portions from a Wine-Stained Notebook: Uncollected Stories and Essays, 1944-1990
  • Slouching Toward Nirvana: New Poems
  • Dangling in the Tournefortia
  • Screams from the Balcony: Selected Letters 1960-1970
  • Living On Luck
  • Absence of the Hero
  • Reach for the Sun Vol. 3
  • Beerspit Night and Cursing

If you want to read his books based on the year they were released, visit this article for the complete list in order.

Closing Thoughts

Charles Bukowski definitely had his low points and a controversial reputation, but you cannot deny that his works pivoted a change in modern literature. Try reading one of his books and you’ll understand the impact he has through his writing!

Frequently Asked Questions

Why was Charles Bukowski controversial?

Charles Bukowski was a controversial figure because of his often graphic depictions of sex, violence, and alcoholism in his writing. Not only that, but his personal life was also a subject. He was known for his heavy drinking and womanizing. Despite all that, he is regarded by many as a major figure in modern literature.

What is the best Bukowski book to read first?

If you’re interested in reading his books for the first time, a good place to start would be the novel that fueled his success, “Post Office.” Aside from that, you can also read “Ham on Rye.”

What is Charles Bukowski known for?

Charles Bukowski is known for his writing style, which features a gritty, raw, and honest portrayal of life. His work is also known for its accessibility and lack of pretension, which makes it appealing to a wide range of readers.

What is Charles Bukowski’s most famous poem?

Although it varies depending on who you ask, “Bluebird” and “The Laughing Heart” are two of his most famous poems.

What style of writing is Bukowski?

His writing style is marked by its simplicity and accessibility, with a focus on everyday language and imagery. He often uses autobiographical elements in his writing, which lets people resonate with his works more.

What was Charles Bukowski’s philosophy?

Charles Bukowski’s philosophy was heavily influenced by his life experiences. As an artist, his philosophy was not to waste time convincing yourself to do something; just do it. If it doesn’t come naturally, then you know it’s not meant for you.

What did Charles Bukowski mean when he said don’t try?

Charles means that trying too hard to be something you’re not can be counterproductive and harmful to one’s creativity and authenticity. Bukowski advises writers to be true to themselves and their own experiences.

Is Bukowski considered a good poet?

Charles Bukowski is generally considered a great poet, but of course, there will be people who disagree. Some judge his personal life as a disaster and so dismiss his work as lacking substance.

Did Bukowski have a mental illness?

Aside from dealing with alcoholism all his life, Bukowski was also diagnosed with several mental health conditions. Some of these include bipolar disorder, previously known as manic depression.

Why should you read Charles Bukowski?

If you want to read raw and unfiltered works, Charles Bukowski is the perfect author to choose from. His works reflect the struggles and joys of the human condition with brutal honesty. His writing is both entertaining and thought-provoking, although not everyone’s cup of tea.

Who are modern authors like Charles Bukowski?

Some modern authors who have been compared to Charles Bukowski based on their themes and writing styles are Irvine Welsh, Nelson Algren, William Burroughs, and Raymond Carver.

What is the right reading order for Charles Bukowski’s books?

Here’s the chronological reading order for all of Charles Bukowski’s books, in order of publication year:
Flower, Fist, and Bestial Wail (1960) – poetry collection
Longshot Pomes for Broke Players (1962) – poetry collection
It Catches My Heart in Its Hands (1963) – poetry collection
Crucifix in a Deathhand (1965) – poetry collection
At Terror Street and Agony Way (1968) – poetry collection
Poems Written Before Jumping Out of an 8 Story Window (1968) – poetry collection
Notes of a Dirty Old Man (1969) – collection of newspaper columns
The Days Run Away Like Wild Horses Over the Hills (1969) – poetry collection
Mockingbird Wish Me Luck (1972) – poetry collection
Erections, Ejaculations, Exhibitions, and General Tales of Ordinary Madness (1972) – short story collection
Post Office (1971) – novel
South of No North (1973) – short story collection
Love is a Dog From Hell (1977) – poetry collection
Factotum (1975) – novel
Women (1978) – novel
Play the Piano Drunk Like a Percussion Instrument Until the Fingers Begin to Bleed a Bit (1979) – poetry collection
Dangling in the Tournefortia (1981) – poetry collection
Ham on Rye (1982) – novel
Hot Water Music (1983) – short story collection
War All the Time (1984) – poetry collection
Barfly (1984) – screenplay
You Get So Alone at Times That It Just Makes Sense (1986) – poetry collection
Hollywood (1989) – novel
Septuagenarian Stew: Stories and Poems (1990) – short story and poetry collection
The Roominghouse Madrigals (1990) – poetry collection
Pulp (1994) – novel
Love is a Dog From Hell (1997) – screenplay
The Last Night of the Earth Poems (1992) – poetry collection
Betting on the Muse: Poems & Stories (1996) – short story and poetry collection
Bone Palace Ballet (1997) – poetry collection
Reach for the Sun: Selected Letters 1978-1994 (1999) – letters collection
Open All Night (2000) – poetry collection
The Night Torn Mad With Footsteps (2001) – poetry collection
Sifting Through the Madness for the Word, the Line, the Way (2003) – poetry collection
The Flash of Lightning Behind the Mountain (2004) – poetry collection
Slouching Toward Nirvana (2005) – poetry collection
Come On In! (2006) – poetry collection
The People Look Like Flowers At Last (2007) – poetry collection
The Pleasures of the Damned (2007) – poetry collection
The Continual Condition (2009) – poetry collection
More Notes of a Dirty Old Man: The Uncollected Columns (2011) – collection of newspaper columns
Absence of the Hero (2010) – short story collection
The Bell Tolls for No One (2015) – short story collection
On Writing (2015) – collection of letters about writing
On Cats (2015) – collection of writings about cats
On Love (2016) – collection of poems and writings about love
Storm for the Living and the Dead: Uncollected and Unpublished Poems (2017) – poetry collection

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