Anthony Powell: The Author Behind The Chronological Stories
Anthony Powell, born in 1905 and active until his death in 2000, was a distinguished British author renowned for his skillful narrative style and meticulous attention to detail. His literary repertoire was impressive and diverse, spanning genres from novels to memoirs, plays, poetry, and intellectual essays on various topics. His work was so influential that it saw adaptations for screen and radio. In a 2008 compilation, The Times newspaper paid homage to his remarkable contributions to the literary world by ranking him as one of the “Great British Writers Since 1945”. Powell’s journey as a novelist began with the standalone title “Afternoon Men”, released in 1931. Following is a comprehensive list of Anthony Powell’s books in order based on their original release dates.
Distinguishing Features of Powell’s Writing Style
Anthony Powell’s unique writing style is marked by his ability to weave narratives with both precision and flair. Drawing on his detailed observational powers, he crafts characters who are drawn from life. A particular strength lies in his chronological narratives, with an exceptional use of time as a framework to weave his intricately plotted novels and series. The majority of his books, particularly the series, employ this style of narrative where the story unfolds incrementally over time, much like a dance choreographed to the tune of time.
Publication Order of Dance To The Music Of Time Books
| A Question of Upbringing | (1951) |    |
| A Buyer’s Market | (1952) | |
| The Acceptance World | (1955) | |
| At Lady Molly’s | (1957) | |
| Casanova’s Chinese Restaurant | (1960) | |
| The Kindly Ones | (1962) | |
| The Valley of Bones | (1964) | |
| The Soldier’s Art | (1966) | |
| The Military Philosophers | (1968) | |
| Books Do Furnish a Room | (1971) | |
| Temporary Kings | (1973) | |
| A Dance to the Music of Time | (1975) | |
| Hearing Secret Harmonies | (1975) | |