List of Pern books

This list follows Pern historical order and includes Pern short fiction. See Dragonriders of Pern for publication order and other publication data for short fiction.

Contents

Dragonriders of Pern is a fantasy or science fiction series initiated by Anne McCaffrey with the Hugo Award-winning novella Weyr Search in 1967.[1][2] The stories feature human history on the planet Pern, which might be called human-draconian society for the lifelong interspecies relationships between humans and dragons. Anne McCaffrey wrote all the Pern stories until 2003; as of 2011, seven books by her son Todd McCaffrey or by Anne and Todd have continued the series. In all there are 22 novels, two collections of short fiction, and a few uncollected works.[3]

This complete list of Pern stories follows Pern historical order, which is sometimes ambiguous because many of the works overlap in time or feature travel between times, with limited explanatory notes here. This order is very different from the order of composition or the sequence of publication.

Before Landing

The planet Rukbat 3 was surveyed about 200 years before settlement.

"The Survey: P.E.R.N."

First Pass

These stories are set just before and during the First Pass, from landing on Pern until about fifty years after landing (0 to 50 AL).

"The Dolphins' Bell"
"The Ford of Red Hanrahan"
"The Second Weyr"
"Rescue Run"

First Interval

Second Pass

Just before and during the Second Pass, about 250 years after landing.

Third Pass

Just before and during the Third Pass, about 500 years after landing.

Sixth Pass

Late in the Sixth Pass, about 1550 years after landing.

Ninth Pass

Just before and during the Ninth Pass, about 2500 years after landing.

Undatable

One short story cannot be dated even approximately. Some readers have inferred that it takes place during the Second or Third Pass.

Pern short fiction

Dragonriders of Pern gives original publication data for the Pern short fiction.

References

  1. ^ "Analog Science Fiction -> Science Fact, October 1967". Internet Speculative Fiction Database (ISFDB). http://www.isfdb.org/cgi-bin/pl.cgi?ANLGOCT67. Retrieved 2010-05-20. 
  2. ^ "Hugo Nominees List". The Locus Index to SF Awards. Locus. 2010. http://www.locusmag.com/SFAwards/Db/HugoNomList.html. Retrieved 2010-05-20. 
  3. ^ Dragonriders of Pern series listing at the Internet Speculative Fiction Database. The database includes omnibus editions and multiple editions of some works. Confirmed 2011-10-09.
  4. ^ By summer 2010, with two sequels to Dragongirl drafted, Todd anticipated, "the gap between Dragon’s Time and Dragonrider is just about the same as the gap between Dragongirl and Dragon’s Time", namely 11 months. Todd McCaffrey (2010-07-08). "Dragongirl, Dragon's Time, and Dragonrider". http://pernhome.com/tjm/?p=2147.  Confirmed 2011-10-09.
  5. ^ In a foreword to Dragon's Time, Anne calls the collaboration "helping Todd wrap up this very dramatic part of Pernese history." She also confirms the forthcoming title: "I think that Dragon's Time is one of our best and we're both eager to get started on the next one, Dragonrider." Anne McCaffrey (2011), "Letter to Readers", Dragon's Time, page ix.
  6. ^ On the other hand, Amazon.com lists Dragon's School by the McCaffreys, an "Audiobook, CD, Unabridged", for release June 1, 2012. The very short "Book Description" seems authentic but does not seem likely to wrap up this epoch. Amazon.com: Dragon's School. Retrieved 2011-10-09.
    — "Leadership of these dragons and riders falls to Xhinna, female rider of a blue dragon, who must earn the respect of all who follow her and solve the problem of how to get sufficient numbers of dragon eggs, all while protecting her people and baby dragons from the predators and, worse, traitors!" —
    Barnes & Noble lists a CD "Dragon's School by Anne McCaffrey" expected December 2011.[1]. Confirmed 2011-10-09. Soon after release of Dragon's Time, Todd corrected that early date for the next book and did not comment on its title or on completion of the epoch. Todd McCaffrey (2011-07-07). "Newsletter". http://pernhome.com/tjm/?p=2173.  (responses 18, 20, 24).
  7. ^ Hans van der Boom reported 2008/2009 that McCaffrey at age 82 had warned its completion may not be possible: "with recurring health problems, it is very hard to find the energy ...". Homepage item "Booknews: New solo Pern book by Anne put on hold!". The Pern Museum & Archives. Hans van der Boom. Confirmed 2011-11-09.
  8. ^ Todd McCaffrey (2010-05-15). "Question from J.J.". http://pernhome.com/tjm/?p=201005. 
  9. ^ In 2011 foreword to Dragon's Time, Anne wrote of collaboration with Todd: "... we tossed around working on my novel, After the Fall is Over ... I still am a bit possessive when it comes to the futures of F'lar and Lessa. ... Not only have I enjoyed helping Todd wrap up this very dramatic part of Pernese history, but my own creative juices have been flowing thick and furious: I've been writing up a storm on my own, too."
    "Letter to Readers", Anne McCaffrey, Dragon's Time, page ix.

External links