Apuleius books in order
2nd-century Numidian Latin-language writer, rhetorician and philosopher
- Lived
- 200–170
- Country
- Ancient Rome
- Books
- 3
Apuleius published 2 novels and 1 other book. The best-known is The Golden Ass.
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Apuleius
Start here
The Golden Ass
Apuleius's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
Cupid and Psyche (1488)
The Golden Ass (1596)
Other books in order
Apologia (2012)
Free to read
All free classics
About Apuleius
Apuleius, also called Lucius Apuleius Madaurensis, was a Numidian Latin-language prose writer, Platonist philosopher and rhetorician. He was born in the Roman province of Numidia, in the Berber city of Madauros, modern-day M'Daourouch, Algeria. He studied Platonism in Athens, travelled to Italy, Asia Minor, and Egypt, and was an initiate in several cults or mysteries. The most famous incident in his life was when he was accused of using magic to gain the attentions of a wealthy widow. He declaimed his own defense before the proconsul and a court of magistrates convened in Sabratha, near Oea. This speech, which Apuleius subsequently published, is known as the Apologia.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Apuleius FAQ
- How many books has Apuleius written?
- Apuleius published 2 novels and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Apuleius's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Golden Ass.
- What is Apuleius's most famous book?
- The Golden Ass is Apuleius's most widely read book.
- Can I read Apuleius's books for free?
- Yes. 2 books by Apuleius are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Apuleius
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.