Axel Munthe published 2 novels and 1 non-fiction book, beginning with Letters from a Mourning City (Naples. Autumn, 1884) (1887). The best-known is The Story of San Michele (1929).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Axel Munthe

Start here
The Story of San Michele
Axel Munthe's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order

Letters from a Mourning City (Naples. Autumn, 1884) (1887)

The Story of San Michele (1929)
Non-fiction in order

Memories and Vagaries (1908)
Film and TV adaptations
- Axel Munthe, The Doctor of San Michele (1962)Film · from The Story of San Michele
Free to read
All free classicsAbout Axel Munthe
Axel Martin Fredrik Munthe was a Swedish-born physician and psychiatrist, best known as the author of The Story of San Michele, an autobiographical account of his life and work. He spoke several languages, grew up in Sweden, attended medical school there, then studied medicine in Paris and opened his first practice in France. He was married to a wealthy Englishwoman and spent most of his adult life in Italy.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Axel Munthe FAQ
- How many books has Axel Munthe written?
- Axel Munthe published 2 novels and 1 non-fiction book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Axel Munthe's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Story of San Michele.
- What is Axel Munthe's last book?
- The Story of San Michele (1929).
- What is Axel Munthe's most famous book?
- The Story of San Michele (1929) is Axel Munthe's most widely read book.
- Which Axel Munthe books have been adapted?
- 1 book has been adapted for film or TV, including The Story of San Michele (as Axel Munthe, The Doctor of San Michele, film, 1962).
- Can I read Axel Munthe's books for free?
- Yes. 1 book by Axel Munthe is in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Axel Munthe
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.
