How many books has Charles Burney written?

Charles Burney published 4 non-fiction books and 5 other books that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Charles Burney's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Present State of Music in France and Italy.

What is Charles Burney's last book?

Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Abate Metastasio (1796).

What is Charles Burney's most famous book?

Present State of Music in France and Italy (1771) is Charles Burney's most widely read book.

Charles Burney books in order

English music historian

Lived: 1726–1814
Country: United Kingdom
Books: 9

History

Charles Burney published 4 non-fiction books and 5 other books, beginning with Cunning-man (1766). The best-known is Present State of Music in France and Italy (1771).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Charles Burney

Start here
Present State of Music in France and Italy
Charles Burney's most-read book.

Non-fiction in order

Present State of Music in France and Italy (1771)
396 pages
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The Present State of Music in Germany, the Netherlands and United Provinces (1773)
289 pages
Buy
General History of Music (1782)
691 pages
Buy
Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Abate Metastasio (1796)
Buy

Other books in order

Cunning-man (1766)
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A General History of Music from the Earliest Ages to the Present Period (1776)
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An Account of the Musical Performances in Westminster-Abbey and the Pantheon, May 26th, 27th, 29th, and June the 3d and 5th, 1784 (1785)
139 pages
Buy
An Account of the Musical Performances in Westminster-abbey, and the Pantheon (1785)
237 pages
Buy
An Account of the Musical Performances in Westminster-Abbey, and the Pantheon ... in Commemoration of Handel (1785)
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About Charles Burney

Charles Burney was an English music historian, composer and musician. He was the father of the writers Frances Burney and Sarah Burney, of the explorer James Burney, and of Charles Burney, a classicist and book donor to the British Museum. He was a close friend and supporter of Joseph Haydn and other composers.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Charles Burney FAQ

How many books has Charles Burney written?: Charles Burney published 4 non-fiction books and 5 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Charles Burney's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Present State of Music in France and Italy.
What is Charles Burney's last book?: Memoirs of the Life and Writings of the Abate Metastasio (1796).
What is Charles Burney's most famous book?: Present State of Music in France and Italy (1771) is Charles Burney's most widely read book.