Eric Idle has published 4 novels, 2 novellas, 1 non-fiction book and 2 other books, beginning with Hello Sailor (1975). The best-known is The Road to Mars (1999). The latest is Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme (2026).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Eric Idle
Start here
The Road to Mars
Eric Idle's most-read book.
Newest
Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme
Published September 2026.
Standalone novels in order
Hello Sailor (1975)
The Road to Mars (Sep 1999)
The Greedy Bastard Diary (2005)
Always Look on the Bright Side of Life (2018)
Novellas in order
Pass the Butler (1982)
The Quite Remarkable Adventures of the Owl and the Pussycat (1996)
Non-fiction in order
Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme (Sep 2026)
Other books in order
A Pocketful of Python (1999)
Spamalot Diaries (2024)
About Eric Idle
Eric Idle is an English actor, comedian, songwriter, musician, screenwriter and playwright. He was a member of the British comedy group Monty Python and the parody rock band the Rutles. Idle studied English at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and joined Cambridge University Footlights. He has received a Grammy Award as well as nominations for two Tony Awards.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Eric Idle FAQ
- How many books has Eric Idle written?
- Eric Idle has published 4 novels, 2 novellas, 1 non-fiction book and 2 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Eric Idle's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Road to Mars.
- What is Eric Idle's latest book?
- Idle in Provence: A Brief History of Thyme (2026).
- What is Eric Idle's most famous book?
- The Road to Mars (1999) is Eric Idle's most widely read book.
Authors like Eric Idle
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.