Josef Čapek published 1 novel, 1 novella, 1 short story collection and 1 play, beginning with R. U. R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) a Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue (1920).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Josef Čapek
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R. U. R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) a Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue
Josef Čapek's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
The Gardener's Year (1929)
Novellas in order
R. U. R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) a Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue (1920)
Short story collections in order
Nine Fairy Tales by Karel Čapek (1932)
Plays in order
Pictures from the Insects' Life (1922), with Karel Čapek
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About Josef Čapek
Josef Čapek was a Czech artist who was best known as a painter, but who was also noted as a writer and poet. He invented the word 'robot', which was introduced into literature by his brother, Karel Čapek.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Josef Čapek FAQ
- How many books has Josef Čapek written?
- Josef Čapek published 1 novel, 1 novella, 1 short story collection and 1 play that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Josef Čapek's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with R. U. R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) a Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue.
- What is Josef Čapek's last book?
- Nine Fairy Tales by Karel Čapek (1932).
- What is Josef Čapek's most famous book?
- R. U. R. (Rossum's Universal Robots) a Fantastic Melodrama in Three Acts and an Epilogue (1920) is Josef Čapek's most widely read book.
- Can I read Josef Čapek's books for free?
- Yes. 1 book by Josef Čapek is in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Josef Čapek
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.