Joseph Needham books in order
British biochemist, historian and sinologist
- Lived
- 1900–1995
- Country
- United Kingdom
- Books
- 19
Joseph Needham published 16 non-fiction books and 3 other books, beginning with Science, Religion and Reality (1925). The best-known is Science and Civilisation in China (1954).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Joseph Needham
Start here
Science and Civilisation in China
Joseph Needham's most-read book.
Non-fiction in order
Science, Religion and Reality (1925)
The Great Amphibium (1931)
A History of Embryology (1934)
Time: The Refreshing River (1943)
Chinese Science (1945)
Science and Civilisation in China (1954)
Science and Civilisation in China. Volume I: Introductory Orientations (1954)
Heavenly Clockwork (1960)
Physics and Physical Technology (1962)
The Grand Titration (1969)
Clerks and Craftsmen in China and the West (1970)
The Shorter Science and Civilisation in China (1978)
Science in Traditional China (1981)
Trans-Pacific Echoes and Resonances (1985)
Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5: Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 7, Military Technology (1987)
Science and Civilization in China (Science and Civilisation in China) (2007)
Other books in order
Chemical Embryology (1931)
Science and Society in Ancient China (1947)
The Development of Iron and Steel Technology in China (1958)
About Joseph Needham
Noel Joseph Terence Montgomery Needham was a British biochemist, historian of science and sinologist known for his scientific research and writing on the history of Chinese science and technology, initiating publication of the multivolume Science and Civilisation in China. He called attention to what has come to be known as the Needham Question, of why and how China had ceded its leadership in science and technology to Western countries.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Joseph Needham FAQ
- How many books has Joseph Needham written?
- Joseph Needham published 16 non-fiction books and 3 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Joseph Needham's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Science and Civilisation in China.
- What is Joseph Needham's last book?
- Science and Civilisation in China, Volume 5: Chemistry and Chemical Technology, Part 7, Military Technology (1987).
- What is Joseph Needham's most famous book?
- Science and Civilisation in China (1954) is Joseph Needham's most widely read book.
Authors like Joseph Needham
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.