Li Shizhen books in order
Chinese polymath and scientist
- Lived
- 1517–1593
- Country
- Ming dynasty
- Books
- 1
- Also writes as
- Hinko
Li Shizhen published 1 novella, beginning with Compendium of Materia Medica (1578).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Li Shizhen
Start here
Compendium of Materia Medica
Li Shizhen's most-read book.
Novellas in order
Compendium of Materia Medica (1578)
About Li Shizhen
Li Shizhen, courtesy name Dongbi, was a Chinese acupuncturist, herbalist, naturalist, pharmacologist, physician, and writer of the Ming dynasty. He is the author of a 27-year work, the Compendium of Materia Medica. He developed several methods for classifying herb components and medications for treating diseases.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Li Shizhen FAQ
- How many books has Li Shizhen written?
- Li Shizhen published 1 novella that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Li Shizhen's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Compendium of Materia Medica.
- What is Li Shizhen's last book?
- Compendium of Materia Medica (1578).
- What is Li Shizhen's most famous book?
- Compendium of Materia Medica (1578) is Li Shizhen's most widely read book.
- Does Li Shizhen write under a pen name?
- Yes: Li Shizhen has also published as Hinko.
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.