Ludovico Ariosto published 1 non-fiction book, 2 poetry collections and 1 play, beginning with Orlando Innamorato (1495).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Ludovico Ariosto
Start here
Orlando Innamorato
Ludovico Ariosto's most-read book.
Non-fiction in order
Orlando Furioso (1545)
Poetry in order
Orlando Innamorato (1495)
Satire (1987)
Plays in order
The Necromancer (1535)
About Ludovico Ariosto
Ludovico Ariosto was an Italian poet. He is best known as the author of the romance epic Orlando Furioso (1516-1532). The poem, a continuation of Matteo Maria Boiardo's Orlando Innamorato, describes the adventures of Charlemagne, Orlando, and the Franks as they battle against the Saracens with diversions into many sideplots. The poem is transformed into a satire of the chivalric tradition. Ariosto composed the poem in the ottava rima rhyme scheme and introduced narrative commentary throughout the work.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Ludovico Ariosto FAQ
- How many books has Ludovico Ariosto written?
- Ludovico Ariosto published 1 non-fiction book, 2 poetry collections and 1 play that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Ludovico Ariosto's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Orlando Innamorato.
- What is Ludovico Ariosto's last book?
- The Necromancer (1535).
- What is Ludovico Ariosto's most famous book?
- Orlando Innamorato (1495) is Ludovico Ariosto's most widely read book.
- Can I read Ludovico Ariosto's books for free?
- Yes. 1 book by Ludovico Ariosto is in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Ludovico Ariosto
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.