How many books has Pierre Boulle written?

Pierre Boulle published 13 novels and 2 short story collections that we list, as of September 2026.

What order should I read Pierre Boulle's books in?

Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Planet of the Apes.

What is Pierre Boulle's most famous book?

Planet of the Apes (1963) is Pierre Boulle's most widely read book.

Which Pierre Boulle books have been adapted?

2 books have been adapted for film or TV, including The Bridge Over the River Kwai (as The Bridge on the River Kwai, film, 1957) and Planet of the Apes (film, 1968).

Pierre Boulle books in order

French novelist

Lived: 1912–1994
Country: France
Books: 15

Pierre Boulle published 13 novels and 2 short story collections, beginning with The Bridge on the River Kwai (1952). The best-known is Planet of the Apes (1963).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Pierre Boulle

Start here
Planet of the Apes
Pierre Boulle's most-read book.

Standalone novels in order

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1952)
221 pages
Buy
The Bridge Over the River Kwai (1952)
208 pagesAdapted for film
Buy
Other Side of the Coin (1958)
218 pages
Buy
S.o.p.h.i.a (1959)
283 pages
Buy
Planet of the Apes (1963)
208 pages★ 3.7 (19 ratings)Adapted for film
Buy
The Source of the River Kwai (1966)
215 pages
Buy
Time Out of Mind (1966)
267 pages
Buy
My Own River Kwai (1967)
214 pages
Buy
Les Jeux De L'esprit (1971)
251 pages
Buy
Desperate Games (1973)
213 pages
Buy
The Falklands Whale (1983)
170 pages
Buy
The Whale of the Victoria Cross (1983)
182 pages
Buy
William Conrad (1990)
197 pages
Buy

Short story collections in order

Because It Is Absurd (on Earth as in Heaven) (1971)
190 pages
Buy
The Marvelous Palace and Other Stories (1977)
187 pages
Buy

Film and TV adaptations

The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957)Film · from The Bridge Over the River Kwai
Planet of the Apes (1968)Film · from Planet of the Apes
Planet of the Apes (2001)Film · from Planet of the Apes
Rise of the Planet of the Apes (2011)Film · from Planet of the Apes
Dawn of the Planet of the Apes (2014)Film · from Planet of the Apes

About Pierre Boulle

Pierre François Marie Louis Boulle was a French author. He is best known for two works, The Bridge over the River Kwai (1952) and Planet of the Apes (1963), that were both made into award-winning films.

Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Pierre Boulle FAQ

How many books has Pierre Boulle written?: Pierre Boulle published 13 novels and 2 short story collections that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Pierre Boulle's books in?: Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Planet of the Apes.
What is Pierre Boulle's last book?: William Conrad (1990).
What is Pierre Boulle's most famous book?: Planet of the Apes (1963) is Pierre Boulle's most widely read book.
Which Pierre Boulle books have been adapted?: 2 books have been adapted for film or TV, including The Bridge Over the River Kwai (as The Bridge on the River Kwai, film, 1957) and Planet of the Apes (film, 1968).

Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.