Robert Lowell published 12 poetry collections, 2 plays and 1 other book, beginning with Lord Weary's Castle (1946). The best-known is Life Studies (1959).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Robert Lowell
Start here
Life Studies
Robert Lowell's most-read book.
Poetry in order
Lord Weary's Castle (1946)
Life Studies (1959)
Imitations (1961)
For the Union Dead (1964)
Near the Ocean (1967)
Notebook (1970)
History (1973)
The Dolphin (1973)
Selectedpoems (1976)
Day by Day (1977)
Collected Prose (1987)
Collected Poems (1997)
Plays in order
The Old Glory (1965)
Prometheus Bound (1969)
Other books in order
The Letters of Robert Lowell (2005)
About Robert Lowell
Robert Traill Spence Lowell IV was an American poet. He was born into a Boston Brahmin family that could trace its origins back to the Mayflower. His ancestors and contemporary family were important subjects in his poetry. Growing up in Boston also informed his poems, which were frequently set in Boston and the New England region. Literary scholar Paula Hayes argues that, particularly in his early work, Lowell mythologized New England.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Robert Lowell FAQ
- How many books has Robert Lowell written?
- Robert Lowell published 12 poetry collections, 2 plays and 1 other book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Robert Lowell's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Life Studies.
- What is Robert Lowell's last book?
- Day by Day (1977).
- What is Robert Lowell's most famous book?
- Life Studies (1959) is Robert Lowell's most widely read book.
Authors like Robert Lowell
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.