Robert Walser published 6 novels, 2 novellas, 2 short story collections and 1 non-fiction book, beginning with Geschwister Tanner (1907). The best-known is Jakob Von Gunten (1909).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Robert Walser
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Jakob Von Gunten
Robert Walser's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
Geschwister Tanner (1907)
The Assistant (Walser Novel) (1908)
Jakob Von Gunten (1909)
Der Räuber (1972)
Keeping Time (1998)
Selected Short Writings (German Library) (2006)
Novellas in order
The Walk (1992)
The Robber (2000)
Short story collections in order
Selected Stories (1982)
Masquerade and Other Stories (1990)
Non-fiction in order
Running with the Devil (1993)
Film and TV adaptations
- Institute Benjamenta (1995)Film · from Jakob Von Gunten
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About Robert Walser
Robert Walser was a German language Swiss writer noted for writing four novels and a large number of feuilletons, short stories, and causeries. His unconventional, sometimes enigmatic works were appreciated by contemporaries such as Walter Benjamin, Hermann Hesse, Franz Kafka, Robert Musil and Kurt Tucholsky. He additionally worked as a copyist, an inventor's assistant, a butler, and in various other low-paying trades.
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Robert Walser FAQ
- How many books has Robert Walser written?
- Robert Walser published 6 novels, 2 novellas, 2 short story collections and 1 non-fiction book that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Robert Walser's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Jakob Von Gunten.
- What is Robert Walser's last book?
- Jakob Von Gunten (1909).
- What is Robert Walser's most famous book?
- Jakob Von Gunten (1909) is Robert Walser's most widely read book.
- Which Robert Walser books have been adapted?
- 1 book has been adapted for film or TV, including Jakob Von Gunten (as Institute Benjamenta, film, 1995).
- Can I read Robert Walser's books for free?
- Yes. 1 book by Robert Walser is in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.
Authors like Robert Walser
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers, free texts from Project Gutenberg. Last updated September 2026.