Theodore Roethke published 1 novel, 7 poetry collections and 2 other books, beginning with Praise to the End! (1951). The best-known is The Far Field (1964).
Updated September 2026
Where to start with Theodore Roethke
Start here
The Far Field
Theodore Roethke's most-read book.
Standalone novels in order
Straw for the Fire (1972)
Poetry in order
The Waking (1953)
Words for the Wind (1957)
I Am! Says the Lamb (1961)
The Far Field (1964)
On the Poet and His Craft (1965)
Collected Poems (1966)
The Collected Poems of Theodore Roethke (1966)
Other books in order
Praise to the End! (1951)
Selected Letters (1968)
About Theodore Roethke
Theodore Huebner Roethke was an American poet. He is regarded as one of the most accomplished and influential poets of his generation, having won the Pulitzer Prize for Poetry in 1954 for his book The Waking, and the annual National Book Award for Poetry on two occasions: in 1959 for Words for the Wind, and posthumously in 1965 for The Far Field. His work was characterized by a willingness to engage deeply with a multifaceted introspection, and his style was overtly rhythmic, with a skilful use of natural imagery. Roethke's mastery of both free verse and fixed forms was complemented by an intense lyrical quality that drew "from the natural world in all its mystery and fierce beauty."
Biography from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Photo via Wikimedia Commons.
Theodore Roethke FAQ
- How many books has Theodore Roethke written?
- Theodore Roethke published 1 novel, 7 poetry collections and 2 other books that we list, as of September 2026.
- What order should I read Theodore Roethke's books in?
- Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with The Far Field.
- What is Theodore Roethke's last book?
- On the Poet and His Craft (1965).
- What is Theodore Roethke's most famous book?
- The Far Field (1964) is Theodore Roethke's most widely read book.
Authors like Theodore Roethke
Sources: book lists and dates from Wikidata and Open Library, ratings from Open Library readers. Last updated September 2026.