Portrait of Thomas Browne

Thomas Browne books in order

English polymath and author

Lived
1605–1682
Country
England
Books
4

Thomas Browne published 1 novella and 3 non-fiction books, beginning with Religio Medici (1643).

Updated September 2026

Where to start with Thomas Browne

Novellas in order

  1. Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial (1658)

    109 pages

Non-fiction in order

  1. Religio Medici (1643)

    273 pages

  2. Pseudodoxia Epidemica (1650)

    400 pages

  3. The Works of the Learned Sr Thomas Brown, Kt., Doctor of Physick, Late of Norwich (1686)

Free to read

All free classics

About Thomas Browne

Sir Thomas Browne was an English polymath and author of varied works which reveal his wide learning in diverse fields including science, medicine, religion and the esoteric. His writings display a deep curiosity towards the natural world, influenced by the Scientific Revolution of Baconian enquiry and are permeated by references to Classical and Biblical sources as well as the idiosyncrasies of his own personality. Although often described as suffused with melancholia, Browne's writings are also characterised by wit and subtle humour, while his literary style is varied, according to genre, resulting in a rich, unique prose which ranges from rough notebook observations to polished Baroque eloquence.

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

Thomas Browne FAQ

How many books has Thomas Browne written?
Thomas Browne published 1 novella and 3 non-fiction books that we list, as of September 2026.
What order should I read Thomas Browne's books in?
Publication order is a safe choice; the full list is above. Most readers start with Religio Medici.
What is Thomas Browne's last book?
Hydriotaphia, Urn Burial (1658).
What is Thomas Browne's most famous book?
Religio Medici (1643) is Thomas Browne's most widely read book.
Can I read Thomas Browne's books for free?
Yes. 5 books by Thomas Browne are in the public domain in the US and free to read online or download here.

Authors like Thomas Browne

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