Delving into Publication Order
For generations, the epic tales of Redwall Abbey, Mossflower Woods, and the brave creatures who dwell there have captivated readers young and old. Brian Jacques’ *Redwall* series isn’t just a collection of stories; it’s a vibrant, immersive world filled with heroes, villains, feasts, battles, and a timeless struggle between good and evil. The series, primarily aimed at children and young adults but enjoyed by all, is a blend of fantasy, adventure, and heartwarming tales of community. But with over twenty books in the series, many first-time readers ask: what is the best way to experience these beloved tales? Do you jump in with the first published book? Or is there a smarter way to explore the rich history of Redwall? Choosing the right path through Mossflower impacts how you understand the complex history and character relationships found within. This article will explore the different approaches to reading the *Redwall* series, outlining their strengths and weaknesses, and ultimately recommending the ideal way to immerse yourself in the world of Redwall Abbey.
The most straightforward approach is to simply read the *Redwall books in order* of their original publication. This means starting with the book that started it all, aptly titled *Redwall*, and then progressing through the series as Brian Jacques released them.
Here’s the complete list of *Redwall* books in publication order:
- *Redwall* (1986)
- *Mossflower* (1988)
- *Mattimeo* (1989)
- *Mariel of Redwall* (1991)
- *Salamandastron* (1992)
- *Martin the Warrior* (1993)
- *The Bellmaker* (1994)
- *Outcast of Redwall* (1995)
- *The Marlfox* (1996)
- *The Legend of Luke* (1997)
- *Lord Brocktree* (2000)
- *The Taggerung* (2001)
- *Triss* (2002)
- *Loamhedge* (2003)
- *Rakkety Tam* (2004)
- *High Rhulain* (2005)
- *Eulalia!* (2007)
- *Doomwyte* (2008)
- *The Sable Quean* (2010)
- *The Rogue Crew* (2011)
- *Tale of young Giselle* (2012)
Reading in publication order has its advantages. It allows you to experience the *Redwall* world as it was originally unveiled to readers. You witness the evolution of Brian Jacques’ writing style, the gradual expansion of the world, and the introduction of key historical figures and events at the pace he intended. This order mirrors the experience of many long-time *Redwall* fans who grew up with the series, eagerly awaiting each new installment.
However, there are potential drawbacks. Because the *Redwall books in order* of publication aren’t aligned with the internal chronology of the world, you might encounter events or characters referenced in later books that predate the events of earlier ones. This can lead to some confusion or a sense of “spoiling” earlier stories. The impact of seeing the lineage of Martin the Warrior or the history of Mossflower Woods can be lessened if you already know the outcome before you see the genesis.
Navigating the Internal Timeline: Chronological Order
Another approach to reading the *Redwall books in order* is to follow the internal chronology of the *Redwall* universe. This means arranging the books according to the timeline of events within the stories themselves, regardless of their publication date. This method attempts to create the most coherent narrative flow, allowing you to witness the history of Redwall Abbey and its inhabitants from the earliest times to the later eras.
Here’s the chronological sequence, according to the established *Redwall* timeline:
- *Lord Brocktree*
- *Martin the Warrior*
- *Mossflower*
- *Mariel of Redwall*
- *The Legend of Luke*
- *Outcast of Redwall*
- *The Bellmaker*
- *Mattimeo*
- *Redwall*
- *Salamandastron*
- *The Marlfox*
- *The Taggerung*
- *Rakkety Tam*
- *Loamhedge*
- *Triss*
- *High Rhulain*
- *Eulalia!*
- *Doomwyte*
- *The Sable Quean*
- *The Rogue Crew*
- *Tale of young Giselle*
The primary benefit of reading the *Redwall books in order* chronologically is a deeper understanding of the world’s history and character relationships. You’ll see how certain events shaped the future of Redwall, how lineages are connected, and how the struggles of the past echo through the generations. This approach can be particularly satisfying for those who enjoy intricate world-building and complex narratives.
However, this method also has its challenges. The writing styles in the earlier published books might differ significantly from those in the later published books. Reading *Lord Brocktree* first, for example, may not be the best entry point because it lacks the core characters or establishment of Redwall Abbey that pulls new readers in. Furthermore, jumping between books published years apart can disrupt the sense of progression and evolution that comes with reading them in publication order. The chronological order also relies heavily on the reader knowing to seek this information beforehand, which might exclude those who randomly pick up *Redwall* for the first time and enjoy it.
A Blended Path: The Recommended Reading Order
Perhaps the most rewarding way to experience the *Redwall* series is through a hybrid approach that combines elements of both publication and chronological order. This means starting with books that establish the core of the *Redwall* universe and then weaving in the historical prequels and sequels in a way that enhances the overall experience.
Here’s a recommended reading order that balances accessibility, narrative flow, and historical context:
- *Redwall*: Start here. This is the foundation of the entire series, introducing Redwall Abbey, its inhabitants, and the timeless battle against evil.
- *Mattimeo*: A direct sequel to *Redwall*, this continues the story with familiar characters and expands the world further.
- *Mariel of Redwall*: This introduces new locations and characters while remaining accessible and engaging.
- *Salamandastron*: Another strong adventure with connections to the previous books.
- *Martin the Warrior*: Now, delve into the history with the origin story of the legendary Martin the Warrior. This provides crucial context for later books.
- *Mossflower*: Explore the early days of Mossflower Woods and the struggle against Cluny the Scourge.
- *The Bellmaker*: Continue with the adventures of Mariel and the bell-making quest.
- *Outcast of Redwall*: A self-contained story with compelling characters and themes.
- *The Legend of Luke*: Unravel the mystery of Luke the Warrior, Martin’s father.
- *The Marlfox*: Explore a new threat to Redwall and the surrounding lands.
- *Lord Brocktree*: Learn about Salamandastron’s history.
- *The Taggerung*: Follow the story of a wildcat heir.
- *Rakkety Tam*: Experience the adventures of a squirrel warrior.
- *Loamhedge*: Discover the secrets of a hidden Abbey.
- *Triss*: A powerful story of courage and perseverance.
- *High Rhulain*: Explore the legend of the badger High Rhulain.
- *Eulalia!*: A tale of a great battle at Redwall.
- *Doomwyte*: Discover the dangers lurking in the woods.
- *The Sable Quean*: Experience intrigue and adventure.
- *The Rogue Crew*: Join a crew on a perilous quest.
- *Tale of young Giselle*: A sweet tale about a young otter.
This blended approach begins with the core *Redwall* books, which immediately immerse you in the heart of the series. By interweaving the historical prequels, such as *Martin the Warrior* and *Mossflower*, you gain a deeper understanding of the world’s history without disrupting the flow of the main narrative. This hybrid method provides a balance between experiencing the world as it was originally presented and understanding the intricate connections and backstories that enrich the series. This approach to *Redwall books in order* is perfect for experiencing *Redwall* to the fullest.
Additional Factors to Consider
While the recommended reading order provides a solid framework, keep a few other factors in mind. Many of the *Redwall* books function as standalone stories, meaning you can theoretically read them out of order without completely losing the plot. However, you’ll miss out on the subtle references, recurring characters, and overarching themes that connect the series.
The target audience for the *Redwall* books is generally children and young adults, but the stories appeal to readers of all ages. Younger readers might benefit from starting with the more accessible books, such as *Redwall* or *Mattimeo*, before delving into the more complex historical narratives.
It’s important to note the existence of *The Great Redwall Feast*, and other short stories or supplementary material. These usually offer glimpses into Redwall life or expand upon existing characters. Including these can also improve the experience of exploring the *Redwall books in order*, if you can find where they thematically fit.
Finally, consider the availability of the books. Some titles might be easier to find in print or digital format than others. This might influence your reading order, especially if you prefer to read physical copies of the books.
Embarking on Your Redwall Journey
Ultimately, the best way to read the *Redwall books in order* depends on your personal preferences and reading style. Whether you choose to follow the publication order, the chronological order, or the recommended hybrid approach, the most important thing is to immerse yourself in the world of Redwall Abbey and enjoy the epic tales of courage, friendship, and adventure.
The *Redwall* series remains a beloved classic for good reason. Its enduring appeal lies in its richly detailed world, its memorable characters, and its timeless themes of good versus evil. So, grab a book, settle in by the fire, and prepare to be transported to the magical world of Mossflower Woods.
Now, we want to hear from you! What is your preferred way to read the *Redwall books in order*? Share your thoughts and recommendations in the comments below, and let’s continue the discussion of this beloved series.
