The Western Quartet books in order

Q: "How many books are in The Western Quartet?"

"There are 4 books in the The Western Quartet series, published between 2014 and 2021."

Q: "What is The Western Quartet about?"

"The Western Quartet is a departure from Buffa's legal thrillers. The four novels explore philosophical and historical themes through fiction, touching on ideas from Western intellectual tradition. Each book stands on its own while fitting into a broader thematic whole."

Q: "Should you read The Western Quartet in order?"

"The books are thematically connected rather than sharing a continuous plot, so they can be read in any order. However, starting with Helen gives a good entry point into the style and concerns that run through all four novels."

Reading order

#	Title	Published	Author	Buy on Amazon
1	Helen	2014	D.W. Buffa	Buy
2	Julian’s Laughter	2020	D.W. Buffa	Buy
3	The Autobiography of Niccolo Machiavelli	2020	D.W. Buffa	Buy
4	Neumann’s Last Concert	2021	D.W. Buffa	Buy

The Western Quartet is a four-book series by D.W. Buffa that marks a clear departure from his legal and political thrillers. These novels are more literary and philosophical in nature, exploring questions drawn from Western intellectual history. Helen, the first in the quartet, came out in 2014 and set the tone for what followed.

Buffa published the remaining three books between 2020 and 2021: Julian’s Laughter, The Autobiography of Niccolo Machiavelli, and Neumann’s Last Concert. The titles hint at the range of subjects covered, from classical references to European history. Rather than following a single plot across four volumes, the books are connected by shared themes and Buffa’s interest in the ideas that have shaped Western thought.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many books are in The Western Quartet?

There are 4 books in the The Western Quartet series, published between 2014 and 2021.

What is The Western Quartet about?

The Western Quartet is a departure from Buffa’s legal thrillers. The four novels explore philosophical and historical themes through fiction, touching on ideas from Western intellectual tradition. Each book stands on its own while fitting into a broader thematic whole.

Should you read The Western Quartet in order?

The books are thematically connected rather than sharing a continuous plot, so they can be read in any order. However, starting with Helen gives a good entry point into the style and concerns that run through all four novels.

Reading order#

Frequently Asked Questions

Reading order