How many Warhammer books are there, and why do they keep multiplying like orcs in a Waaagh!

The Warhammer universe, a sprawling tapestry of grimdark fantasy and far-future science fiction, has been a fertile ground for storytelling since its inception. The question of how many Warhammer books exist is akin to asking how many stars are in the sky—both are vast, ever-expanding, and difficult to quantify precisely. However, we can attempt to navigate this literary labyrinth by exploring the various series, authors, and themes that contribute to the Warhammer literary empire.

The Origins of Warhammer Literature

The Warhammer universe began as a tabletop wargame created by Games Workshop in the 1980s. The rich lore and intricate world-building quickly lent themselves to narrative expansion. The first Warhammer novels emerged in the late 1980s, with authors like Kim Newman and Jack Yeovil penning stories set in the Old World, the original fantasy setting of Warhammer. These early works laid the foundation for what would become a vast literary franchise.

The Black Library: A Repository of Grimdark Tales

The Black Library, Games Workshop’s publishing arm, is the primary source of Warhammer literature. Established in 1997, it has since released hundreds of novels, short stories, and anthologies. The Black Library’s catalog is divided into two main branches: Warhammer Fantasy and Warhammer 40,000 (often abbreviated as 40K). Each branch has its own sub-series, characters, and thematic elements, contributing to the overall diversity of the Warhammer literary universe.

Warhammer Fantasy: A World of Chaos and Heroism

Warhammer Fantasy, set in the Old World, is a dark and gritty fantasy setting where the forces of Order (humans, dwarfs, elves) battle against the forces of Chaos (demons, chaos warriors, skaven). The novels in this setting often explore themes of heroism, sacrifice, and the ever-present threat of corruption. Notable series include the Gotrek & Felix novels by William King and Nathan Long, which follow the adventures of a dwarf slayer and his human companion, and the Malus Darkblade series by Dan Abnett and Mike Lee, which delves into the treacherous politics of the dark elves.

Warhammer 40,000: A Galaxy at War

Warhammer 40,000, set in the far future, is a dystopian science fiction universe where humanity is locked in a perpetual state of war against alien races, heretics, and the forces of Chaos. The 40K novels are known for their grim tone, complex characters, and epic scale. The Horus Heresy series, a prequel to the main 40K timeline, is one of the most ambitious projects in the Black Library’s catalog, with over 50 novels exploring the galaxy-spanning civil war that nearly destroyed the Imperium of Man. Other notable series include the Gaunt’s Ghosts novels by Dan Abnett, which focus on the exploits of a regiment of Imperial Guardsmen, and the Eisenhorn trilogy, also by Abnett, which follows an Inquisitor’s battle against heresy and corruption.

The Role of Authors in Shaping the Warhammer Universe

The Warhammer literary universe owes much of its depth and richness to the talented authors who have contributed to it over the years. Dan Abnett, often referred to as the “godfather” of Warhammer 40,000, has written some of the most influential novels in the franchise. His ability to blend action, intrigue, and character development has set a high standard for other authors. Similarly, Graham McNeill, Aaron Dembski-Bowden, and Sandy Mitchell have all made significant contributions to the lore, each bringing their unique voice and perspective to the Warhammer universe.

The Expanding Universe: Spin-offs, Anthologies, and Short Stories

In addition to the main series, the Warhammer universe has spawned numerous spin-offs, anthologies, and short stories. These works often explore lesser-known aspects of the lore or provide new perspectives on familiar characters and events. For example, the Warhammer Chronicles series collects classic novels from the early days of Warhammer Fantasy, while the Warhammer Horror and Warhammer Crime imprints offer genre-specific tales set within the broader Warhammer universe.

The Challenge of Counting Warhammer Books

Given the sheer volume of Warhammer literature, accurately counting the number of books is a daunting task. The Black Library’s catalog alone includes hundreds of titles, and this does not account for out-of-print works, limited editions, or books published by other publishers under license. Furthermore, the Warhammer universe continues to expand, with new novels and series being released regularly. As of 2023, it is estimated that there are over 500 Warhammer novels, with more being added each year.

The Future of Warhammer Literature

The future of Warhammer literature looks bright, with the Black Library continuing to release new novels and explore new corners of the Warhammer universe. The recent success of the Warhammer 40,000: Dawn of Fire series, which serves as a sequel to the Horus Heresy, demonstrates the enduring appeal of the franchise. Additionally, the rise of digital publishing has made Warhammer literature more accessible than ever, allowing fans to explore the vast catalog of novels, short stories, and anthologies with ease.

Conclusion

The Warhammer universe is a literary behemoth, with a vast and ever-expanding catalog of novels, short stories, and anthologies. From the dark fantasy of the Old World to the grimdark future of the 41st millennium, Warhammer literature offers something for every fan of speculative fiction. While the exact number of Warhammer books may be difficult to pin down, one thing is certain: the Warhammer universe will continue to grow, offering new tales of heroism, horror, and adventure for years to come.

Related Q&A

Q: What is the most popular Warhammer 40,000 series? A: The Horus Heresy series is arguably the most popular, with over 50 novels exploring the galaxy-spanning civil war that nearly destroyed the Imperium of Man.

Q: Are there any Warhammer novels written by female authors? A: Yes, several female authors have contributed to the Warhammer universe, including Sarah Cawkwell, who wrote the Silver Skulls series, and Rachel Harrison, author of the Honourbound novel.

Q: Can I start reading Warhammer novels without any prior knowledge of the lore? A: Absolutely! Many Warhammer novels are designed to be accessible to new readers. Series like Gaunt’s Ghosts and Eisenhorn are great starting points for Warhammer 40,000, while Gotrek & Felix is a good entry point for Warhammer Fantasy.

Q: Are there any Warhammer novels that focus on non-human characters? A: Yes, there are several novels that focus on non-human characters, such as the Path of the Eldar series by Gav Thorpe, which explores the lives of the Eldar, and the Rise of the Ynnari series, which delves into the lore of the Ynnari, a faction of Eldar seeking to resurrect their god.