The Third Policeman
by "Flann OBrien"
The Third Policeman by "Flann OBrien" holds a highly rated rating of 4.02 out of 5, based on 10.4K reader ratings. First published in 1967. The book spans 200 pages.
About The Third Policeman
The Third Policeman is Flann O'Brien's brilliantly dark comic novel about the nature of time, death, and existence. Told by a narrator who has committed a botched robbery and brutal murder, the novel follows him and his adventures in a two-dimensional police station where, through the theories of the scientist/philosopher de Selby, he is introduced to "Atomic Theory" and its relation to bicycles, the existence of eternity (which turns out to be just down the road), and de Selby's view that the earth is not round but "sausage-shaped." With the help of his newly found soul named "Joe," he grapples with the riddles and contradictions that three eccentric policeman present to him.The last of O'Brien's novels to be published, The Third Policeman joins O'Brien's other fiction (At Swim-Two-Birds, The Poor Mouth, The Hard Life, The Best of Myles, The Dalkey Archive) to ensure his place, along with James Joyce and Samuel Beckett, as one of Ireland's great comic geniuses.
| Detail | Value |
|---|---|
| Author | "Flann OBrien" |
| Published | 1967 |
| Pages | 200 |
| Genres | Fiction, Fantasy, Classics, Mystery & Thriller |
| Average Rating | 4.02 / 5.00 |
| Total Ratings | 10,352 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What genre is The Third Policeman?
The Third Policeman is categorized as Fiction, Fantasy, Classics, Mystery & Thriller. Its primary genre classification is Fantasy.
Is The Third Policeman worth reading?
Based on 10.4K reader ratings, The Third Policeman has an average score of 4.02 out of 5.00, which is considered "Highly Rated."
How many pages is The Third Policeman?
The Third Policeman has 200 pages.
Who wrote The Third Policeman?
The Third Policeman was written by "Flann OBrien". It was first published in 1967.
What is the ISBN for The Third Policeman?
The ISBN-13 for The Third Policeman is 9781564782140.0.
Data sourced from community book ratings and reviews. Last updated: April 17, 2026
