As with previous Elder Scrolls games, Oblivion is filled with books. Most books just fill in back story or provide lore material, but a few books will add markers to your map or give you training in a skill. It isn't necessary that you (the player) read the full text of these special books. You will receive the benefit of them as soon as you open them.
There are two other types of reading material in the game: The Black Horse Courier, and random notes and letters. A list of books broken down by subject can be found here.
Skill BooksEdit
- Main article: Skill Books
Marker BooksEdit
If you open such a book, a sign will appear on your map, marking a place.
| Book Name (ID) | Marker | Where to find | |
|---|---|---|---|
 |
Agnar's Journal 000C55DF |
Fanacas Kingscrest Cavern Quickwater Cave |
Dive Rock. Note: This does not work in the same way as the other marker books. Merely approaching the lookout point is enough to get the markers. You don't need to read the book or even look at it. (However, the script that adds the marker points IS on the book, though it's not obvious that this is the case.) |
 |
Cleansing of the Fane 0002C8DD |
Malada | Mach-Na's bookstore in Cheydinhal, the First Edition bookshop in the Imperial City, or a purple book found in the bookshelf on the east wall of the 1st floor of the Mystic Archives and in the Chironasium upper level on the third shelf of the bookcase in the northeastern corner. |
 |
Knightfall 00022E65 |
Frostfire Glade | The First Edition in the Imperial City during the quest Tears of the Savior. |
|
|
Modern Heretics 00026B1D |
Azura's Shrine | Cloud Ruler Temple, or the Mystic Archives in the Arcane University. |
Normal Books
These are the normal books found while playing the game: ones that do not teach you anything, but may be a good read nonetheless.
| Book Title (ID) |  |
Author | Description | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
|
2920, First Seed 000243d7 |
10 | Carlovac Townway | Volume 3 of a historical series about Vivec and the Empire |
 |
2920, Sun's Dusk 000243d3 |
10 | Carlovac Townway | Volume 11 of a historical series about Vivec and the Empire |
|
|
2920, Evening Star 000243db |
10 | Carlovac Townway | Volume 12 of a historical series about Vivec and the Empire |
 |
The Adabal-a xx000ed3 |
30 | Morihaus | The memoirs of Morihaus, consort to Alessia and Taker of the Citadel |
|
|
Aevar Stone-Singer 00024543 |
10 | Traditional Skaal myth about a young Skaal's journey to recover the Gifts of the All-Maker | |
 |
Amantius Allectus' Diary 000355ed |
100 | Amantius Allectus | Notes on an experiment to hybridize Drinkers, and a mysterious recipe |
 |
The Amulet of Kings 00024578 |
1 | Wenengrus Monhona | Chronicles the creation of the Amulet of Kings |
|
|
Ancotar's Journal 00185934 |
0 | Ancotar | The journal of a mage, Ancotar, and his experiments with conjuration and invisibility spells |
|
|
Arcana Restored 00024584 |
50 | Wapna Neustra Praceptor [sic] Emeritus |
Cryptic instructions for the restoration of Arcana |
 |
The Argonian Account, Book 2 00024559 |
25 | Waughin Jarth | Decumus Scotti's continued adventures in Black Marsh, Volume 2 |
|
|
The Argonian Account, Book 4 0002455a |
25 | Waughin Jarth | Decumus Scotti's continued adventures in Black Marsh, Volume 4 |
|
|
Ayleid Reference Text 0003353b |
10 | Raelys Anine | A series of Ayleid phrases and their translations |
|
|
Azura and the Box 0002453b |
10 | Marobar Sul | Book 11 of a series of fictional stories about the Dwemer |
|
|
Beggar Prince 0001fb53 |
4 | The story of Wheedle and their gifts from the Daedric Lord Namira | |
|
|
Bible of the Deep Ones 000C7B33 |
90 | Irlav Moslin | Purportedly the ancient lore of the Deep Ones, given to the author by their Chief |
|
|
Biography of Barenziah, v 1 00024550 |
1 | Stern Gamboge, Imperial Scribe | A factual biography of Queen Barenziah, Volume 1 |
|
|
Biography of Barenziah, v 2 00024551 |
1 | Stern Gamboge, Imperial Scribe | A factual biography of Queen Barenziah, Volume 2 |
|
|
Biography of Barenziah, v 3 00024552 00024553 |
1 | Stern Gamboge, Imperial Scribe | A factual biography of Queen Barenziah, Volume 3 |
|
|
A Bloody Journal 0002ff32 |
0 | Viranus Donton | The journal of Vilena Donton's son, found alongside his body |
|
|
The Book of Daedra 00024563 |
4 | Excerpts from a lengthy tome describing the nature of each of the Daedra | |
|
|
Brenus Astis' Journal 0002a577 |
0 | Brenus Astis | Fragments of a scholar's notes on the fauna of Cyrodiil |
 |
Brief History of the Empire, v 1 00024554 |
1 | Stronach k'Thojj III | Part 1 of a description of events in the history of the Empire |
|
|
Brief History of the Empire, v 2 00024555 |
1 | Stronach k'Thojj III | Part 2 of a description of events in the history of the Empire |
|
|
Brief History of the Empire, v 3 00024556 |
1 | Stronach k'Thojj III | Part 3 of a description of events in the history of the Empire |
|
|
Brief History of the Empire, v 4 00024557 |
1 | Stronach k'Thojj III | Part 4 of a description of events in the history of the Empire |
|
|
The Brothers of Darkness 00024586 |
35 | Pellarne Assi | A brief history of the Dark Brotherhood |
|
|
Cap'n Dugal's Journal, Part 1 xx013dc3 |
4 | Captain Torradan ap Dugal | The last words of a great pirate, part 1 |
|
|
Cap'n Dugal's Journal, Part 2 xx013dc4 |
4 | Captain Torradan ap Dugal | The last words of a great pirate, part 2 |
|
|
Cap'n Dugal's Journal, Part 3 xx013dc5 |
4 | Captain Torradan ap Dugal | The last words of a great pirate, part 3 |
|
|
Cap'n Dugal's Journal, Part 4 xx013dc6 |
4 | Captain Torradan ap Dugal | The last words of a great pirate, part 4 |
|
|
Children of the Sky 00024587 |
65 | A description of the Nords and the Thu'um | |
 |
A Children's Anuad 00024576 |
2 | Early religious book providing a simplified version of The Anuad creation myth from the Mythic Era | |
|
|
Dar-Ma's Diary 000280a9 |
0 | Dar-Ma | The last entries in the diary of Dar-Ma |
 |
Darkest Darkness 00024564 |
10 | A description of various Daedra | |
|
|
Diary of Springheel Jak 000152fc |
0 | Jakben, Earl of Imbel, a.k.a. Springheel Jak | Rarely used diary of the vampiric Earl of Imbel |
|
|
Drothan's Field Journal xx001a76 |
25 | Frathen Drothan | The final stages of the search for Mehrunes' Razor |
|
|
Drothan's Journal xx00148a |
1 | Frathen Drothan | A mage's search for Mehrunes' Razor |
 |
Dwemer History and Culture 00022b17 |
25 | Hasphat Antabolis | A scholar's review of the Dwemer essays written by Marobar Sul |
|
|
The Eastern Provinces 00024565 |
5 | On the benefits and liabilities of the ongoing management of Morrowind and Black Marsh | |
|
|
Fall of the Snow Prince 00024544 |
10 | Lokheim | An account of the Battle of the Moesring as transcribed by Lokheim, chronicler to the chieftain Ingjaldr White-Eye |
|
|
Feyfolken I 000243e7 |
10 | Waughin Jarth | The Great Sage tells Volume 1 of a story of Artaeum, Psijics, and Robotic Enchanters |
|
|
Feyfolken II 000243ed |
10 | Waughin Jarth | The Great Sage tells Volume 2 of a story of Artaeum, Psijics, and Robotic Enchanters |
|
|
Feyfolken III 000243f1 |
10 | Waughin Jarth | The Great Sage tells Volume 3 of a story of Artaeum, Psijics, and Robotic Enchanters |
|
|
The Firmament 0002457b |
25 | Ffoulke | A book of constellations and their meanings |
|
|
Five Songs of King Wulfharth 00024588 |
100 | A summary of five epic songs of the Ash King, plus an apocryphal song of the Tribunal, Dagoth-Ur and Nerevar | |
|
|
The Five Tenets 00024596 |
50 | The honorable code of the Dark Brotherhood | |
|
|
Followers of the Gray Fox 00024595 |
3 | Detailing the principles and guidelines of membership in the Thieves Guild | |
|
|
Fragment: On Artaeum 00024589 |
45 | Taurce il-Anselma | A work explaining some of the history of the Psijic island of Artaeum |
|
|
Frontier, Conquest 00024566 |
7 | University of Gwylim Press, 3E 344 | Details the presence of humans in Tamriel before the original Nordic conquests thought to bring humans to Tamriel |
|
|
Frostcrag Spire Memoirs xx000d56 |
25 | Excerpt from the Memoirs of the former owner of Frostcrag Spire | |
|
|
Fundaments of Alchemy 00024567 |
5 | Alyandon Mathierry | A fundamental primer on alchemy |
|
|
Galerion The Mystic 00024568 |
8 | Asgrim Kolsgreg | A biography of Galerion, a Psijic who founded the Mages Guild |
|
|
Gelebourne's Journal 00038447 |
0 | Gelebourne | The journal of an enterprising Brotherhood tomb robber |
|
|
Glories and Laments 0000a2b3 |
45 | Alexandre Hetrard | The "glories" of the Ayleid city Ceyatatar and "laments" over the collapse of the Ayleid civilization |
|
|
Gods and Worship 0002456f |
6 | Brother Hetchfield | Speculation concerning the worship of gods and their benefit from such |
|
|
Greywyn's Journal xx0046ac |
10 | Greywyn | The history of the Crimson Scars |
|
|
Guide to Anvil 0002455b |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Anvil's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to Bravil 0002455f |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Bravil's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to Bruma 0002455e |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Bruma's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to Cheydinhal 00024561 |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Cheydinhal's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to Chorrol 0002455d |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Chorrol's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to the Imperial City 00024562 |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of the Imperial City's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to Leyawiin 00024560 |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Leyawiin's people and notable places |
|
|
Guide to Skingrad 0002455c |
1 | Alessia Ottus | An overview of Skingrad's people and notable places |
|
|
Hanging Gardens 0002458a |
30 | A travel guide to the Hanging Gardens of Wasten Coridale, written in both Dwemeris and Aldmeris | |
|
|
Hiding with the Shadow 0001fb52 |
0 | Concerning the nature of thieves and their relationship with Nocturnal | |
|
|
History of Lock Picking 0001fb51 |
20 | Chronicles the development of modern locks and lockpicking | |
|
|
Imbel Genealogy 000152fd |
5 | A look at the descent of the Imbel name through the male offspring | |
|
|
Journal of Claudius Arcadia 00072296 |
0 | Claudius Arcadia | The story of a desperate man's attempt to gain his revenge |
|
|
Journal of the Lord Lovidicus 00038b2f |
35 | Lord Lovidicus | The tragic journal of a vampire in search of love |
|
|
The Knights of the Nine xx000ed2 |
25 | Karoline of Solitude | The founding and breakup of the original Knights of the Nine |
|
|
The Last King of the Ayleids 00058EEE |
25 | Herminia Cinna | Chronicles the downfall of the Ayleid Empire in the First Era |
|
|
The Legendary Scourge 00024583 |
60 | A short story and poem about Scourge, the mace of Malacath | |
|
|
A Less Rude Song 00024569 |
6 | Anonymous | A standard bawdy ballad |
|
|
A Life of Uriel Septim VII 000aa07d |
8 | Rufus Hayn | A short biography of Uriel Septim VII's accomplishments |
|
|
Lithnilian's Research Notes 00185377 |
0 | Lithnilian | A scholar's notes on Welkynd Stones |
|
|
Log of the Emma May 000366b1 |
5 | Journal of a mutinous crew member aboard the Emma May | |
|
|
Lord Jaren's Journal xx0142ef |
0 | Lord Jaren | A description of the tragic end of a brave Knight of Lainlyn |
|
|
Lost Histories of Tamriel 0000BF8C 000C4A2B |
50 | Excerpt concerning the Aedric Prophecies, otherwise known as the Elder Scrolls | |
|
|
The Lusty Argonian Maid 00078562 |
10 | Crassius Curio | A short excerpt from Crassius Curio's bawdy play |
|
|
Macabre Manifest 0001D046 |
0 | List of recently deceased persons in Cyrodiil | |
|
|
The Madness of Pelagius 0002457d |
12 | Tsathenes | Profiling the renowned Mad Emperor |
|
|
Mages Guild Charter 00026D8B |
1 | Rules for membership of the Mages Guild | |
|
|
Magic from the Sky 00078563 |
10 | Irlav Jarol | Treatise concerning Ayleid Wells, Welkynd Stones, and Varla Stones |
|
|
Manifesto Cyrodiil Vampyrum xx005093 |
1 | Tenets of the Cyrodilic vampires | |
|
|
Manual of Armor 000aa288 |
6 | Guide to the various types of armor available for Imperial use | |
|
|
Manual of Arms 0002456a |
3 | Guides to the various types of weaponry available for Imperial use | |
|
|
Manual of Spellcraft 0002456b |
3 | An introduction to magic and the Mages Guild | |
 |
Messenger's Diary 0001C16C |
750 | The notes of a messenger showing the way to an ancient Akaviri fort | |
|
|
Mixed Unit Tactics 0002456c |
5 | Codus Callonus | A book about the strategies of the Khajiit during the Five Years War |
|
|
More Than Mortal 0002453a |
10 | Marobar Sul | Book 10 of a series of fictional stories about the Dwemer |
|
|
Mysterious Akavir 0002456e |
10 | Information about the continent Akavir | |
 |
Mysterium Xarxes 0008B60A 00005599 |
0 | Mehrunes Dagon | A book supposedly written by Mehrunes Dagon |
|
|
Mystery of Talara, v 5 00024580 |
25 | Mera Llykith | Part five of the story of Princess Talara |
|
|
Mysticism 0002458b |
40 | Tetronius Lor | A treatise on the school of Mysticism |
|
|
Myth or Menace? 0001f113 |
10 | Conjecture as to the existence of a modern Thieves Guild | |
|
|
Necromancer's Moon 00002DD1 |
5 | A note of forewarning to the Order of the Black Worm | |
|
|
Nerevar Moon and Star 0002458C |
75 | An Imperial scholarly work on the legend of Indoril Nerevar | |
|
|
N'Gasta! Kvata! Kvakis! 0002458D |
90 | N'Gasta | An obscure text written in the language of the Sload by a necromancer |
|
|
The Old Ways 0002458e |
45 | Celarus the Loremaster | A guide to the Psijic Order and their beliefs |
|
|
On Morrowind 0002456d |
8 | Erramanwe of Sunhold | A historical synopsis of the Imperial conquest of Morrowind |
|
|
On Oblivion 0002457e |
15 | Morian Zenas | A guide to Oblivion and the Daedra |
|
|
Opusculus Lamae Bal ta Mezzamortie xx005095 |
25 | Mabei Aywenil, Scribe | A brief account of Lamae Bal and the Restless Death |
|
|
Origin of the Mages Guild 0002458f |
70 | The Archmage Salarth | Where and how the Mages Guild started |
|
|
Palla, volume 2 000243dd |
10 | Vojne Mierstyyd | A conjurer's tragic infatuation with a dead woman (volume 2 of 2) |
|
|
The Path of Transcendence 0003647E |
0 | Celedaen | A necromancer's diary of efforts at becoming a lich |
|
|
Pension of the Ancestor Moth 000982f0 |
40 | A Temple novice's initiatory pamphlet on the Cult of the Ancestor Moth | |
|
|
The Pig Children 00024590 |
40 | Tyston Bane | Discusses the history of the Orcish threat in the Iliac Bay |
|
|
The Posting of the Hunt 00024585 |
85 | A document announcing a ritualistic hunting of a mortal by Daedra | |
|
|
Provinces of Tamriel 0002457f |
25 | A brief analysis of the Imperial provinces of Tamriel | |
|
|
The Real Barenziah, v 1 00024570 |
5 | Anonymous | Unauthorized biography of the famous Queen Mother of Morrowind, Volume 1 |
|
|
The Real Barenziah, v 2 00024571 |
5 | Anonymous | Unauthorized biography of the famous Queen Mother of Morrowind, Volume 2 |
|
|
The Real Barenziah, v 3 00024572 |
5 | Anonymous | Unauthorized biography of the famous Queen Mother of Morrowind, Volume 3 |
|
|
The Real Barenziah, v 4 00024573 |
5 | Anonymous | Unauthorized biography of the famous Queen Mother of Morrowind, Volume 4 |
|
|
The Real Barenziah, v 5 00024574 |
5 | Anonymous | Unauthorized biography of the famous Queen Mother of Morrowind, Volume 5 |
|
|
The Red Book of Riddles 00024591 |
35 | Small collection of riddles | |
|
|
Remanada 000BF1CF |
80 | Fragmented, mythical recounting of the conception of Reman and the return of the Chim-el Adabal with the people of Tamriel | |
|
|
Report: Disaster at Ionith 00024558 |
1 | Lord Pottreid, Chairman | An Imperial-scripted dispatch concerning Uriel V's invasion of Akavir |
|
|
Ruins of Kemel-Ze 00024575 |
10 | Rolard Nordssen | An archaeologist's adventure through ancient Dwemer ruins |
|
|
The Seed 000243FF |
10 | Marobar Sul | Book 2 of an incomplete series of fictional stories about the Dwemer |
|
|
Shezarr and the Divines xx000ed4 |
25 | Faustillus Junius | The relationship between the god Shezarr and the other Cyrodilic deities |
 |
Sir Amiel's Journal xx000ede |
0 | Sir Amiel | Dying confessions of the founder of the Knights of the Nine |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 1 xx000edc |
80 | A description of the origins of Pelinal's name | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 2 xx000edb |
80 | A history of Pelinal's origins | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 3 xx000eda |
80 | A description of Pelinal's mortal enemy, Umaril the Unfeathered | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 4 xx000ed9 |
150 | A brief list of Pelinal's great deeds | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 5 xx000ed8 |
150 | Notes about Pelinal's friendship with Morihaus | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 6 xx000ed7 |
150 | Thoughts on Pelinal's madness | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 7 xx000ed6 |
150 | On Pelinal's battle with Umaril, and his dismemberment | |
|
|
The Song of Pelinal, v 8 xx000ed5 |
150 | Pelinal's words at the deathbed of Alessia | |
|
|
Spirit of the Daedra 00024582 |
35 | A look into the Daedric mindset | |
|
|
Tamrielic Lore 0002457A |
15 | Yagrum Bagarn | A list of ancient artifacts, compiled by the last living Dwemer at the behest of Divayth Fyr |
|
|
Ten Commands: Nine Divines 00024577 |
1 | The Ten Commands of the Nine Divines | |
|
|
Thief of Virtue 0001F112 |
10 | A bawdy tale of one thief's quest for coin, and capture of a lady's virtue | |
|
|
The Third Door 000243F3 |
10 | Annanar Orme | Tale of a heart-broken, vengeful, axe-wielding woman |
|
|
Tome of Unlife 00003AA3 |
350 | A mysterious, blood-stained lexicon belonging to Lorgren Benirus | |
|
|
Traitor's Diary 00003968 |
0 | Mathieu Bellamont | The insane ramblings of a traitorous member of the Dark Brotherhood |
|
|
Treatise on Ayleidic Cities xx0014a2 |
5 | The history of Varsa Baalim and Mehrunes' Razor | |
|
|
Trials of St. Alessia 00024579 |
1 | Excerpt from a greater work detailing the creation of the Amulet of Kings | |
|
|
The True Nature of Orcs 00024592 |
45 | Book detailing the Orsimer race and their origin | |
|
|
Varieties of Daedra 0002457C |
10 | Aranea Drethan | An analysis of Daedra forms, focusing primarily on the Dremora |
|
|
The Waters of Oblivion 00024593 |
75 | A work on the dangers of Daedra and Oblivion | |
|
|
The Wild Elves 00024594 |
80 | Kier-Jo Chorvak | Brief description of the Ayleids, or Wild Elves |
|
|
The Wolf Queen, v 8 00024581 |
25 | Waughin Jarth | Life of Queen Potema, Book Eight |
NotesEdit
- When NPCs carry out their "book reading" animation, the text written in the book they read is a commonly used placeholder text known as "Lorem ipsum", which is often used to demonstrate the graphic elements of a document. Note that the text is the same no matter what book the NPC is actually reading.