The first ever story featuring William Brown appeared in 'Home Magazine' in February 1919. It was titled Rice Mould. A total of forty-one William stories appeared in Home Magazine between 1919 and 1922, all of which were eventually published in book form.

The first William book, Just William was published in May 1922 by George Newnes, and was an immediate success. It contained twelve stories, compiled rather erratically with respect to the chronological order of the Home Magazine stories. The first story in Just William, 'William Goes to the Pictures' was the third to appear in Home Magazine, whereas 'Rice Mould', the first ever William story, did not appear in book form until 'More William', published in December 1922.

December 1922 was also the month when William jumped from Home Magazine to the Happy Mag, a magazine aimed at the while family. William stories appeared regularly in the Happy Mag throughout the 1920'as and 1930's.

A total of thirty-eight William books were published by George Newnes between 1922 and 1970, the final book 'William the Lawless' being published after Richmal Crompton's death in 1969. A complete list of the titles is included below.