Exploring the Greatest Books Ever Written

Defining the singular “best” books of all time stirs intense debate, but certain remarkable titles earn revered designations as enduring pinnacles of literary excellence and cultural influence. Below we spotlight a select sample of masterworks across genres, eras, and movements that still profoundly enthrall and resonate today as evidence of humankind’s boundless creative capacity.

The top 10 most read books

Though rankings differ slightly between various surveys and metrics, these books typically rank among the world’s most widely read: “The Lord of the Rings” by J.R.R. Tolkien, “Harry Potter” series by J.K. Rowling, “The Hobbit” by J.R.R Tolkien, “The Lion, The Witch & The Wardrobe” by C.S. Lewis, “The Da Vinci Code” by Dan Brown, “Think & Grow Rich” by Napoleon Hill, “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee, “The Diary Of Anne Frank”, “The Little Prince” by Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, and “Dream of the Red Chamber” by Cao Xueqin.

Timeless Character Studies and Philosophical Works

Some fiction and nonfiction transcend tests of time to eternally speak across generations through potent archetypes, wisdom, and thematic resonance. The profound existential and moral questions confronted in classics like Homer’s “The Odyssey,” Dante’s “Inferno,” Sun Tzu’s “The Art of War,” and Machiavelli’s “The Prince” continue shaping entire fields of thought even centuries later.

Our picks

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes (1605): Often regarded as the first modern novel, “Don Quixote” is a classic of Western literature and is considered Cervantes’ magnum opus. The novel tells the story of a man named Alonso Quixano who, after reading too many chivalric romances, loses his sanity and decides to become a knight-errant named Don Quixote. Accompanied by his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote sets out on a series of adventures, tilting at windmills he believes to be giants and seeking to right wrongs. The novel is known for its satire of romantic chivalry, its rich characterizations, and its exploration of reality versus illusion.

Different metrics lead to different #1 books, but according to some sources, Miguel Cervantes’ classic “Don Quixote” has been dubbed the best-selling book ever published with over 500 million copies sold globally. Others cite Charles Dickens’ 1859 novel “A Tale of Two Cities” with 200 million copies sold as potentially holding the top spot.

Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen (1813): This novel is one of Jane Austen’s most beloved works and a key title in English literature. “Pride and Prejudice” is a romantic comedy that satirizes manners, upbringing, morality, and marriage in early 19th-century England. The story centers around Elizabeth Bennet, an intelligent and spirited young woman, and her relationship with Mr. Darcy, a wealthy and proud gentleman. The novel is celebrated for its wit, its insightful commentary on the societal norms of the time, and its exploration of themes like love, reputation, and class.

One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez (1967): A defining work of the magical realism genre, this novel tells the multi-generational story of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo. The narrative weaves the fantastical with the mundane, blending the ordinary and the miraculous. The novel is renowned for its rich, imaginative storytelling and its reflection on themes such as time, memory, and solitude. It’s a landmark in Latin American literature and has had a significant impact on both the Spanish-language and global literary scenes.

War and Peace by Leo Tolstoy (1869): An epic novel of immense scope, “War and Peace” is considered one of Tolstoy’s masterpieces and a pinnacle of realist fiction. The story is set against the backdrop of the Napoleonic Wars and follows the lives of several Russian aristocratic families. It’s known for its detailed depiction of history and its philosophical musings on war, peace, and humanity’s role in the world. The novel explores a vast array of characters and themes, from love and loss to power and family.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald (1925): This novel is a critical depiction of the American Dream and a vivid portrait of the Jazz Age in the United States. The story, told through the eyes of the narrator Nick Carraway, centers around the enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and his obsession with the beautiful Daisy Buchanan. Fitzgerald’s novel is lauded for its exploration of themes such as decadence, idealism, resistance to change, and social upheaval.

Moby-Dick by Herman Melville (1851): A monumental work of American literature, “Moby-Dick” is a complex allegory and a captivating adventure story about a whaling voyage. The narrative follows Ishmael, the narrator, and the monomaniacal quest of Captain Ahab to hunt the white whale Moby-Dick. The novel is renowned for its detailed descriptions of whaling, its philosophical depth, and its exploration of themes such as obsession, revenge, and the struggle against nature.

Visionary Works of Speculation and Caution

Speculative masterpieces predicting humanity’s future course both enthrall through expansive imagination while also serving explicit cautionary purposes. Whether sweeping sci-fi gold standards like Frank Herbert’s “Dune” building entire universes governed by ecology or chilling dystopias like Margaret Atwood’s “The Handmaid’s Tale” and George Orwell’s “1984” extrapolating current totalitarian and reproductive right threats onto nightmarish landscapes, such works highlight literature’s power to forewarn through provocative speculation.

Our picks

The Lord of the Rings by J.R.R. Tolkien (1954-1955): This epic high-fantasy trilogy is a seminal work in the fantasy genre, profoundly influencing subsequent literature and popular culture. The story is set in the fictional world of Middle-earth and follows the quest to destroy the One Ring, which was created by the dark lord Sauron to rule the other Rings of Power and enslave the inhabitants of Middle-earth. The narrative explores themes of good vs. evil, the power of friendship, and the struggle against temptation and despair. Its richly developed world, complete with its own languages, histories, and cultures, has captivated readers for generations.

Dune by Frank Herbert (1965): A landmark in science fiction literature, “Dune” is known for its complex plot, intricate political and ecological world-building, and philosophical depth. The story is set in the distant future on the desert planet Arrakis, the only source of the universe’s most valuable substance, the spice melange. The novel follows young Paul Atreides, whose family assumes control of Arrakis, sparking a complex struggle for power. Themes include the intersection of politics, religion, and ecology, as well as the hero’s journey.

The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams (1979): This science fiction comedy series is beloved for its quirky, irreverent humor and satirical take on life, the universe, and everything. It begins with the destruction of Earth and follows the misadventures of Arthur Dent, a hapless Englishman, and his alien friend Ford Prefect. The series is known for its absurd and whimsical narrative style, as well as its commentary on human nature and the idiosyncrasies of life.

Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953): A dystopian novel, “Fahrenheit 451” presents a future American society where books are outlawed and “firemen” burn any that are found. The story follows Guy Montag, a fireman who becomes disillusioned with his role in suppressing knowledge and promoting ignorance. The novel is a critique of censorship and a defense of literature and critical thinking. Its title refers to the temperature at which book paper catches fire and burns.

The Handmaid’s Tale by Margaret Atwood (1985): This dystopian novel is set in a totalitarian theocracy that has overthrown the United States government. The story is narrated by Offred, a Handmaid who is forced to bear children for the ruling class in a society plagued by environmental disasters and a plummeting birth rate. The novel explores themes of women’s rights, individuality, and the dangers of religious and political extremism.

1984 by George Orwell (1949): A seminal work of dystopian fiction, “1984” presents a grim future where a totalitarian regime, led by Big Brother, exercises absolute control over every aspect of life, including thought, speech, and behavior. The protagonist, Winston Smith, works for the ruling Party but secretly dreams of rebellion. The novel is a powerful critique of totalitarianism and a prescient warning about the dangers of surveillance, propaganda, and political repression.

Reconstructing Key Historical Eras

Transportive historical fiction reconstructing the past offers panoramic views into pivotal historical moments and moral complexities underpinning eras. From expansive war stories like Leo Tolstoy’s “War and Peace” immersing readers within Napoleonic upheaval to Octavia Butler’s “Kindred” poignantly confronting American slavery through time travel, well-researched tales use intimate voices to spotlight obscured voices and turning points lost amidst common textbook narratives.

Our Picks

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee (1960): This novel is a deeply moving and poignant tale set in the American South during the 1930s. It’s narrated by a young girl named Scout Finch, who lives with her brother Jem and their widowed father, Atticus, a morally upright lawyer. The story is famous for its warmth and humor, even while dealing with serious issues of racial injustice and moral complexity. Atticus Finch’s defense of a black man wrongly accused of raping a white woman, and the impact of these events on Scout and Jem, form the crux of the narrative.

Ulysses by James Joyce (1922): This groundbreaking modernist novel is known for its innovative stream of consciousness technique and its deep, complex dive into the inner thoughts of its characters. Set over a single day in Dublin (June 16, 1904), the narrative parallels and alludes to Homer’s “Odyssey”. It follows the experiences of its main characters, Leopold Bloom and Stephen Dedalus, as they go about their daily lives, offering profound insights into the ordinary and the extraordinary aspects of human nature.

In Search of Lost Time by Marcel Proust (1913-1927): A monumental work in seven volumes, this novel is renowned for its exploration of memory, particularly involuntary memory, and its intricate portrayal of French society at the turn of the 20th century. The narrative delves deeply into the themes of time, art, love, and the search for meaning. It’s celebrated for its richly descriptive language and its ability to capture the essence of an era and the inner workings of its characters’ minds.

Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987): This powerful novel, set after the American Civil War, tells the story of Sethe, a former slave who has escaped to Ohio but remains haunted by her past, especially the ghost of her baby, who is named “Beloved” on her gravestone. The novel explores themes of family, trauma, and the enduring scars of slavery. Morrison’s narrative is known for its emotive strength, lyrical beauty, and the exploration of the African American experience.

Groundbreaking Literary Movements

Trailblazing authors pioneering unconventional techniques or voicing marginalized groups spur periodic artistic reinvention as movements. Whether early 20th century modernist exponents like Virginia Woolf and James Joyce expanding rich inner life plumbing through stream of consciousness prose or 1970s magical realism explosion led by Latin American luminaries like Gabriel García Márquez and Isabel Allende overlaying mystical elements onto gritty realism, rule-breaking renegades expand literary horizons tremendously.

Our picks

Romanticism – Frankenstein by Mary Shelley (1818): Often regarded as the first science fiction novel, “Frankenstein” is a cornerstone of the Romantic literary movement. Mary Shelley wrote this novel when she was just 18 years old. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein, a young scientist who creates a grotesque but sentient creature in an unorthodox scientific experiment. The novel explores themes of ambition, the quest for knowledge, the human condition, and the sublime in nature. It’s celebrated for its exploration of complex moral questions and its portrayal of the protagonist’s tragic flaw: his overreaching ambition.

Realism – “Madame Bovary” by Gustave Flaubert (1857): “Madame Bovary” is a seminal work of literary realism, noted for its critical portrayal of bourgeois life and its meticulous attention to detail. The novel revolves around Emma Bovary, a doctor’s wife who lives beyond her means and engages in adulterous relationships in pursuit of the romantic and luxurious life she desires, which ultimately leads to her downfall. Flaubert’s novel was groundbreaking for its depiction of everyday life and its focus on a woman’s perspective and experiences.

Modernism – “Ulysses” by James Joyce (1922): “Ulysses” is often hailed as one of the most important works of modernist literature. The novel takes place over the course of a single day, 16th June 1904, in Dublin, Ireland, and parallels the structure of Homer’s “Odyssey”. It’s known for its stream of consciousness style, complex structure, and richly layered narrative. Joyce’s work delves into the inner thoughts and dialogues of its characters, particularly Leopold Bloom, and is celebrated for its innovation in narrative form and its depth of character exploration.

Surrealism – “Nadja” by André Breton (1928): Written by André Breton, the founder of Surrealism, “Nadja” is a novel that blends elements of fiction, autobiography, and philosophical musings. The story revolves around the relationship between the narrator (a thinly veiled Breton) and a young woman named Nadja. The novel is known for its exploration of the concept of chance and the role of the subconscious in understanding reality. Its narrative structure, blending reality and dream-like sequences, reflects the surrealists’ interest in the irrational and the mysterious.

Magical Realism – “One Hundred Years of Solitude” by Gabriel García Márquez (1967): This novel is a landmark in the genre of magical realism and is considered Gabriel García Márquez’s masterpiece. The story chronicles several generations of the Buendía family in the fictional town of Macondo, weaving together the real and the fantastic, the mundane and the mythical. It is a rich tapestry of the human experience, encompassing love, despair, family, politics, and the passage of time. The novel’s magical elements are treated as part of everyday life, which is a hallmark of the magical realism genre.

Contemporary Masterworks

Contemporary literature continually proves itself still profoundly capable of capturing current sociopolitical, ethical and environmental issues. The past two decades produced especially powerful contenders like Zadie Smith dissecting issues of race and class through her inimitable stylistic voice in “White Teeth” or Michael Chabon subverting comic book and noir detective tropes towards profound ends within his Pulitzer-winning “The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier and Clay.”

Beloved by Toni Morrison (1987) – A powerful exploration of the African American experience, dealing with themes of family, trauma, and the scars of slavery. Morrison’s work is a staple in American literature.

The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle by Haruki Murakami (1997) – A blend of magical realism, historical fiction, and surrealism, this novel is a prime example of Murakami’s unique narrative style and imaginative storytelling.

The Road by Cormac McCarthy (2006) – A post-apocalyptic novel that’s both harrowing and deeply moving, exploring the bond between a father and son in a desolate world.

Life of Pi by Yann Martel (2001) – An adventurous and philosophical novel that tells the story of a young boy stranded on a lifeboat with a Bengal tiger, exploring themes of spirituality, survival, and reality.

White Teeth by Zadie Smith (2000) – A vibrant and witty novel exploring themes of cultural identity, race, and family in contemporary London.

Middlesex by Jeffrey Eugenides (2002) – A Pulitzer Prize-winning novel that explores themes of gender identity, immigration, and the American Dream through the lens of a Greek-American intersex protagonist.

The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt (2013) – A sweeping and beautifully written coming-of-age novel that revolves around a young boy’s encounter with a small, mysteriously captivating painting.

Never Let Me Go by Kazuo Ishiguro (2005) – A hauntingly poignant story that blends science fiction with a deep exploration of love, loss, and humanity.

Atonement by Ian McEwan (2001) – A novel that masterfully weaves a narrative of love, war, and the far-reaching consequences of a young girl’s mistake.

The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz (2007) – A vibrant mix of Dominican history, American culture, and magical realism, this novel is a unique exploration of identity, family, and love.

The common hallmarks manifesting such brilliance include depth of thematic development tied to universal human experiences, formidable and distinctive technical execution demonstrating peerless mastery of literary devices, and an enduring timelessness still resonating ages after publication. These remarkable titles earn their revered designation as pinnacles of literary form.