The Greatest Czech, Greek Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 305 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 26. Ajax by Sophocles

    "Ajax" is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around the character of Ajax, a heroic warrior in the Trojan War who falls into a state of madness and despair when he is passed over for the honor of inheriting the armor of the fallen hero, Achilles. In his fury, Ajax slaughters a flock of sheep, believing them to be his comrades. When he regains his sanity and realizes what he has done, he is filled with shame and ultimately takes his own life. The play explores themes of honor, pride, and the tragic consequences of unchecked rage.

    The 583rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 27. Parallel Lives by Plutarch

    "Parallel Lives" is a collection of biographies of famous Greek and Roman figures, written in pairs to draw comparisons between their lives. The work explores the influence of character on the lives and destinies of these historical figures. The biographies are not only a record of the lives of these individuals, but also provide insight into the times in which they lived, offering a unique perspective on the history and culture of the ancient world.

    The 635th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 28. Amerika by Franz Kafka

    This novel tells the story of a young immigrant, Karl Rossmann, who after an unfortunate incident is sent by his parents to America. The narrative follows his journey through a strange new world, where he encounters a variety of eccentric characters and experiences a series of bizarre and often surreal situations. Throughout his journey, the protagonist struggles with feelings of alienation and the harsh realities of the American Dream, while trying to navigate the complexities of life in a foreign land.

    The 648th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 29. The Persians by Aeschylus

    "The Persians" is an ancient Greek tragedy that tells the story of the Persian King Xerxes and his failed invasion of Greece. The narrative focuses on the aftermath of the Battle of Salamis, depicting the mourning of Xerxes' mother and the ghost of his father Darius, who prophesied the fall of the Persian Empire. It serves as a critique of the arrogance and hubris of Xerxes and a celebration of Greek victory, while also exploring themes of war, loss, and the consequences of ambition.

    The 681st Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 30. Trojan Women by Euripides

    "Trojan Women" is a tragic play set in the aftermath of the Trojan War, focusing on the fate of the women of Troy. The story follows the mother of Hector, Hecuba, and her daughter-in-law, Andromache, as they grapple with the loss of their city and loved ones. They, along with other women, are destined to become slaves to the victorious Greeks. The narrative explores themes of war, suffering, and the resilience of women in the face of adversity.

    The 717th Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 31. Corpus Aristotelicum by Aristotle

    The "Corpus Aristotelicum" is a collection of texts by an ancient Greek philosopher, providing an extensive exploration of numerous fields of knowledge, such as metaphysics, ethics, logic, politics, biology, and poetry. These works have been instrumental in shaping Western philosophy and have had a profound influence on a wide range of subjects, including science, theology, and politics. The collection is known for its systematic and logical approach, and for its groundbreaking ideas that continue to stimulate intellectual discourse.

    The 771st Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 32. The Birds by Aristophanes

    This ancient Greek comedy play revolves around two men who are fed up with the problems of human society and decide to create a utopian city in the clouds with the help of birds. Their city, 'Cloudcuckooland', becomes popular and attracts gods and humans alike, leading to a series of humorous and satirical events. The play is a satire on political and social life in Athens, poking fun at its democracy, bureaucracy, and warfare.

    The 773rd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 33. The Book of Laughter and Forgetting by Milan Kundera

    This novel is a blend of fiction, autobiography, and philosophical musings that explores the nature of forgetting, the power of laughter, and the struggle for personal and political freedom. Set against the backdrop of the political turmoil in Czechoslovakia in the 20th century, it follows the interconnected stories of various characters, including a man who is expelled from the Communist Party, a young woman in love with a man whose father was a political prisoner, and a couple who flee to America. Throughout, the book delves into the ways in which personal and collective memories shape identity and history.

    The 792nd Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 34. The Clouds by Aristophanes

    "The Clouds" is a satirical play that critiques the intellectual and moral corruption of Athenian society by focusing on a father-son relationship. The father, in an effort to evade debt, sends his son to a school of sophistry to learn the art of manipulating language and logic to win arguments. The story explores themes of education, morality, and the conflict between traditional and modern values. The play is well-known for its critical portrayal of Socrates as a sophist and its comedic elements.

    The 815th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 35. Symposium by Plato

    In "Symposium", a group of notable men including philosophers, playwrights, and politicians gather at a banquet and decide to each give a speech in praise of the god of love. Each speech presents a different perspective on love, ranging from the purely physical to the spiritual. The dialogue culminates with the speech of Socrates, who presents a philosophical view of love as a means of ascending to contemplation of the divine.

    The 855th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 36. The Suppliants by Aeschylus

    "The Suppliants" is a classic Greek drama that revolves around a group of fifty women who flee from Egypt to avoid marrying their cousins, seeking asylum in the city of Argos. The King of Argos is torn between offering them protection or facing the wrath of the Egyptians. The play explores themes of democracy, law, and the struggle between the sexes. The drama ends on a cliffhanger, with the Egyptian suitors arriving to reclaim the women and threatening war.

    The 887th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 37. Seven Against Thebes by Aeschylus

    "Seven Against Thebes" is a classic Greek tragedy that revolves around the conflict between the two sons of Oedipus, Eteocles and Polynices, who are fighting for the throne of Thebes. The brothers ultimately kill each other in battle, fulfilling their father's curse that they would divide their inheritance by the sword. The play ends with the women of Thebes mourning the death of the brothers and the city in ruins. The tale is a powerful exploration of family loyalty, power struggles and the consequences of destiny and fate.

    The 887th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 38. Aesop's Fables by Aesop

    This book is a collection of short tales, often featuring animals as characters, which convey moral lessons. The fables, attributed to a storyteller from ancient Greece, are known for their brevity and poignant messages. The stories cover a wide range of themes such as honesty, wisdom, greed, vanity, and humility, and are often concluded with a simple, yet profound, moral lesson. The narratives have been passed down through generations and continue to be relevant in modern times.

    The 909th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 39. Apology by Plato

    This philosophical text is a dialogue of Socrates' defense in 399 BC against the charges of 'corrupting the young, and by not believing in the gods in whom the city believes, but in other daimonia that are novel.' The dialogue is Socrates' defense at his trial and is his final public statement before his execution. In it, he discusses the moral and philosophical justification for his actions and beliefs, ultimately leading to his conviction and death.

    The 954th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 40. Phaedo by Plato

    "Phaedo" is a philosophical dialogue that takes place in ancient Greece, where the main character, a philosopher, is awaiting his execution. The story is a discussion on the nature of the afterlife, the immortality of the soul, and the theory of forms. The philosopher argues that the soul is immortal and that we should not fear death. He also discusses his theory of forms, stating that the world we perceive is merely a shadow of the true world of forms. The dialogue ends with the philosopher calmly accepting his fate, illustrating his belief in the immortality of the soul.

    The 991st Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 41. Hippolytus by Euripides

    "Hippolytus" is a tragic play that revolves around the themes of lust, revenge, and the wrath of the gods. The story follows the character Hippolytus, a dedicated follower of the goddess Artemis, who spurns the advances of his stepmother Phaedra. In a fit of jealousy, Phaedra falsely accuses Hippolytus of rape, leading his father Theseus to curse him. The resulting divine punishment and misunderstandings lead to the tragic deaths of both Hippolytus and Phaedra, revealing the devastating consequences of deceit and the unforgiving nature of the gods.

    The 1081st Greatest Book of All Time
  17. 42. The Last Temptation of Christ by Nikos Kazantzakis

    This novel presents an alternative interpretation of the life of Jesus Christ, who is depicted as a conflicted, all-too-human figure who struggles with his divine destiny. The book explores his journey through life, his friendships, his fears, and his ultimate temptation to avoid crucifixion and live a normal life. The narrative delves into the psychological and emotional aspects of his experiences, creating a complex, humanized portrayal of a traditionally divine figure.

    The 1138th Greatest Book of All Time
  18. 43. The Poems of Sappho by Sappho

    This book is a collection of lyric poetry by an ancient Greek female poet, known for her passionate verses on love and relationships. The poems, often composed in the first person, offer a unique insight into the life and emotions of women in antiquity, touching on themes such as desire, jealousy, and personal introspection. Despite many of her works being lost over time, the surviving fragments continue to be celebrated for their vivid imagery and emotional depth.

    The 1348th Greatest Book of All Time
  19. 44. Poetics by Aristotle

    This book is a seminal work of literary criticism that has profoundly influenced western thought. The book discusses the nature of poetry, tragedy, and comedy, as well as the components that make up a good story such as plot, character, thought, diction, melody, and spectacle. The author also introduces the concept of catharsis, the purging of emotions through the experience of art, and discusses the role of the tragic hero. The book is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, drama, or philosophy.

    The 1370th Greatest Book of All Time
  20. 45. The Joke by Milan Kundera

    "The Joke" follows the life of Ludvik Jahn, a man expelled from the Czechoslovak Communist Party, his university, and the army for a harmless joke he sends in a postcard to a girlfriend. The narrative explores his life before, during, and after his punishment, and his attempts to exact revenge on those who wronged him. Set against the backdrop of the Prague Spring and the Soviet Invasion, the novel delves into the themes of political satire, the absurdity of totalitarianism, and the individual's struggle against an impersonal and oppressive system.

    The 1402nd Greatest Book of All Time
  21. 46. The Theogony by Hesiod

    "The Theogony" is an ancient Greek epic poem that explores the genealogy of the gods. The narrative begins with the primordial deities Chaos, Gaia, and Eros, then progresses through the generations of Titans, Olympian gods, and mortal heroes. It provides an account of the struggles and power dynamics among these divine beings, culminating in the reign of Zeus as the king of the gods. The poem is a significant source of Greek mythology and offers insights into the ancient Greeks' worldview and their understanding of the universe's origins.

    The 1406th Greatest Book of All Time
  22. 47. Poems Of C. P. Cavafy by C. P. Cavafy

    The book is a collection of lyrical poetry that delves into themes of historical reflection, personal experience, and existential contemplation. The poet, known for his profound and often melancholic musings, explores the depths of human emotion and the passage of time, frequently drawing upon Hellenistic history and mythology to enrich his verse. His work is characterized by a sense of nostalgia and a deep appreciation for the fleeting moments of beauty and pleasure in life, as well as an acute awareness of the inevitable decay and loss that accompany them. The poems are celebrated for their technical mastery, rich language, and the ability to evoke vivid imagery and complex emotional landscapes.

    The 1417th Greatest Book of All Time
  23. 48. Works and Days by Hesiod

    "Works and Days" is an ancient Greek epic poem that provides advice on life and farming. The author uses the myth of Prometheus and Pandora to explain why life is hard for humans, attributing it to Pandora's release of evils into the world. The work serves as a farmer's almanac, giving detailed advice on the best times to plant and harvest crops, and also provides moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of hard work, justice, and piety.

    The 1471st Greatest Book of All Time
  24. 49. Fragments by Heraclitus

    "Fragments" is a collection of philosophical musings and theories from an ancient Greek philosopher. The book explores a wide array of topics, including the nature of the universe, the human mind, and the relationship between the two. Often cryptic and paradoxical, the author's thoughts challenge traditional perceptions of reality and encourages readers to think deeply about their own existence and understanding of the world.

    The 1502nd Greatest Book of All Time
  25. 50. War with the Newts by Karel Čapek

    The novel is a satirical science fiction tale that explores the discovery of a species of intelligent giant newts. When humans realise they can exploit these creatures for economic gain, they are enslaved and used for labor and military purposes. The newts ultimately rebel, leading to a global war. The book serves as a critique of various political, economic and ideological systems, including colonialism, capitalism and fascism.

    The 1548th Greatest Book of All Time

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