The 50 Best Books of the Century

Intercollegiate Studies Institute, 50 Books

ISI defined "best" as "volumes of extraordinary reflection and creativity in a traditional form, which heartens us with the knowledge that fine writing and clear-mindedness are perennially possible."

All the books are non-fiction.

The first 5 are ranked, the rest are alphabetical.

50 Books to Read Before You Die

Complex, 50 Books

Complex Magazine's selection of 50 must-read books.

Bill Gate's Book Recommendations

Bill Gates, 258 Books

All books recommended by Bill Gates

100 Best Non-Fiction Books of the 20th Century (and Beyond) in English

Counterpunch, 135 Books

In response to the proliferation of "best of the century" lists from major publications at the turn of the millennium, Jeffrey St. Clair and his colleague Alex decided to compile their own lists of the best books written and later translated into English during the 20th century. Their selections, aimed at the CounterPunch audience, diverged from mainstream choices, focusing instead on works that resonated deeply with their unique reader base. These lists became highly popular on the CounterPunch website, attracting over two million unique visitors and influencing librarians to reconsider the collections they maintained. However, a technical mishap during a website upgrade resulted in the loss of these carefully curated lists, likened humorously by Alex to the burning of the Library of Alexandria. Despite initial disheartenment, renewed interest and requests from the community prompted St. Clair to revisit and update these lists, reintroducing them with both cherished and new selections of non-fiction literature from the 20th century.

10 of the Best Popular Science Books as Chosen by Authors and Writers

NewScientist , 10 Books

NewScientist has polled various authors and writers about their favorite science books. here's who they polled: George Monbiot, Colin Tudge, Pragya Agarwal, Jonathan Drori, Emily Shuckburgh, Cassandra Coburn, Jojo Mehta, Jim Down, Camilla Pang and Richard Walker

100 Best Books to Read by Women Authors

Good Housekeeping, 100 Books

Good Housekeeping team created a list of the 100 best books by women authors. Their website description is:

From gripping works of fiction to literary classics, this list of 100 books to read by women was selected by the Good Housekeeping team and shows that women's writing is complex, brilliant, moving, innovative – everything the best writing should be.

25 Greatest Science Books of All Time

Discover Magazine, 25 Books

Discover Magazine staff presents the essential reading list for anyone interested in science.

100 Great 20th Century English-language Works of Fiction by Women

Feminista!, 96 Books

Feminista! created this list in response to the infamous Modern Library list. Here's their description:

While we’d [Feminista!] agree that the Modern Library’s list features some extraordinary and wonderful works of fiction, we’re a little dismayed by a list of major 20th century English language novels that completely overlooks such writers as Margaret Atwood, Nadine Gordimer, Zora Neale Hurston, Harper Lee, Doris Lessing, Toni Morrison and Sylvia Plath. We could go on, but instead we’ve compiled our own list of 100 Great 20th Century English-language Works of Fiction by Women. In order to choose the works on the list, women’s online forums and lists were canvassed. Unlike the Modern Library’s, our list is not ranked. We’ve also restricted it to one work per author, since our aim was to showcase the extraordinary richness and variety of 20th century fiction by women.

50 Best Cult Books

Telegraph, 50 Books

A cult book may be hard to define but one thing is for sure: you know a cult book when you see one. Cult books are somehow, intangibly, different from simple bestsellers - though many of them are that. And people have passionate feelings on both sides: Our critics present a selection of the most notable cult writing from the past two centuries. Some is classic. Some is catastrophic. All of it had the power to inspire

The Complete 500: OCLC

OCLC, 497 Books

This list is from OCLC and is a bit different than most lists on this site. OCLC is a global library organization that provides shared technology services, original research, and community programs for its membership and the library community at large. This list is based on how many libraries have a copy of a book on their shelves. Here's their own description:

What makes a novel “great”? At OCLC, we believe literary greatness can be measured by how many libraries have a copy on their shelves.
Yes, libraries offer access to trendy and popular books. But, they don’t keep them on the shelf if they’re not repeatedly requested by their communities over the years. We’ve identified 500 timeless, top novels—those found in thousands of libraries around the world—using WorldCat, the world’s largest database of library materials'.

The Modern Library: The Two Hundred Best Novels in English Since 1950

The Modern Library (Book), 209 Books

The authors have chosen the 200 books since 1950 that they consider to be the best. It includes some familiar names and some surprises. Witty and controversial, their aim is to encourage reading.

The Authors
- Dame Carmen Thérèse Callil, DBE, FRSL was an Australian publisher, writer and critic who spent most of her career in the United Kingdom. She founded Virago Press in 1973 and received the Benson Medal from the Royal Society of Literature in 2017
- Colm Tóibín FRSL is an Irish novelist, short story writer, essayist, journalist, critic, playwright and poet. His first novel, The South, was published in 1990. The Blackwater Lightship was shortlisted for the Booker Prize.

The Best Novels You’ve Never Read

NY Mag, 60 Books

Talk to any critic and you’ll hear about a book you must read—often one you were begged to read by some reviewer when it came out, but which quickly slipped off your radar. Such is the plight of critics. Which is why we decided, with the help of the National Book Critics Circle, to ask professional critics (and some other writers) to pick the best under-the-radar book of the past ten years or so.

50 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels That Everyone Should Read

Flavor Wire, 90 Books

Explore the realms of magic and the future with Flavor Wire's "50 Sci-Fi/Fantasy Novels That Everyone Should Read." This expertly curated list offers a gateway for those new to the genre and a treasure trove for avid fans. Highlighting only the most compelling narratives, the list includes a single work or series per author, focuses on novels with adult appeal, and excludes short stories. It's a diverse collection designed to spark imagination and discussion among readers of all levels. Dive into these essential reads and expand your literary horizons.

100 Best Novels in English Since 1900

Counterpunch, 98 Books

Jeffrey St. Clair and Alexander Cockburn's favorite novels since 1900.

Books That Shaped America

Library of Congress, 99 Books

As part of a multi-year Library of Congress “Celebration of the Book,” the list – initially 88 books, now expanded by the Library to 100 – and its accompanying exhibition at the Library last June 25-Sept. 25 engendered months of public dialogue. Some 165,400 people attended the exhibit and more than 9,000 responded to a survey about “Books That Shaped America” posted by the Library on its National Book Festival website.

100 Major Works of Modern Creative Nonfiction

ThoughtCo, 100 Books

Essays, memoirs, autobiographies, biographies, travel writing, history, cultural studies, nature writing—all of these fit under the broad heading of creative nonfiction, and all are represented in this list of 100 major works of creative nonfiction published by British and American writers over the past 90 years or so. They're arranged alphabetically by author last name.

The Best Classics

The Times, 93 Books

The Times selection of the 100 best classic works of literature.

110 Best Books: The Perfect Library

The Telegraph, 112 Books

From classics and sci-fi to poetry, biographies and books that changed the world… we present the ultimate reading list.

50 Books to (Re-)Read at 50

nextavenue, 51 Books

Your essential short list of novels, nonfiction and biographies

Got some time on your hands? This list of 50 great books is a good way to raise your literary IQ. It's by no means the "definitive" list, but each of these masterpieces is at least as relevant and powerful today as when it was written. And they're all still terrific reads.

A Century of Reading

Lithub, 118 Books

LitHub did a best of each decade for every decade of the 20th century. The lists seem to have been written by Emily Temple, which is an author and critic.

Landmarks of World Literature

Cambridge University, 24 Books

This series provides concise and lucid introductions to major works of world literature. It is not confined to any single literary tradition or genre and cumulatively forms a substantial library of textbooks on some of the most important and widely read masterpieces.

Best Science Book Ever

the Royal Institution of Great Britain, 23 Books

On 19 October 2006, the Royal Institution of Great Britain named the 1975 short story collection The Periodic Table, by Primo Levi, the best science book ever. After taking nominations from many scientists in various disciplines, authors, and other notable people (such as the Archbishop of Canterbury), the Royal Institution compiled a shortlist of books for consideration. This shortlist was presented to the public at an event held at Imperial College and the audience voted to determine which book was "the best."

Click If You Dare: 100 Favorite Horror Stories

NPR, 101 Books

NPR's horror novel and story poll transformed 7,000 nominations from its audience into a curated list of 100 must-read horror favorites, designed to cater to a wide array of readers. This initiative, much like NPR's other reader polls, was not intended to create a ranked or exhaustive compilation but rather to highlight a diverse and evocative selection of horror literature. The final list includes a mix of deeply unsettling works, alongside titles that, while not strictly horror, brush against the genre's dark themes or offer commentary on horrific subjects. Noteworthy is the exclusion of any works by the panel of expert judges—Stephen Graham Jones, Ruthanna Emrys, Tananarive Due, and Grady Hendrix—despite nominations, to avoid conflicts of interest. Stephen King, a prolific figure in horror, received a notable mention with over a thousand nominations, leading to a decision to allow authors a spot for both a novel and a short story, if needed, to honor the genre's tradition of classic horror in short form. This list serves as a guide for those looking to explore horror's chilling depths or to find tales that linger long after the page is turned, curated with insights from both the NPR audience and respected genre experts.

Robert McCrum's top 10 books of the twentieth century

The Guardian, 10 Books

Robert McCrum is The Observer's literary editor and the author of, among other books, My Year Off. This is a list of this top 10 books of the twentieth century.

The Graphic Canon

Book, 172 Books

The classic canon of Western civilization meets the artists and illustrators who have remade reading in the last years of the twentieth century and the first decade of the twenty-first century in Russ Kick's magisterial, three-volume, full-color The Graphic Canon, volumes 1, 2, and 3. - Amazon

100 Best Novels in the World (Published in 1899)

The Daily Telegraph, 101 Books

The Daily Telegraph published an article in 1899 listing the 100 Best Novels. The list was selected by the editor of The Daily Telegraph with the assistance of Sir Edwin Arnold, H. D. Traill, and W. L. Courtney.

These books were also sold to the public, so it was a commercial proposition.

15 Essential Colombian Novels You Should Read

Juan Cardenas and Margarita García Robayo, 18 Books

Recommendations from Juan Cardenas and Margarita García Robayo, on the Eve of Hay Festival Cartagenards, which ran from 1976 to 1995, and the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards, which ran from 1968 to 1995 (known as the Montana Book Awards from 1994 to 1995).

Ahead of the 15th edition this weekend, two of Colombia’s contemporary literary stars—Juan Cardenas and Margarita García Robayo—share 15 essential Colombian novels to enjoy.

100 All-Time Greatest Popular Science Books

Open Education Database, 100 Books

OEDB.org made this list of the greatest popular science books. here's their description:

These great popular science books offer accessible science to readers from all levels of knowledge. There's something here for everyone, whether you're interested in environmental science, kitchen chemistry, or just want to try out some fun experiments with your kids over the summer. Check out our picks for the best in popular science, and see how you can use them to better understand and explore our world.

The 50 Best Books of Literary Journalism

GQ, 50 Books

In creating their list of the 50 best literary journalism books of the 21st century, GQ sought the opinions of an elite group of American journalists, including Pulitzer Prize, National Book Award, and National Magazine Award winners, as well as GQ contributors. These books, which range from explorations of significant events to deep dives into intriguing subjects, represent a form of journalism that combines meticulous reporting with the narrative depth of novels. The journalists who voted for these books considered them not only enjoyable but also significant in their ability to clarify and interpret contemporary and recent historical events, influencing other forms of art such as film and TV. The list, meant to update the canon of literary journalism, strictly features one book per author and excludes essay collections, focusing instead on works that fully articulate a single story or theme.

7 Essential Authors Recommend Their 7 Essential Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books

Powell's Books, 7 Books

Powells Books gets 7 authors to recommend their 7 essential sci-fi and fantasy books.

The 100 Best Crime Novels and Thrillers since 1945

The Times, 100 Books

The Times team pick their favourite crime and spy novels, from Agatha Christie and Georges Simenon to today’s edgy Scandi and Japanese masters.

Contributors: Francesca Angelini, John Carey, Max Freeman-Mills, Josh Glancy, Andrew Holgate, Alan Hunter, Peter Kemp, Claire Lowdon, David Mills, John Dugdale, Patricia Nicol, Nick Rennison, Karen Robinson, Mika Ross-Southall, Joan Smith, Johanna Thomas-Corr

Books That Changed the World

Book, 59 Books

Scholar Robert B. Downs selects the "great works that revolutionized our ideas about the universe - and ourselves".

100 Best Novels Written in English

The Guardian, 100 Books

Respected literary critic Robert McCrum selects the definitive 100 novels written in English.

25 Books by Black Authors You Should Read This February

Oprah Daily, 25 Books

Oprah's curated list celebrates Black authors, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Black voices throughout the year, not just during Black History Month. This selection showcases a range of perspectives, from the profound insights of esteemed writers like Maya Angelou to the fresh narratives of newer talents like Oprah's Book Club selection Leila Mottley, as well as pioneering figures such as Ann Petry. The list is designed to enrich readers' understanding of both the adversities and achievements of Black people in America through the powerful medium of literature. By featuring a mix of historical and contemporary voices, Oprah's collection highlights the significant contribution of African American authors to literature and society, offering readers a selection of seminal works that reflect the diverse and dynamic experiences of the Black community.

From Zero to Well-Read in 100 Books

Jeff O'Neal at Bookriot.com, 99 Books

100 books that, in the opinion of Bookriot.com editor-in-chief Jeff O'Neal, one should read before deeming themselves "well-read".

Modern classics: 11 novels that belong in the classroom

Today.com, 11 Books

When we think of English lit classes, we usually think of Hawthorne, Melville, Austen, Tolstoy, Dickens. But the times, they are a-changin’ and so too are the books we read, both in and out of the classroom. Since the millennium, a lot of good—nay, great—books have been published by masterful authors, all of whom are deserving of a spot on a high school or college curriculum. And as evidenced by these 11 novels, whoever said there were no new ideas didn’t know what they were talking about.

Books That Changed the World: The 50 Most Influential Books in Human History

Book, 49 Books

A 208 page book written in 2009 by Journalist and Author Andrew Taylor.

Books from every field of human creativity and intellectual endeavor - from poetry to politics, from fiction to philosophy, from theology to anthropology, and from economics to physics – have been selected to create a rounded and satisfying picture of how 50 towering achievements of the human intellect have built our societies, shaped our values, enhanced our understanding of the nature of the world, enabled technological advancements, and reflected our concerns and dilemmas, strengths and failings. In a series of engaging and lively essays, Andrew Taylor sets each work and its author firmly in historical context, summarizes the content of the work in question, and explores its wider influence and legacy. A fascinating and richly informative read.

Top 20 Latin American Books To Read Before You Die

Latin Times, 20 Books

Latin Times has put together a list of 20 Latin American themed books you must read before you die. Think of it as your bucket list of books.

The themes and genres of the books on this list range from classic, to modern to biography. Each book was carefully selected and thought to be great reads.

Third World Novels… The Top 10

New Internationalist, 10 Books

There are many gifted Third World writers who can
help you transcend barriers of language and tradition
but you might find it difficult to know where to start. As a guide,
the NI has chosen its ten best novels - the ones which are both
enjoyable to read and give a vivid impression of life in developing
countries. They are not listed in any significant order.

The Books You've Always Meant to Read

Waterstones, 229 Books

That classic you're too embarrassed to admit you've never read? That doorstopper of a read still propping up one leg of your bed? You're amongst friends! Make good all your bookish ambitions with our guide to the essential additions to your home library - the best books you've never read.

87 Books Written by Women That Are So Good, You Won't Be Able to Put Them Down

Pop Sugar, 93 Books

A list from Pop Sugar. here's the description from their website:

Without women, some pretty amazing things wouldn't exist. Book-lovers know best that women have changed the world in so many important ways — oftentimes, with their words. We've rounded up more than 80 novels, essays, poem collections, and memoirs written by women writers. From popular books-turned-movies like The Hunger Games and Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone to classics like Anne of Green Gables and To Kill a Mockingbird, there's a piece of literature in here for almost everyone to enjoy. If you haven't read these amazing literary works in your lifetime, now's the time!

The 40 Best Novels of the 2010s

Paste Magazine, 40 Books

Novels have inherent power. From building new worlds to reanimating history, they have the ability to enthrall and challenge us. But their most powerful trait is that they offer an escape while still encouraging readers to think critically, weaving entertainment and reflection into one experience.
As the decade comes to a close, we want to celebrate the novels that impacted us during the last 10 years. This list includes 40 novels published in English between 2010 and September 2019, and we’ve limited it to one book per author. The Paste staff tends to read fantasy and literary fiction, so you’ll notice the majority of the titles below fit those labels. And this list is obviously subjective; it’s by no means representative of the only “good” novels published during the last 10 years. This is simply a collection of the books we wept over, laughed with and were inspired by during a tumultuous decade.

We loved these books, and we believe you will, too.

NY Times Editors Choice 1980-1989

NY Times, 137 Books

Every year the New York Times puts together a "Best of the Year" list, and this is all the winners from the 1980s. I had to manually transcribe 1980 by looking at newspaper scans, which upsets me.

NY Times Editors Choice 1990-1999

NY Times, 110 Books

Every year the New York Times puts together a "Best of the Year" list, and this is all the winners from the 1990s

Top 100 Science-Fiction, Fantasy Books

NPR, 100 Books

NPR did a readers survey of the Top 100 Science Fiction and Fantasy books in 2011. More than 60,000 ballots were cast in our annual summer reader's survey — click here to see the full list of 100 books, complete with links and descriptions. Below is a list of the top 100 winners.

Paste Magazine's Best Books of the Decade(2000-2009)

Paste Magazine, 26 Books

The top 20 best books of the 2000s by Paste Magazine. It includes both fiction and nonfiction.

Boston Public Library: Top Fiction and Non-Fiction Books of the 2010s

Boston Public Library, 20 Books

The top 10 books of the 2010s from the Reader Services Department at the Boston Public Library. Please note that this list only includes the fiction and non-fiction books. The genres are aggregated in a different list.

The 10 Best of the Decade(2000)

Entertainment Weekly, 10 Books

Entertainment Weekly's top 10 best books of the 2000s

#ThisBook

#ThisBook, 20 Books

Back in May 2014, the Baileys Women's Prize for Fiction launched the #ThisBook campaign. The aim was simple: to find out which books, written by women, have had the biggest impact on readers.

Ockham New Zealand Yearly Fiction Award Winners

Ockham New Zealand Book Awards, 27 Books

The Ockham New Zealand Book Awards are literary awards presented annually in New Zealand. The awards began in 1996 as the merger of two literary awards events: the New Zealand Book Awards, which ran from 1976 to 1995, and the Goodman Fielder Wattie Book Awards, which ran from 1968 to 1995 (known as the Montana Book Awards from 1994 to 1995).