The Greatest American "England" Books of All Time

Click to learn how this list is calculated.

This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

England

The "England" category of books typically includes literature that is set in England or written by English authors. This category encompasses a wide range of genres, including historical fiction, classic literature, contemporary fiction, and non-fiction works about English culture, history, and society. Books in this category often explore themes such as identity, class, tradition, and the complexities of English society. Whether it's a classic novel by Jane Austen or a contemporary crime thriller set in London, the "England" category offers readers a diverse selection of books that capture the essence of this fascinating country.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

American

Add additional country filters

Date Range

Filter

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download
  1. 1. The Portrait of a Lady by Henry James

    This classic novel explores the life of a young, independent American woman who inherits a large amount of money and moves to Europe, where she falls into a manipulative and oppressive marriage. The story delves into themes of personal freedom, responsibility, and betrayal, as the protagonist navigates the complexities of high society, love, and the consequences of her choices.

  2. 2. The Double Helix: A Personal Account of the Discovery of the Structure of DNA by James D. Watson

    This book is a personal account of the race to discover the structure of DNA, told from the perspective of one of the co-discoverers. It provides an insider's view of scientific research, the collaboration and competition, the dedication, the doubt, the exhilaration of discovery, and the often fraught relationship between science and the rest of life. The book also explores the personalities, quirks, and conflicts of the scientists involved in the groundbreaking discovery.

  3. 3. The Turn of the Screw by Henry James

    A young governess is hired to care for two children at a remote English estate. However, she soon becomes convinced that the grounds are haunted by two former employees who have taken control of the children. As she fights to free the children from these apparitions, the line between reality and her own fears becomes increasingly blurred, leading to a chilling and ambiguous conclusion.

  4. 4. Wings of the Dove by Henry James

    This novel centers around a young woman, Milly Theale, who is terminally ill and wealthy. She becomes the object of a conspiracy by two other characters, Kate Croy and Merton Densher, who are in love but too poor to marry. Kate manipulates the situation so that Densher becomes close to Milly, intending for him to marry her and inherit her wealth when she dies. However, Densher eventually falls in love with Milly, leading to a complex triangle of love, deceit, and moral ambiguity.

  5. 5. The Golden Bowl by Henry James

    The Golden Bowl is a complex narrative that revolves around an American woman and her daughter who marry a father and son. The daughter's husband previously had a romantic relationship with the mother's husband, leading to a tense and intricate web of relationships. The novel explores themes of marriage, adultery, and familial bonds, and is renowned for its detailed characterization and intricate plot structure.

  6. 6. The Da Vinci Code by Dan Brown

    This thriller novel follows symbologist Robert Langdon and cryptographer Sophie Neveu as they investigate a murder in the Louvre Museum in Paris. The murder leads them to a trail of clues hidden in the works of Leonardo da Vinci, revealing a religious mystery protected by a secret society for two thousand years. The mystery involves a conspiracy within the Catholic Church and threatens to overturn the foundations of Christianity.

  7. 7. Henry James by Leon Edel

    This book is an in-depth biography of one of the most influential writers of the 19th century. The author meticulously details the life and work of the subject, from his early years in New York and his extensive travels in Europe, to his eventual settling in England and his career as a writer. The book delves into his relationships with family, friends, and fellow writers, as well as his own struggles with identity and sexuality. It also provides a comprehensive analysis of his novels, novellas, and short stories, highlighting his unique narrative style and his exploration of complex themes such as consciousness, morality, and social class.

  8. 8. The Prince and the Pauper: A Tale for Young People of All Ages by Mark Twain

    This classic novel tells the story of two young boys in 16th century England who are identical in appearance: a pauper named Tom Canty and Prince Edward, son of King Henry VIII. Through a series of events, they end up switching places, with the prince experiencing the harsh realities of life on the streets and the pauper living in the luxury of the royal court. The tale is a social commentary on the inequality and injustices of the era, while also exploring themes of identity, compassion, and the inherent worth of individuals regardless of their social status.

  9. 9. The Merry Adventures of Robin Hood by Howard Pyle

    The book is a captivating tale about the legendary Robin Hood and his band of merry men in Sherwood Forest. It chronicles their various adventures as they rob from the rich to give to the poor, outwit the Sheriff of Nottingham, and have encounters with characters such as Little John, Friar Tuck, and Maid Marian. The story is filled with humor, action, and a strong sense of justice, painting a vivid picture of medieval England.

  10. 10. The Anubis Gates by Tim Powers

    "The Anubis Gates" is a thrilling time-travel adventure set in 19th-century London. When a wealthy industrialist organizes a trip back in time to witness a famous poet's lecture, the journey takes an unexpected turn. The protagonist, Brendan Doyle, finds himself trapped in the past, caught in a web of magic, Egyptian mythology, and a secret society. As he navigates through dangerous encounters and encounters historical figures, Doyle must unravel the mysteries of time travel and find a way back to his own time before it's too late.

  11. 11. Samuel Johnson by Walter Jackson Bate

    This biography provides an in-depth look into the life of Samuel Johnson, an 18th-century English writer who contributed greatly to English literature as a poet, essayist, moralist, literary critic, biographer, and lexicographer. The book explores Johnson's struggles with depression, fear of death, and various physical ailments, as well as his intellectual prowess and his impact on literature. It also delves into his relationships with other notable figures of his time, offering a comprehensive portrait of a complex and influential man.

  12. 12. What Maisie Knew by Henry James

    The novel revolves around a young girl named Maisie, who becomes a pawn in the bitter divorce of her self-involved and neglectful parents. Her parents use her to hurt each other, and she is passed back and forth between them, their new spouses, and a sympathetic governess. Throughout the novel, Maisie navigates her way through a world of adult intrigue, betrayal, and selfishness, developing a mature understanding of human nature and relationships.

  13. 13. The Last Lion by William Manchester

    "The Last Lion" is a comprehensive biography of Winston Churchill, providing an in-depth look at his life, from his birth in 1874 to his death in 1965. The book covers Churchill's early years, his military service, his time as a journalist, and his political career, including his role as British Prime Minister during World War II. It also delves into his personal life, relationships, and struggles with depression. The book presents a nuanced portrayal of Churchill, highlighting his strengths, flaws, victories, and defeats.

  14. 14. The Physician by Noah Gordon

    The book tells the story of a young English boy, Rob Cole, in the 11th century who becomes an apprentice to a barber-surgeon. Rob's ambition to become a physician takes him across Europe and into the heart of the Muslim world, a journey fraught with danger and discovery. He disguises himself as a Jew to study at a school that does not admit Christians. The narrative is a captivating mix of history, science, and adventure, highlighting the protagonist's perseverance and the state of medical knowledge during the Middle Ages.

  15. 15. Notes from a Small Island by Bill Bryson

    This humorous travel memoir features an American author's journey across the United Kingdom, where he had lived for two decades. Before returning to the United States, he decides to tour the country, using public transportation and staying in small-town accommodations. The book provides an amusing, and at times sarcastic, outsider's perspective on British life, culture, and idiosyncrasies, while also expressing a deep affection for the nation and its people.

  16. 16. Travels With Myself And Another by Martha Gellhorn

    In this vivid memoir, a renowned journalist recounts her adventures across the globe during the mid-20th century, sharing tales of her journeys alongside a mysterious companion referred to as "another." With a sharp wit and a keen eye for detail, she navigates through various landscapes, from the treacherous terrains of China during the Sino-Japanese War to the unforgiving deserts of Africa. Her stories are filled with humor, humanity, and a relentless quest for truth, offering a window into the tumultuous world events of her time as well as a deeply personal narrative of a woman who lived fiercely and fearlessly, embracing the world with an insatiable curiosity.

  17. 17. Doomsday Book by Connie Willis

    In this science fiction novel, a young historian undertakes a time-travel journey to the 14th century for academic research, only to find herself stranded amidst the onset of the Black Death. As she navigates the challenges of medieval England, her colleagues in the 21st century grapple with a deadly influenza pandemic, complicating efforts to retrieve her. The narrative weaves between the past and the present, exploring themes of human resilience, the universality of suffering across time, and the ethical implications of time travel, all while the historian and her contemporaries confront mortality, history, and their own personal crises.

  18. 18. The Last Samurai by Helen DeWitt

    "The Last Samurai" is a unique, intellectual novel that follows the life of a young boy named Ludo, who is raised by his single mother, Sibylla. Sibylla, a freelance transcriber, educates Ludo in various subjects from Greek to mathematics, using the film "The Seven Samurai" as a moral compass. As Ludo grows older, he embarks on a quest to find his father, using clues from his mother's past. His journey leads him to several men who could potentially be his father, each encounter teaching him more about the world and himself.

  19. 19. Cod: A Biography of the Fish that Changed the World by Mark Kurlansky

    This book is a fascinating exploration of the historical, cultural, economic, and ecological impact of the codfish. It traces the role of this fish in shaping economies, sparking wars, and influencing culinary trends across centuries and continents. The book also delves into the devastating effects of overfishing and the current struggle to sustain cod populations. The narrative combines history, science, and gastronomy to present a comprehensive biography of this significant fish species.

  20. 20. John Keats by Walter Jackson Bate

    This book is a comprehensive biography of the English Romantic poet, John Keats. It delves into Keats's life, his relationships, his struggles with illness, and his development as a poet. The author provides a detailed analysis of Keats's poetry and letters, revealing the depth of his passion, his intellectual curiosity, and his commitment to creating poetry that was 'a living thing'. The book also explores the social, political, and cultural context of Keats's life, providing a rich understanding of the man and his work.

  21. 21. The Gentle Art Of Making Enemies by James McNeill Whistler

    This book is a witty and often sarcastic response to critics and the controversies surrounding the author's work and public persona. It compiles the author's articles, letters, and pamphlets that were part of his public disputes, particularly focusing on his famous libel suit against critic John Ruskin. Through this collection, the author defends his artistic principles and critiques the Victorian art establishment, advocating for the value of art for art's sake. The work is not only a defense of the author's own artistic vision but also a critique of the lack of understanding and appreciation of modern art by both critics and the public during his time.

  22. 22. The Armada by Garrett Mattingly

    "The Armada" is a comprehensive historical account of the attempted invasion of England by the Spanish Armada in 1588. This work meticulously chronicles the political and religious turmoil of the era, the strategic planning and execution of the naval campaign by the Spanish, and the defensive maneuvers of the English under the leadership of Queen Elizabeth I. The narrative delves into the personalities of key figures, the technological and tactical aspects of 16th-century naval warfare, and the broader European context, culminating in a detailed examination of the battles and the Armada's eventual disastrous defeat, which had lasting consequences for the balance of power in Europe.

  23. 23. 84, Charing Cross Road by Helene Hanff

    This book is a charming collection of letters exchanged over two decades between a spirited New York writer and the staff of a quaint, antiquarian bookshop in London. Through their correspondence, which begins as a straightforward request for obscure classics and British literature, a deep and affectionate relationship blossoms, not only between the writer and the bookshop's employees but also involving their families and friends. Despite never meeting in person, the letters reveal a profound connection that transcends the Atlantic, bound by a shared love for books and the written word, offering a heartwarming testament to the enduring power of friendship.

  24. 24. The Stress of Her Regard by Tim Powers

    "The Stress of Her Regard" by Tim Powers is a supernatural thriller that follows the life of a young doctor, Michael Crawford, who becomes entangled with a group of poets haunted by a mysterious force that feeds off their creativity. As Michael delves deeper into the lives of these poets, he discovers that they are all connected by a common thread: they have all been visited by a seductive, vampiric creature known as a Lamia. As he struggles to uncover the truth behind the Lamia's power and its connection to the poets, Michael must confront his own demons and fight for his own survival.

  25. 25. The Sketch Book Of Geoffrey Crayon, Gent. by Washington Irving

    The book is a collection of 34 essays and short stories written by an American author, originally published throughout 1819 and 1820. It includes a mix of satire, fantasy, and nostalgic essays, many of which deal with early American rural life and other themes relevant to the post-colonial era. Among its most famous stories are "The Legend of Sleepy Hollow" and "Rip Van Winkle," both of which have become classics of American literature. The book's gentle wit and romanticized descriptions of old England and the American landscape of the author's time have made it a lasting piece of literary artistry.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

Download