The Greatest Nigerian, Russian "Fiction, Folklore" 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 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.

Filter by: Genres Dates Countries
Follow on:

Genres

Fiction

Folklore

Folklore is a category of books that encompasses traditional stories, beliefs, and customs of a particular culture or community. These stories are often passed down through generations and are deeply rooted in the history and traditions of the people. Folklore books may include myths, legends, fables, fairy tales, and other forms of storytelling that reflect the values, beliefs, and experiences of a particular group of people. They offer a glimpse into the cultural heritage of a community and provide insight into their way of life, beliefs, and customs.

Add additional genre filters

Countries

Nigerian

Russian

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 Palm Wine Drinkard And His Dead Palm Wine Tapster In The Dead's Town by Amos Tutuola

    This novel follows the surreal and fantastical journey of an African man with an insatiable thirst for palm wine, who, after the death of his skilled tapster, embarks on a quest to the land of the dead in hopes of bringing him back to the world of the living. Along the way, he encounters a myriad of bizarre and supernatural obstacles, including ghosts, witches, and other mythical creatures, each presenting their own challenges and moral lessons. The narrative, rich with the oral tradition of Nigerian folklore and written in a distinctive pidgin English, weaves a tale that explores themes of desire, loss, and the intersection of the living and the spiritual realms.

    The 1171st Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. The Enchanted Wanderer by Nikolai Leskov

    "The Enchanted Wanderer" is a collection of short stories that follow the life of a Russian serf, Ivan Flyagin, who is destined to wander forever and never die. Throughout his travels, he experiences a myriad of adventures including becoming a monk, being captured by Tartars, and falling in love. The stories are filled with folkloric elements and offer a vivid depiction of 19th-century Russian society.

    The 1523rd Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Evenings On A Farm Near Dikanka by Nikolai Gogol

    "Evenings On A Farm Near Dikanka" is a collection of short stories that take place in a small Ukrainian village. The stories are filled with folklore, supernatural elements, and humorous anecdotes, depicting the lives and adventures of the villagers. Through vivid descriptions and lively characters, the book offers a glimpse into rural life in 19th-century Ukraine, blending reality with fantasy in a captivating and entertaining manner.

    The 1774th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. The Tale Of Cross Eyed Lefty From Tula And The Steel Flea by Nikolai Leskov

    The narrative is a whimsical Russian folk tale that recounts the story of a tiny, mechanical steel flea crafted by English craftsmen as a gift to the Tsar. The flea is an engineering marvel, able to dance to the Tsar's delight. However, Russian craftsmen are challenged to demonstrate their own skill by making something even more impressive. Lefty, a talented but cross-eyed craftsman from Tula, takes on the task and, with his exceptional craftsmanship, manages to outdo the English by fitting the flea with minuscule horseshoes, showcasing the ingenuity and pride of Russian artisans. The story blends humor, national pride, and a celebration of the underdog's triumph through skill and creativity.

    The 3735th Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. The Tale Of Igor's Campaign by Unknown

    "The Tale of Igor's Campaign" is an epic 12th-century literary work from the Old East Slavic tradition, which recounts the failed military expedition of a Rus' prince against the Polovtsians, a nomadic steppe tribe. The narrative is imbued with a sense of tragic heroism and explores themes of loyalty, courage, and the futility of war. It blends historical fact with legendary elements, showcasing the cultural and political landscape of medieval Kievan Rus'. The text is also notable for its lyrical and stylistic qualities, which have had a lasting influence on Slavic literature and national identity.

    The 3762nd Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. My Life In The Bush Of Ghosts by Amos Tutuola

    The book is a phantasmagorical narrative that follows the harrowing journey of a young boy who, while fleeing from slave traders, becomes lost in a supernatural realm known as the Bush of Ghosts. This mystical forest is inhabited by a myriad of spirits and creatures drawn from Yoruba folklore. As the boy navigates through this eerie landscape, he encounters a series of ghostly domains, each ruled by its own peculiar entities. Throughout his surreal odyssey, which spans several years, he is subjected to bizarre and often terrifying experiences, all the while yearning for a return to his human family and the normal world. The story is a blend of traditional African folklore, myth, and the author's own rich imagination, offering a vivid exploration of the themes of survival, bravery, and the clash between the natural and supernatural worlds.

    The 3802nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. Tales by Nikolai Leskov

    The book is a collection of short stories that delve into the lives, customs, and beliefs of 19th-century Russian society through a series of engaging and often satirical narratives. The stories are known for their colorful characters, ranging from the clever and resourceful to the foolish and superstitious, and they often contain moral or philosophical lessons. The author's use of language is notable for its inventiveness and the way it captures the diverse dialects and idioms of the Russian people. Through these tales, the author provides a rich tapestry of Russian culture, exploring themes of faith, tradition, and the human condition.

    The 7193rd Greatest Book of All Time

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