The Greatest Hungarian, Greek "Nonfiction" Books Since 1950

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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.

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  1. 1. Hannah Senesh by Hannah Senesh

    This book is a collection of the diaries, letters, and poems of a young Jewish woman who emigrated from Hungary to Palestine in the 1930s, driven by her Zionist beliefs. She joined the Haganah and later volunteered for a daring military operation to parachute into Nazi-occupied Europe during World War II, with the aim of aiding Allied forces and rescuing Hungarian Jews from the Holocaust. Her writings reflect her courage, literary talent, and the depth of her commitment to her cause. Tragically captured, tortured, and eventually executed by the Nazis, she became an enduring symbol of bravery and sacrifice in the face of tyranny.

  2. 2. Bezzeg Az én Időmben by Klára Fehér

    "Bezzeg Az én Időmben" is a reflective work that delves into the generational differences and societal changes in Hungary, offering a nostalgic look at the past through the lens of personal anecdotes and cultural observations. The book contrasts contemporary life with the experiences of previous generations, exploring themes of family, education, and social norms. It serves as a commentary on the evolution of Hungarian society, inviting readers to consider the implications of progress and the value of tradition in a rapidly changing world.

  3. 3. My Happy Days In Hell by György Faludy

    The book is an autobiographical account of a Hungarian poet's life during the mid-20th century, chronicling his experiences from his carefree youth through the rise of fascism and his subsequent imprisonment in a brutal labor camp. It is a tale of intellectual passion, political upheaval, and the resilience of the human spirit in the face of totalitarianism. The narrative captures the author's journey through a Europe ravaged by war and political strife, his encounters with notable literary figures, and his unyielding commitment to his beliefs and to poetry, even as he endures the hardships and absurdities of a communist regime.

  4. 4. I Have Lived a Thousand Years by Livia Bitton-Jackson

    This memoir tells the harrowing story of a 13-year-old Jewish girl's survival during the Holocaust. The narrative follows her life from her quiet existence in Hungary through the horrors of Auschwitz and other concentration camps, and finally to her liberation and the struggle to rebuild her life in the aftermath of such trauma. The memoir is a powerful testament to human resilience and the will to survive against all odds.

  5. 5. Gardens Of Adonis by Marcel Detienne

    "Gardens of Adonis" delves into the intricate world of ancient Greek mythology and rituals, focusing on the figure of Adonis. The book explores the symbolic and practical roles of spices and herbs in Greek culture, particularly in relation to the Adonis cult. Through an analysis of the ephemeral gardens dedicated to Adonis, the work examines themes of fertility, death, and rebirth, revealing how these gardens, despite their fleeting nature, held profound meanings for ancient Greek society. The study highlights the interplay between myth and ritual, offering insights into the agricultural and religious practices of the time.

  6. 6. A Short Border Handbook by Gazmend Kapllani

    "A Short Border Handbook" is a poignant and thought-provoking memoir that follows the journey of a young Albanian man who leaves his homeland to seek a better life in Greece. Through a series of vivid and often humorous anecdotes, the author explores themes of identity, belonging, and the complexities of borders, both physical and metaphorical. With a mix of personal experiences and historical context, this book offers a unique perspective on the challenges and triumphs of immigration, ultimately revealing the universal human desire for freedom and acceptance.

  7. 7. Theophrastus: His Psychological, Doxographical, and Scientific Writings by William Wall Fortenbaugh, Dimitri Gutas

    This book is an extensive study of Theophrastus, a Greek philosopher and pupil of Aristotle, focusing on his psychological, doxographical, and scientific writings. The authors delve into his theories, ideas, and contributions to various fields, including biology, physics, metaphysics, and ethics. They also examine his influence on later philosophers and his role in the development of Greek philosophy. The book provides a comprehensive understanding of Theophrastus's works, making it a valuable resource for students and scholars of ancient philosophy.

  8. 8. Adults in the Room by Yanis Varoufakis

    This book provides a behind-the-scenes look at the European financial crisis from the perspective of a former Greek finance minister. It offers an insider's view of the negotiations and power plays that took place between Greece and its international creditors during the country's economic crisis. The book reveals the author's struggles against the austerity measures imposed by the European Union and the International Monetary Fund, and his eventual resignation when he realized the futility of his efforts. It is a critique of the European Union's economic policies and a plea for more democracy in global finance.

Reading Statistics

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

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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.

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