Ernest Hemingway
Ernest Hemingway was an American novelist, short story writer, and journalist. His economical and understated style had a strong influence on 20th-century fiction, while his adventurous lifestyle and public image brought him admiration from later generations.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Sun Also Rises
The novel is a poignant tale set in the 1920s post-World War I era, focusing on a group of American and British expatriates living in Paris who travel to Pamplona, Spain for the annual Running of the Bulls. The story explores themes of disillusionment, identity, and the Lost Generation, with the protagonist, a war veteran, grappling with impotence caused by a war injury. The narrative is steeped in the disillusionment and existential crisis experienced by many in the aftermath of the war, and the reckless hedonism of the era is portrayed through the characters' aimless wanderings and excessive drinking.
The 45th Greatest Book of All Time -
2. The Old Man and the Sea
An aging Cuban fisherman struggles with a giant marlin far out in the Gulf Stream, isolated from the world and from human help. For days, he fights the marlin alone, admiring its strength, dignity, and faithfulness to its identity—its destiny is as true as his as a fisherman. He finally kills the marlin, but sharks attack and devour it before he can return to the shore. The fisherman returns home empty-handed but remains undefeated, having proven his abilities to himself.
The 55th Greatest Book of All Time -
3. For Whom the Bell Tolls
Set in the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, the novel follows the story of an American dynamiter, who is assigned the task of blowing up a bridge during a crucial attack on the city of Segovia. Alongside the war narrative, the story also explores his relationships with various characters, including his love affair with a young Spanish woman. The narrative beautifully encapsulates themes of love, war, death, and the transient nature of life.
The 132nd Greatest Book of All Time -
4. A Farewell to Arms
Set during World War I, the novel follows an American ambulance driver in the Italian army and his love affair with a British nurse. The story is a first-person account of the protagonist's experiences in war and his struggle to survive amidst chaos and destruction. The narrative explores themes of love, war, and the fragility of life, culminating in a tragic ending that underscores the futile nature of war and the inevitable suffering it brings.
The 149th Greatest Book of All Time -
5. Stories of Ernest Hemingway
This book is a collection of short stories penned by a renowned 20th-century American author, known for his minimalist and direct style of writing. The stories span a range of themes, including love, war, wilderness, and loss, often drawing from the author's own experiences as a journalist and war correspondent. Each story offers a glimpse into the complexities of human nature and the harsh realities of life, showcasing the author's ability to capture profound emotions and experiences in simple, yet powerful prose.
The 455th Greatest Book of All Time -
6. A Moveable Feast
The book is a memoir that offers a vivid and intimate glimpse into the life of a young expatriate writer in 1920s Paris. Through a series of vignettes, it captures the vibrant literary and artistic scene of the time, featuring encounters with notable figures such as F. Scott Fitzgerald and Gertrude Stein. The narrative reflects on themes of love, ambition, and the struggles of the creative process, all set against the backdrop of the enchanting and sometimes harsh realities of Parisian life. The memoir is both a nostalgic reflection on a formative period and a testament to the enduring allure of the city.
The 532nd Greatest Book of All Time -
7. In Our Time
"In Our Time" is a collection of short stories that explores the theme of lost generation, focusing on the disillusionment and angst experienced by people post World War I. The stories are interconnected, often featuring the protagonist Nick Adams, and depict various stages of his life. The book is renowned for its unique narrative style, which uses a combination of minimalist prose and a stream-of-consciousness technique, reflecting the fragmented nature of the post-war world.
The 602nd Greatest Book of All Time -
8. Men Without Women
"Men Without Women" is a collection of short stories that explore the theme of loneliness and emotional isolation. Each of the fourteen stories focuses on men who have lost or can't attain the love of a woman, resulting in feelings of despair, alienation and loneliness. The characters range from matadors to boxers, soldiers to artists, all of whom are navigating the complexities of masculinity, love, and life.
The 8529th Greatest Book of All Time -
9. The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber
"The Short Happy Life of Francis Macomber" is a story about a wealthy American man who, while on a safari in Africa, gains courage and personal growth after initially behaving in a cowardly manner when faced with danger. This transformation, however, leads to his wife killing him, possibly accidentally, out of fear that his newfound courage would end their marriage. The narrative explores themes of courage, masculinity, and the dynamics of power in relationships.
The 13458th Greatest Book of All Time -
10. The Garden Of Eden
The novel explores the complexities of love and relationships through the story of a young American writer and his wife while on their extended honeymoon in the French Riviera. Their idyllic existence becomes complicated when they befriend another woman, leading to a tangled and emotionally charged ménage à trois. The narrative delves into themes of gender roles, identity, and the creative process, as the characters push the boundaries of traditional marriage and sexuality, ultimately testing the limits of their paradise.
The 14371st Greatest Book of All Time -
11. To Have And Have Not
This novel follows the life of Harry Morgan, a fishing boat captain based in Key West, Florida, during the Great Depression. Struggling to support his family, Morgan is drawn into a world of contraband and illicit activities, including smuggling Cubans and running alcohol. The narrative delves into themes of survival, the stark realities of poverty, and the moral compromises one must face when pushed to the brink. Through Morgan's tragic journey, the story explores the profound disparities between the wealthy tourists and the destitute locals, painting a grim picture of economic disparity and human desperation.
The 14302nd Greatest Book of All Time -
12. Contos Volume 1
"Contos Volume 1" is a collection of short stories that showcases the author's distinctive minimalist style and profound exploration of human experiences. The stories delve into themes such as love, loss, war, and the complexities of human relationships, often set against vivid backdrops ranging from the battlefields of World War I to the serene landscapes of nature. Through sparse yet powerful prose, the collection captures the raw emotions and existential struggles of its characters, offering readers a poignant glimpse into the human condition.
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13. Ter E Não Ter
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14. The Dangerous Summer
The book chronicles the intense rivalry between two renowned Spanish bullfighters, Antonio Ordóñez and Luis Miguel Dominguín, during the summer of 1959. Set against the vibrant backdrop of Spain, the narrative captures the passion, danger, and artistry of bullfighting, while also delving into the personal lives and competitive spirits of the matadors. Through vivid descriptions and personal reflections, the story explores themes of courage, tradition, and the fine line between life and death in the bullring, offering a rich portrayal of a culturally significant and perilous sport.
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15. Fiesta
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16. The Snows Of Kilimanjaro And Other Stories
The collection features a series of short stories that delve into themes of existential reflection, human struggle, and the complexities of relationships. Set against diverse backdrops ranging from the African savannah to the battlefields of war, the narratives explore the inner turmoil and regrets of characters facing mortality and the passage of time. Through vivid imagery and sparse, impactful prose, the stories capture moments of introspection and the stark realities of life, often highlighting the tension between human aspirations and the inevitability of fate.
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17. The Hemingway Stories
This collection brings together a selection of short stories that showcase the distinctive style and thematic concerns of the author. The stories explore complex human emotions and experiences, often set against the backdrop of war, nature, and existential contemplation. Through sparse yet powerful prose, the narratives delve into themes of courage, loss, and the search for meaning, capturing the essence of the human condition with a profound sense of realism and introspection. Each story stands alone yet collectively offers a rich tapestry of life's struggles and triumphs, reflecting the author's mastery in capturing the nuances of everyday life and the depths of the human spirit.
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18. Across The River And Into The Trees
Set in post-World War II Italy, this poignant narrative follows the introspective journey of Colonel Richard Cantwell, a war-weary American officer facing his own mortality. As he spends a weekend in Venice, Cantwell reflects on his past battles, lost loves, and the fleeting nature of life. His interactions with a young Italian countess, Renata, provide a bittersweet exploration of love and the passage of time. Through vivid descriptions and introspective dialogue, the story delves into themes of aging, regret, and the enduring human spirit amidst the backdrop of a city steeped in history and beauty.
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19. The Old Man And The Sea/The Sun Also Rises/A Farewell To Arms/For Whom The Bell Tolls
Set against the backdrop of the Spanish Civil War, this novel follows an American dynamiter who is tasked with blowing up a bridge to aid the Republican cause. As he navigates the complexities of war, he forms deep connections with a group of guerrilla fighters, including a passionate romance with a young woman named Maria. The story delves into themes of duty, sacrifice, and the interconnectedness of humanity, exploring the moral ambiguities and personal struggles faced by those caught in the turmoil of conflict.
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20. Прощавай, зброє!
Set against the backdrop of World War I, this poignant narrative follows the journey of an American ambulance driver in the Italian army who falls deeply in love with a British nurse. As the war rages on, their passionate romance is tested by the harsh realities of conflict, personal loss, and the struggle for survival. The story explores themes of love, courage, and the futility of war, capturing the emotional turmoil and fleeting moments of happiness amidst the chaos of battle.