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.

1. 1. 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 54th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. 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 62nd Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. 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 67th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. 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 97th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 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 655th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. 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 825th Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. 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 855th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Death In The Afternoon

   

   This work delves into the intricate world of bullfighting, exploring its cultural significance, artistry, and the profound emotions it evokes. Through a blend of personal anecdotes, historical context, and philosophical musings, the narrative offers a vivid portrayal of the spectacle, capturing the tension, beauty, and brutality inherent in the sport. The author reflects on themes of courage, mortality, and the human condition, providing readers with a deeper understanding of both the matador's craft and the broader Spanish tradition.

   The 5904th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. 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 9773rd Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. 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 11571st Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 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 14876th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. The Nick Adams Stories

    

    This collection of interconnected short stories follows the life of a young man as he navigates the complexities of growing up in early 20th-century America. Through a series of poignant and reflective narratives, the protagonist experiences the joys and challenges of childhood, the turbulence of adolescence, and the trials of adulthood. Set against the backdrop of nature's beauty and the harsh realities of war, these stories explore themes of identity, resilience, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world.

    The 15659th Greatest Book of All Time

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13. 13. 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 15897th Greatest Book of All Time

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14. 14. Hills Like White Elephants

    

    Set in a train station in Spain, the story revolves around a tense conversation between a man and a woman as they await their train to Madrid. The couple discusses an unnamed operation, which is implied to be an abortion, revealing the underlying strain in their relationship. Through sparse dialogue and subtle symbolism, the narrative explores themes of communication, choice, and the complexities of human relationships, leaving much to the reader's interpretation.

    The 16735th Greatest Book of All Time

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15. 15. 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.

16. 16. 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.

17. 17. 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.

18. 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.

19. 19. Short Story Masterpieces

    

    This collection brings together a selection of compelling short stories that explore the complexities of human nature and the intricacies of life's pivotal moments. Each narrative is crafted with a keen eye for detail and an economy of language, capturing the essence of emotions and experiences with striking clarity. The stories delve into themes of love, loss, courage, and the passage of time, offering readers a profound glimpse into the human condition through the lens of vivid characters and evocative settings.
20. 20. Fifty Grand

    

    Set in the gritty world of professional boxing, this story follows the seasoned fighter Jack Brennan as he prepares for what could be his final match. Facing the challenges of age, physical decline, and the pressures of the sport, Jack grapples with the moral complexities of the fight game. As he navigates the tension between personal integrity and the lure of financial gain, the narrative delves into themes of honor, sacrifice, and the relentless pursuit of dignity in the face of inevitable defeat.

21. 21. On Writing

    

    This insightful collection offers a glimpse into the mind of a literary giant, exploring the art and craft of writing through a series of essays, letters, and reflections. It delves into the nuances of storytelling, the discipline of the writing process, and the importance of authenticity and simplicity in prose. The work serves as both a practical guide and an inspirational manifesto, encouraging writers to embrace their unique voice while adhering to the timeless principles of clarity and precision.

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22. 22. A Clean Well Lighted Place

    

    In a quiet café, two waiters observe an elderly man who frequents their establishment late into the night. As they discuss his presence, their conversation reveals contrasting perspectives on loneliness, despair, and the search for meaning in life. The younger waiter is impatient and eager to close up, while the older waiter empathizes with the man's need for a clean, well-lit place to find solace amidst the darkness of his existence. Through their dialogue, the story explores themes of existential angst and the human condition, highlighting the importance of finding comfort in simple, serene spaces.

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23. 23. The Killers

    

    In a small-town diner, two hitmen arrive with a sinister mission: to kill a former boxer named Ole Andreson. As they wait for their target, the tension builds, revealing the chilling nature of their profession and the helplessness of those around them. The story unfolds through the eyes of Nick Adams, a young man who witnesses the unfolding events and grapples with the harsh realities of violence and fate. The narrative explores themes of inevitability, fear, and the moral complexities of human nature in a world where danger lurks in the most mundane settings.

24. 24. The Torrents Of Spring

    A Romantic Novel in Honor of the Passing of a Great Race

    

    Set in a small town in Michigan during the 1920s, this satirical novella follows the lives of two factory workers, Yogi Johnson and Scripps O'Neill, as they navigate the complexities of love, ambition, and the pursuit of artistic fulfillment. Through a series of comical and absurd events, the story explores themes of disillusionment and the clash between traditional values and modernity. The narrative is a playful critique of the literary trends of the time, poking fun at the pretensions of contemporary writers and the superficiality of societal norms.

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25. 25. The Snows Of Kilimanjaro/The Short Happy Life Of Francis Macomber

    

    This collection of short stories delves into themes of existential reflection, courage, and the human condition, set against the backdrop of Africa's vast landscapes. The narratives explore the inner turmoil of characters facing mortality and the pursuit of meaning in life. One story follows a writer grappling with regrets and unfulfilled dreams as he confronts his impending death on the slopes of a majestic mountain. Another tale examines the dynamics of bravery and cowardice in a tense hunting expedition, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the fleeting nature of happiness.

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26. 26. 49 Opowiadań

    

    This collection of short stories delves into the human experience, exploring themes of love, loss, war, and the complexities of life through a series of poignant narratives. Each story is crafted with a minimalist style, capturing the essence of the characters' emotions and the stark realities they face. The tales traverse various settings and situations, from the battlefields of war to the quiet moments of introspection, offering a profound reflection on the resilience and vulnerability of the human spirit.

27. 27. Justice On Trial

    

28. 28. Green Hills Of Africa

    

    Set against the backdrop of the African savannah, this narrative blends the thrill of big-game hunting with introspective musings on the art of writing and the nature of adventure. The protagonist embarks on a safari, capturing the essence of the wild landscape and the diverse characters he encounters. Through vivid descriptions and philosophical reflections, the story explores themes of courage, competition, and the relentless pursuit of personal and artistic fulfillment, offering a raw and authentic glimpse into the author's own experiences and inner world.

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29. 29. A Very Short Story

    

    Set against the backdrop of World War I, this poignant narrative explores the fleeting nature of love and the harsh realities of life. It follows the brief romance between an American soldier and an Italian nurse, whose passionate affair is abruptly interrupted by the soldier's return to the front lines. Despite their promises to reunite, the relationship falters under the weight of distance and time, ultimately succumbing to the inevitable changes brought about by war and circumstance. The story captures the bittersweet essence of love lost and the enduring impact of transient connections.
30. 30. Islands In The Stream

    

    A reclusive American painter finds brief contentment on a Bahamian island with his three sons and a circle of friends, but as war darkens the horizon and personal tragedy strikes, he retreats to Havana and then to the Caribbean sea, where he commands a patrol boat hunting enemy survivors among the cays. Structured in three movements, the story charts his stoic struggle with grief, love, and purpose, culminating in a violent pursuit that forces him to confront the cost of loss and the fragile consolations of art and duty.

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31. 31. Ernest Hemingway Fiesta Español

    

    A terse, modernist novel that follows a group of disillusioned expatriates who travel from Paris to Pamplona to witness the running of the bulls and the bullfights; their tangled relationships, unfulfilled desires, and rivalries unfold against the ritualized violence of the fiesta. Narrated by a wounded World War I veteran, the story uses spare prose and vivid scenes of bullfighting and travel to explore themes of aimlessness, lost masculinity, friendship, and the search for meaning in the wake of the war.

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32. 32. The Letters Of Ernest Hemingway

    

    A wide-ranging collection of personal correspondence spanning the writer’s life, offering candid insight into his private thoughts, romances, friendships, travels and wartime experiences. The letters reveal his blunt, vivid voice and evolving craft, documenting the daily work of a major literary figure and the tensions between public persona and private struggles while illuminating the people and places that shaped his fiction.

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33. 33. Under Kilimanjaro

    

    A semi-autobiographical account of an extended African safari in East Africa that combines vivid descriptions of landscapes and hunting expeditions with intimate, often tense scenes of domestic life; the narrator recounts encounters with guides and villagers, the logistics and ritual of big-game hunting, and candid reflections on aging, marriage, loss and the moral complexities of colonial-era Africa, blending adventure narrative with introspective meditation.

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34. 34. Dateline Toronto

    

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35. 35. By Line

    

    A curated collection of newspaper and magazine reportage and feature pieces from across the author’s career: brisk war dispatches, travel and hunting narratives, boxing and bullfighting accounts, and human-interest sketches that display spare, direct prose and an eyewitness perspective, together offering a ground-level chronicle of early-20th-century conflict, culture, and adventure.

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36. 36. The Collected Stories By Ernest Hemingway Hardcover

    

    A spare, powerful collection of short fiction that portrays human endurance and vulnerability in the face of war, love, and ordinary hardship; its terse, imagistic prose and economical dialogue reveal characters confronting courage, loss, regret, and moral ambiguity across varied settings—from battlefields and hunting trips to bars and quiet rooms—where much is felt but left unsaid.

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37. 37. The Fifth Column And The First Forty Nine Stories

    

    A tightly crafted collection combining a wartime drama and forty-nine short fiction pieces that probe courage, disillusionment, love and loss across battlefields, small towns and distant landscapes; spare, economical prose and understatement reveal flawed, stoic characters confronting moral choices, physical danger, aging and the emotional scars of violence, often leaving more unsaid than stated.

38. 38. Winner Take Nothing

    

    A terse collection of short stories that probe human isolation, disillusionment and the limits of courage through spare, economical prose; the linked tales portray characters—soldiers, gamblers, lovers and drifters—facing moral ambiguity, defeat and loss, revealing how stoicism, chance and failure shape ordinary lives.

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39. 39. Pursuit As Happiness

    
40. 40. Sunce Se Ponovo Rađa

    

    A group of expatriates drift through 1920s Europe seeking pleasure and purpose after the First World War, their aimless socializing and affairs culminating in a hedonistic trip to Pamplona for the running of the bulls and the bullfights. Told by a wounded veteran who cannot consummate his love for a charismatic, free-spirited woman, the narrative follows friendships, jealousy, and emotional dislocation, revealing the pain, resilience, and moral emptiness of a generation adrift.

41. 41. Big Two Hearted River

    

    A young man returns to a northern Michigan river to seek quiet recovery after traumatic experiences, setting up camp and immersing himself in the precise, repetitive work of fishing; through careful attention to the landscape, the feel of the water, and the discipline of routine, solitude and nature become a restorative, almost ritualized antidote to his inner turmoil, even as he deliberately avoids the blackened remains of a nearby burned town.

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42. 42. Старик и море. Зеленые холмы Африки

    

    An aging Cuban fisherman’s epic struggle to catch and bring home a giant fish becomes a stark meditation on endurance, pride and the human bond with the sea, as victory is undercut by loss and the indifferent forces of nature. Paired with a lucid account of a safari across African landscapes, the narrator’s pursuits of game and beauty unfold into reflections on the ethics of sport, the craft of writing, and the search for meaning. Together the pieces probe courage, artistry and the stubborn dignity of the individual confronting an often unforgiving world.