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. Of Human Bondage

   

   The novel follows the life of Philip Carey, a club-footed orphan who struggles with his disability and his passionate and unrequited love for a destructive woman. His journey takes him from a strict religious upbringing in England to an adventurous life in Paris where he attempts to become an artist before finally settling into a career in medicine. The story is a powerful exploration of human desire, ambition, and the search for meaning in life.

   The 292nd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

2. 2. The Razor's Edge

   

   "The Razor's Edge" is a novel that explores the life of a young American, Larry Darrell, who rejects conventional society to search for spiritual enlightenment in the aftermath of World War I. His journey takes him from Illinois to Paris, and eventually to India. The story is narrated by an unnamed author who encounters Larry at various stages of his life, and through his eyes, we see Larry's transformation and the impact it has on the people around him. The novel is a profound exploration of self-discovery, spirituality, and the quest for meaning.

   The 410th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

3. 3. Cakes And Ale Or, The Skeleton In The Cupboard

   The Skeleton in the Cupboard

   

   This novel is a satirical exploration of literary society, focusing on the life and posthumous reputation of a celebrated author. Through the eyes of the narrator, a writer named Ashenden, the story delves into themes of hypocrisy, fame, and the contrast between public image and private reality. The narrative weaves together the past and present, revealing the complexities of human relationships and the often-discrepant nature of personal versus public personas. At its core, the book critiques the literary establishment's pretensions and the way it shapes legacies, all while pondering the true nature of art and integrity.

   The 1431st Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Amazon

4. 4. Collected Stories

   

   "Collected Stories" is an anthology of tales that offers a broad range of human experiences, emotions, and dilemmas. The stories, set in a variety of locations around the world, explore themes such as love, betrayal, war, and societal norms. The author's keen observations of human nature and his skillful storytelling provide a captivating and thought-provoking reading experience.

   The 2212th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon
5. 5. The Moon And Sixpence

   

   The novel is a fictionalized account inspired by the life of the painter Paul Gauguin. It follows Charles Strickland, a stockbroker who abandons his wife and children to pursue his passion for painting. Strickland's relentless and uncompromising pursuit of artistic expression leads him to a life of poverty in Paris and ultimately to Tahiti, where he finds a new muse in the exotic landscape and people. His disregard for social convention and personal relationships is portrayed in stark contrast to his sublime artistic achievements, raising questions about the nature of genius, the sacrifices made for art, and the price of personal freedom.

   The 2490th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

6. 6. Ashenden, Or, The British Agent

   

   The book is a collection of loosely connected stories based on the author's own experiences as a member of British Intelligence during World War I. It follows the protagonist, a writer turned spy named Ashenden, as he undertakes various espionage tasks across Europe and Russia. Through a series of character-driven vignettes, the narrative delves into the morally ambiguous world of espionage, exploring themes of loyalty, deceit, and the human cost of intelligence work. The protagonist's interactions with a diverse cast of characters, from fellow spies to enemy agents, reveal the complexities and psychological nuances of the shadowy world of wartime espionage.

   The 2839th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

7. 7. The Painted Veil

   

   Set against the backdrop of 1920s colonial China, this poignant tale follows Kitty Fane, a young Englishwoman trapped in a loveless marriage with her bacteriologist husband, Walter. After Walter discovers Kitty's infidelity, he takes her to a remote village ravaged by a cholera epidemic, where she is forced to confront her own shortcomings and seek redemption. Through her journey of self-discovery, Kitty learns about love, forgiveness, and the complexities of human relationships, ultimately finding a sense of purpose and inner strength in the most unexpected of places.

   The 11573rd Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org or Amazon

8. 8. Rain And Other South Sea Stories

   

   Set against the lush and exotic backdrop of the South Pacific islands, this collection of stories delves into the complexities of human nature and the clash of cultures. Through vivid and evocative narratives, the tales explore themes of morality, desire, and the often harsh realities of life in a colonial setting. Characters are brought to life with rich detail, each grappling with their own inner conflicts and the societal expectations imposed upon them. The stories capture the tension between civilization and the untamed world, offering a poignant reflection on the human condition.

   The 13359th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org

9. 9. Up At The Villa

   

   In 1930s Tuscany, a young widow staying at a villa and considering a safe, advantageous marriage makes a compassionate but impulsive choice that entangles her with a desperate refugee, resulting in a sudden death and a perilous cover-up. With the help of a charming but disreputable acquaintance, she navigates the moral and social fallout, confronting the tension between respectability and desire and ultimately deciding what sort of life—and partner—she truly wants.

   The 16724th Greatest Book of All Time

   Purchase from Bookshop.org