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. A Doll's House

   

   This classic play focuses on the life of Nora Helmer, a woman living in a seemingly perfect marriage with her husband, Torvald. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Nora has been hiding a significant secret related to their finances. The revelation of this secret, and the subsequent fallout, challenges societal norms and expectations of the time, particularly in regards to gender roles and the institution of marriage. Nora's eventual decision to leave her husband and children in pursuit of her own independence serves as a powerful commentary on individual freedom and self-discovery.

   The 422nd Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. Hedda Gabler

   

   "Hedda Gabler" is a dramatic play that centers on the life of its titular character, a woman trapped in a loveless marriage with a dull, reliable husband. She is bored with her life and longs for freedom and excitement. Her desire for control and power leads her to manipulate those around her, resulting in tragic consequences. The play explores themes of societal expectations, personal freedom, and the destructive power of boredom.

   The 2265th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Selected Plays of Henrick Ibsen

   The Master Builder, A Doll's House, Ghosts, Hedda Gabler, and An Enemy of the People

   

   This compilation includes a selection of plays by a renowned Norwegian playwright, who is often referred to as the father of realism. The collection showcases his talent for exploring complex human emotions, societal expectations, and moral dilemmas. The plays often feature strong female characters, a rarity for the time, and challenge the norms of the 19th-century society, making them timeless and relevant even today.

   The 2681st Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Peer Gynt

   A Dramatic Poem

   

   The play follows the adventures of its eponymous hero, a boastful and irresponsible Norwegian peasant who embarks on a series of fantastical and often selfish escapades. Throughout his life's journey, he encounters various mythical creatures, engages in business ventures, and pursues romantic interests, all while evading responsibility and the consequences of his actions. His quest for self-realization and identity takes him around the world, only to lead him back home to confront the reality of his wasted life and the love he scorned. The play is a poetic and satirical critique of the Romantic hero and delves into themes of existentialism, self-deception, and the nature of true self-fulfillment.

   The 4170th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Master Builder

   

   "The Master Builder" is a play focused on the life of Halvard Solness, a successful yet self-absorbed architect who is haunted by past mistakes and fears the rise of a younger generation. His life takes a turn when a young woman, Hilda, arrives, reminding him of a promise he made to her a decade ago. As Solness grapples with his past, present, and future, the play explores themes of ambition, power, guilt, and the cost of success.

   The 4780th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. Brand

   A Dramatic Poem

   

   The play revolves around the story of a stern and idealistic priest who lives in the harsh, unforgiving climate of rural Norway. The protagonist is unwavering in his religious and moral convictions, refusing to compromise on his ideals even when faced with personal tragedy and the suffering of those around him. His rigid adherence to principle leads him to make decisions that have devastating effects on his own life and the lives of the community members. The narrative explores themes of sacrifice, the conflict between duty and compassion, and the quest for true Christian living in a flawed world. Ultimately, the protagonist's journey is a tragic reflection on the cost of absolute integrity.

   The 4793rd Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Emperor And Galilean

   A World-Historic Drama

   

   "Emperor and Galilean" is a historical drama that centers on the life of the Roman Emperor Julian the Apostate, who reigned in the 4th century. The play explores Julian's internal conflict as he attempts to revive pagan worship in the face of the growing influence of Christianity. As Julian becomes increasingly disillusioned with Christian doctrine, he seeks to establish a new world order based on a synthesis of Greek philosophy and pagan gods. His quest for spiritual and political transformation leads him on a tragic journey, culminating in his ultimate failure and realization of the futility of his ambitions. The narrative delves into themes of power, faith, and the human struggle between the divine and earthly realms.

   The 7199th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. The Lady From The Sea

   

   The play centers around Ellida Wangel, a lighthouse-keeper's daughter who is trapped in an unhappy marriage with Dr. Wangel. She is haunted by her past and her mysterious attachment to a seafaring stranger who once promised to return for her. As she grapples with her longing for the sea and her duty to her family, the play explores themes of freedom, choice, and the powerful pull of one's origins. When the stranger reappears, Ellida must confront her desires and decide whether to remain on land with her husband and stepdaughters or to yield to the call of the sea and the life she once knew.

   The 7199th Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. When We Dead Awaken

   A Dramatic Epilogue in Three Acts

   

   "When We Dead Awaken" is a dramatic play that revolves around the story of a renowned sculptor who encounters his muse from the past, leading to a profound reevaluation of his life and work. As he grapples with the realization that his artistic success has come at the expense of genuine human connection and passion, the play delves into themes of artistic integrity, lost love, and the quest for redemption. The narrative unfolds in a series of intense encounters and conversations, culminating in a climactic moment that forces the characters to confront the consequences of their choices and the transient nature of life and art.

   The 7199th Greatest Book of All Time

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10. 10. An Enemy of the People

    

    An Enemy of the People is a drama about a doctor in a small Norwegian town who discovers that the local baths, a source of pride and income for the community, are contaminated and dangerous to public health. Despite the potential harm to the town's residents, the doctor's warnings are ignored by the town's authorities and citizens due to the potential economic fallout. The doctor is ostracized and declared an 'enemy of the people,' leading to a critique of the democratic process and the responsibilities of individuals to their community.

    The 13327th Greatest Book of All Time

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11. 11. The Wild Duck

    

    "The Wild Duck" is a tragicomedy that explores themes of reality and illusion, as well as the destructive power of idealism. The story revolves around a man who returns home after 16 years to find his father married to his former lover. He believes he is doing the right thing by revealing the truth about their past, but his idealistic pursuit of the truth only leads to the destruction of the family's harmony. The wild duck in the story symbolizes the damage caused by harsh reality, suggesting that sometimes illusion is necessary for survival.

    The 14736th Greatest Book of All Time

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12. 12. Ghosts; The Wild Duck; An Enemy Of The People

    

    This collection of plays by a renowned playwright delves into the complexities of human nature and societal issues. The first play explores the haunting consequences of past sins and societal hypocrisy, as a woman confronts the ghosts of her past. The second play examines the destructive power of secrets and lies within a family, highlighting the tragic downfall of a man who clings to illusions. The third play portrays the struggle of an idealistic doctor who faces public outrage and personal sacrifice when he exposes a town's contaminated water supply, challenging the moral integrity of the community. Each play offers a profound critique of societal norms and the individual's role within it.

13. 13. Eight Plays

    Complete Texts with Introduction, Biographical Sketch, and Notes

    

    This collection features a selection of Henrik Ibsen's most influential plays, showcasing his mastery in exploring complex social issues and the intricacies of human nature. Through a blend of realism and symbolism, the plays delve into themes such as individual versus society, the constraints of societal norms, and the pursuit of personal freedom. Ibsen's characters often grapple with moral dilemmas and existential questions, reflecting the tensions and transformations of 19th-century society. The plays are marked by their intense psychological depth and pioneering approach to drama, which have left a lasting impact on modern theater.

14. 14. The Master Builder And Other Plays

    

    This collection of plays delves into the complexities of human ambition, identity, and the often tumultuous interplay between personal desires and societal expectations. The narratives explore the psychological landscapes of characters who grapple with their inner demons and external pressures, leading to dramatic confrontations and revelations. Themes of power, legacy, and the haunting specter of past choices are intricately woven into the fabric of these stories, offering a profound reflection on the human condition and the relentless pursuit of self-fulfillment.

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15. 15. Hedda Gabler And Other Plays

    The Master Builder, Little Eyolf, John Gabriel Borkman

    

    This collection of plays delves into the complexities of human emotions and societal expectations, exploring themes of power, ambition, and the constraints of social norms. The central characters grapple with their desires and the roles imposed upon them, often leading to tragic or transformative outcomes. Through intense dialogue and intricate character development, the plays offer a profound critique of the societal structures of the time, revealing the inner turmoil and moral dilemmas faced by individuals seeking autonomy and meaning in a rigid world.

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16. 16. Four Major Plays

    

    This collection of plays delves into the complexities of human relationships and societal norms, exploring themes of identity, morality, and the struggle for personal freedom. Each play presents a vivid portrayal of characters grappling with internal and external conflicts, often challenging the status quo and confronting the consequences of their choices. Through sharp dialogue and intricate plots, the narratives reveal the tension between individual desires and societal expectations, offering a profound commentary on the human condition and the pursuit of authenticity in a constrained world.

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17. 17. Ibsen's Prose Dramas / Edited By William Archer Complete In 5 Volumes

    Edited by William Archer

    

    Collected in five volumes, these prose dramas present penetrating realist studies of individuals and families confronting societal hypocrisy, moral compromise, and the costs of truth-telling. With unsparing psychological insight, they depict strained marriages, stifled ambitions, inherited burdens, and clashes between private conscience and communal expectations, often exposing the limits of social reform and the tragic consequences of self-deception. Stark dialogue, moral intensity, and darkly ironic outcomes force readers to question prevailing morals and the price of integrity.

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18. 18. Fyra Pjäser

    

19. 19. Samtidsdramatik 1

    
20. 20. Samtidsdramatik 2

    

21. 21. Fruen Fra Havet

    

    An introspective drama set in a coastal town, it follows Ellida, the restless wife of a physician, who is haunted by memories of a mysterious past lover from the sea. Torn between the security of domestic life and an obsessive longing for the freedom the ocean promises, she faces a crisis when the stranger's return forces her to confront her identity, duties to her family, and her need for autonomy. Through tense confrontations and symbolic seascapes, the story probes themes of choice, captivity versus liberation, and the possibility of self-determination within marriage.