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 Counterfeiters

   Journal of The Counterfeiters

   

   "The Counterfeiters" is a complex novel that explores themes of authenticity, morality, and identity, primarily through the lens of a group of friends in Paris. The story revolves around a series of counterfeit coins, which serve as a metaphor for the characters' struggles with their own authenticity and self-perception. The narrative also delves into the lives of the characters, their relationships, personal struggles, and their journey towards self-discovery. The book is noted for its non-linear structure and metafictional elements, with the author himself being a character in the story.

   The 213th Greatest Book of All Time

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2. 2. The Immoralist

   

   "The Immoralist" is a novel that explores the journey of a man who, after a near-death experience, indulges in hedonistic and selfish behavior, rejecting societal norms and moral constraints. The protagonist, a scholar, embarks on a journey of self-discovery and self-indulgence after being diagnosed with tuberculosis. His pursuit of physical and sensual experiences leads him to abandon his wife and career, leading to a life of isolation and self-destruction. The book delves into themes of morality, freedom, and the human condition.

   The 498th Greatest Book of All Time

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3. 3. Strait is the Gate

   

   "Strait is the Gate" is a tragic tale of unrequited love set in the late 19th century. The story revolves around a young man who falls deeply in love with his cousin. However, his love is not reciprocated as she chooses a life devoted to God over their relationship. The book explores themes of love, faith, sacrifice, and the conflict between earthly desires and spiritual aspirations.

   The 1228th Greatest Book of All Time

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4. 4. Journals

   

   "Journals: 1889-1913" is a compilation of personal entries by a prominent French author, written over a span of 24 years. The journals offer a deep insight into the author's thoughts, emotions, and experiences, providing a unique window into his personal life and his creative process. The entries also reflect on the social, political, and cultural events of the time, making the journals not only a personal memoir but also a historical document of late 19th and early 20th century France.

   The 2020th Greatest Book of All Time

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5. 5. The Fruits of the Earth

   Nourritures Terrestres

   

   "The Fruits of the Earth" is a philosophical novel that follows the journey of a young man who abandons his home and travels around the world in search of pleasure and personal freedom. The protagonist's hedonistic pursuit of happiness and self-discovery leads him to various exotic locations where he indulges in sensual experiences and intellectual pursuits. The novel explores themes of existentialism, individualism, and the pursuit of personal desires, challenging conventional morality and societal norms.

   The 2355th Greatest Book of All Time

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6. 6. The Vatican Cellars

   Les Caves du Vatican

   

   The novel unfolds as a satirical adventure, delving into the complexities of faith, deception, and the human quest for meaning. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Europe, it follows the journey of Lafcadio, a young man whose paths cross with an eclectic mix of characters, including anarchists, aristocrats, and religious figures, each embroiled in their own pursuits of ideology, power, and salvation. Central to the plot is a meticulously planned hoax involving the Pope, which spirals into a series of events that challenge the characters' beliefs and intentions. Through its intricate narrative and sharp critique of societal norms, the book explores themes of morality, authenticity, and the absurdity of human endeavors.

   The 2372nd Greatest Book of All Time

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7. 7. Corydon

   

   "Corydon" is a series of dialogues that delve into the nature of homosexuality and its place in society. The work, structured as a classical philosophical discourse, presents a series of arguments that challenge the prevailing attitudes of the early 20th century, advocating for a more enlightened view of homosexuality. Through the conversations between the eponymous protagonist and his interlocutors, the text explores various aspects of love, art, and biology, ultimately making a case for the naturalness and moral neutrality of same-sex attraction, and calling for a greater acceptance of what was then considered a taboo subject.

   The 7215th Greatest Book of All Time

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8. 8. Travels In The Congo

   A Journey Through the Heart of Africa

   

   "Travels in the Congo" is a travelogue that recounts the author's journey through the French Congo in the early 20th century. The narrative provides a detailed account of the landscapes, people, and colonial practices encountered during the expedition. The author critically examines the impact of French colonialism on the indigenous populations, highlighting the exploitation and injustices faced by the native people. Through vivid descriptions and reflective insights, the book not only serves as a record of a personal adventure but also as a commentary on the broader political and social issues of the time.

   The 10303rd Greatest Book of All Time

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9. 9. Marshlands

   

   Set in a surreal and introspective landscape, this narrative explores the existential struggles of a writer who becomes consumed by the very act of writing itself. As he attempts to craft a novel about a fictional marshland, he grapples with the futility and absurdity of his creative endeavors, reflecting on the nature of art, identity, and the human condition. The story unfolds as a meta-commentary on the challenges of artistic expression, blurring the lines between reality and fiction, and ultimately questioning the purpose and meaning behind the pursuit of artistic creation.

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10. 10. The Pastoral Symphony

    

    Set in the serene Swiss countryside, this poignant narrative explores the complexities of human emotions and moral dilemmas through the relationship between a compassionate pastor and a blind orphan girl he takes under his care. As the pastor endeavors to provide her with a life filled with love and education, his intentions become entangled with personal desires, leading to a profound examination of faith, duty, and the boundaries of love. The story delves into the intricacies of human nature, revealing the often blurred lines between altruism and self-interest, ultimately questioning the true essence of morality.

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11. 11. The Journals Of Andre Gide, Vol 1

    

    This volume offers a captivating glimpse into the introspective and philosophical musings of a prominent literary figure, chronicling his thoughts, experiences, and creative processes from 1889 to 1925. Through a series of personal reflections, the author delves into themes of morality, art, and identity, providing readers with an intimate look at the evolution of his ideas and the influences that shaped his work. The entries reveal a complex individual grappling with the tensions between societal norms and personal desires, offering a rich tapestry of intellectual exploration and self-discovery.

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12. 12. Urien's Voyage

    

    Set against the backdrop of an allegorical sea voyage, this narrative explores the existential journey of a group of travelers seeking meaning and purpose. As they navigate through mysterious and surreal landscapes, the travelers confront their inner desires, fears, and the illusions of their perceived realities. The voyage becomes a metaphor for the human condition, delving into themes of self-discovery, the pursuit of truth, and the inherent contradictions of human nature. Through vivid imagery and philosophical undertones, the story challenges readers to reflect on the nature of existence and the quest for authenticity.

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13. 13. Regreso De La U.R.S.S.

    

    A candid travel account of a 1936 visit to the Soviet Union, charting the shift from hopeful curiosity to stark disillusionment. Guided tours and propaganda give way, through close observation, to a picture of censorship, fear, and conformism stifling art, individuality, and daily life. The narrative contrasts official promises with everyday shortages, bureaucratic absurdity, and the cult of leadership, ultimately urging Western admirers to question their idealized visions.

14. 14. De L'influence En Littérature

    

    A concise, reflective essay exploring how writers absorb, respond to, and transform the work of others. It distinguishes between servile imitation and productive influence, arguing that true influence is internalized and reworked into an author’s own voice rather than copied, and it emphasizes the moral and aesthetic responsibility of writers to remain honest and independent amid changing literary fashions. Through examples and critical argument the piece defends wide reading as necessary training while insisting that originality and sincerity are the ultimate criteria of artistic value.

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