William Goldman

William Goldman was an American novelist, playwright, and screenwriter. He is best known for his novels 'The Princess Bride' and 'Marathon Man,' as well as his Academy Award-winning screenplays for 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid' and 'All the President's Men.'

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 Princess Bride

    S. Morgenstern's Classic Tale of True Love and High Adventure

    This book is an illustrated edition of a classic tale of true love and high adventure. It tells the story of a beautiful princess and her one true love. After he is reportedly killed, she agrees to marry a wicked prince instead, only to be kidnapped and face numerous dangers. The story is filled with humor, romance, and swashbuckling action, all brought to life by vivid illustrations.

    The 676th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Marathon Man

    The novel revolves around a history Ph.D. student and avid runner in New York City who becomes entangled in a deadly plot involving his estranged brother, a government agent, and a notorious Nazi war criminal living in exile. When a series of events leads to the murder of his brother and the revelation of a precious gem smuggling operation, the protagonist must use his wits and endurance to survive torture and chase, uncovering a harrowing conspiracy that forces him to confront his own family's secrets and a past that is inextricably linked to the horrors of the Holocaust.

    The 5921st Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. Adventures In The Screen Trade

    A Personal View of Hollywood

    This insightful and candid memoir offers a behind-the-scenes look at the world of Hollywood screenwriting, blending personal anecdotes with professional wisdom. The author, a seasoned screenwriter, shares his experiences navigating the film industry, revealing the challenges and triumphs of bringing stories to the big screen. With a mix of humor and honesty, the narrative delves into the intricacies of scriptwriting, the unpredictable nature of movie production, and the often tumultuous relationships between writers, directors, and producers. This work serves as both a guide for aspiring screenwriters and an entertaining exploration of the film industry's inner workings.

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  4. 4. Magic

    A struggling ventriloquist revives his career when he reconnects with his charismatic but malevolent dummy, Fats; as success grows his grip on reality loosens and the line between man and puppet dissolves, unleashing jealousy, violence and a chilling unraveling of identity and trust. Told with dark humor and mounting dread, the story probes the costs of showmanship and the terrifying possibility that the puppet has a will of its own.

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  5. 5. The Silent Gondoliers

    A gently comic and poignant fable set in Venice about a humble gondolier who cannot sing; ashamed and determined to fix what he sees as a flaw, he leaves the lagoon seeking a cure and, through a series of quiet lessons, discovers the value of humility, service, and listening. Returning transformed, he finds that his silent devotion and attentiveness bring a different kind of joy to his city than the boisterous songs around him, reshaping how both he and his community understand talent and purpose.

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