Philip Larkin

Philip Larkin was an English poet, novelist, and librarian. He is widely regarded as one of the greatest English poets of the 20th century. His work is characterized by its detailed observations of everyday life and its underlying themes of mortality and human experience.

Books

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 Complete Poems

    Cover of 'The Complete Poems' by Philip Larkin

    "The Complete Poems" is a comprehensive collection of works by a renowned poet. The book includes all of his published poems, as well as a number of unpublished pieces, offering readers a full view of his literary prowess. His poetry often reflects on life's mundane realities and the human condition, exploring themes of love, death, and time with a unique blend of wit, melancholy, and piercing insight. The collection serves as an essential resource for both scholars and fans of his work.

    The 5141st Greatest Book of All Time

  2. 2. A Girl In Winter

    Cover of 'A Girl In Winter' by Philip Larkin

    This novel follows the story of a young woman living in England during World War II, who reminisces about a summer day spent in the English countryside before the war. As she navigates her mundane job and the bleakness of wartime England, her memories of that summer day and her interactions with an English family provide a stark contrast to her current life. The narrative delves into themes of isolation, the passage of time, and the fleeting nature of happiness, capturing the protagonist's internal struggle and longing for connection amidst the backdrop of a world at war.

    The 5740th Greatest Book of All Time

  3. 3. Jill

    Cover of 'Jill' by Philip Larkin

    Set in the backdrop of World War II, the novel follows John Kemp, a young and naive scholarship student from a working-class background, as he navigates the complexities of life at Oxford University. Struggling to fit in with his more affluent peers, John creates an imaginary sister named Jill to cope with his loneliness and isolation. As he becomes entangled in the lives of those around him, including his charismatic but troubled roommate Christopher, John grapples with themes of identity, class, and the harsh realities of adulthood, ultimately confronting the illusions he has built to shield himself from the world.

  4. 4. Una Chica En Invierno

    Cover of 'Una Chica En Invierno' by Philip Larkin

    The novel explores the introspective journey of Katherine Lind, a young European refugee living in England during World War II. As she navigates the bleak winter landscape, Katherine reflects on her past, including her brief but impactful friendship with a girl named Robin Fennel. The narrative oscillates between her present struggles with isolation and her memories of a more hopeful time, highlighting themes of displacement, identity, and the search for connection amidst the harsh realities of war. Through Katherine's experiences, the story delves into the complexities of human relationships and the enduring impact of memory.