Daniel Kehlmann

Daniel Kehlmann is a renowned German-Austrian author known for his novels, essays, and plays. His works often explore themes of identity, reality, and the nature of genius. One of his most famous books is 'Measuring the World,' which has been translated into numerous languages and received critical acclaim worldwide.

Books

Ranked Books All 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. Measuring the World

    Cover of 'Measuring the World' by Daniel Kehlmann

    "Measuring the World" is a historical novel that reimagines the lives of two brilliant and driven men, German mathematician Carl Friedrich Gauss and German geographer Alexander von Humboldt. The narrative alternates between the two protagonists, exploring their individual quests to quantify and understand the world. Gauss, a child prodigy from a poor family, rises to become one of the greatest mathematicians in history, while Humboldt, a wealthy and ambitious explorer, embarks on a five-year journey across South America. Their paths converge in a humorous and touching manner, highlighting the contrast between their approaches to knowledge and discovery.

    The 2488th Greatest Book of All Time
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  2. 2. Tyll

    Cover of 'Tyll' by Daniel Kehlmann

    The novel is a reimagining of the legendary figure Tyll Ulenspiegel, set against the backdrop of the Thirty Years' War in 17th-century Europe. It follows Tyll, a cunning and enigmatic jester, as he navigates a world filled with chaos, violence, and superstition. Through his eyes, the reader encounters a diverse cast of historical and fictional characters, each grappling with the tumultuous realities of their time. The narrative weaves together themes of survival, power, and the enduring human spirit, all while exploring the blurred lines between reality and illusion in a war-torn landscape.

    The 7007th Greatest Book of All Time
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  3. 3. The Director

    Cover of 'The Director' by Daniel Kehlmann

    G. W. Pabst, a celebrated European film director, flees the rise of Nazism for Hollywood only to find his reputation diminished. When he returns to Austria (renamed Ostmark) because of family illness, he and his family confront the regime’s brutality. Offered a role by Joseph Goebbels in the propaganda apparatus, Pabst faces a wrenching moral and artistic dilemma. The novel explores art, power, and the seductive illusions of the silver screen without revealing historical outcomes.

    The 9584th Greatest Book of All Time
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