The Earth by Émile Zola

The book is a naturalistic novel that delves into the harsh realities of peasant life in 19th-century France. It portrays the struggles of the rural community through the lens of the Fouan family, who are grappling with inheritance disputes and the encroachment of modernity on traditional farming practices. The narrative exposes the brutality, greed, and sexual licentiousness that lurk beneath the veneer of pastoral simplicity, painting a grim picture of human nature and the social upheavals of the time. The novel's unflinching depiction of life's darker aspects is a testament to the author's commitment to exploring the human condition in its most raw and unvarnished form.

The 5254th greatest book of all time

Ranking Details:

Our ranking system awards points to books based on their appearance and position on curated lists. Here's how it works:

Unranked Lists: For lists without specific rankings, each book receives points equivalent to the list's weight. This approach recognizes the book's inclusion on prestigious lists.

Ranked Lists: Books on ranked lists receive points in two ways:

  • Base Points: Initially, every book is awarded points equal to the list's weight, acknowledging its significance.
  • Bonus Points: Additionally, books earn bonus points based on their ranking. The total bonus pool, equal to 100% of the list's weight, is distributed among the books, with higher-ranked books receiving more points.

Exponential Distribution: The distribution of bonus points follows an exponential model. This means the top-ranked book (#1) receives significantly more bonus points than those further down the list (e.g., #100). Our algorithm ensures that higher placements are rewarded more generously, reflecting the achievement of a top rank on any given list.

This scoring system ensures that each book's ranking reflects both its presence on multiple lists and its positions within those lists, providing a comprehensive measure of its acclaim and popularity.

Total Points: 78

Since this book was first published in 1887, there is a penalty of 0%. The age adjusted score is 78.0.

This is to prevent newer books from reaching super high on the ranked list of the greatest books of all time. The greatest books should also stand the test of time.