Best 20th Century Books up to 1924

This is one of the 743 lists we use to generate our main The Greatest Books list.

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  • The Dynasts by Thomas Hardy

    An Epic-Drama of the War with Napoleon, in Three Parts, Nineteen Acts, and One Hundred and Thirty Scenes

    The book is an epic historical drama that vividly portrays the Napoleonic Wars through a blend of verse and prose. It spans from 1805 to 1815, capturing the sweeping events and key figures of the era, including Napoleon, Wellington, and Nelson. The narrative is interwoven with commentary from supernatural beings who observe and influence human affairs, adding a philosophical dimension to the depiction of war and destiny. The work explores themes of power, fate, and the human condition, offering a panoramic view of a tumultuous period in European history.

    The 6823rd Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Jean Christophe by Romain Rolland

    Dawn and Morning

    This expansive novel chronicles the life of a gifted German musician, from his early years in a Rhineland village, through his turbulent development as an artist, to his maturity and recognition as a composer. Set against the backdrop of Europe's cultural and political landscape at the turn of the 20th century, the protagonist's journey is one of passion, struggle, and the relentless pursuit of artistic freedom. Through his friendships, loves, and artistic endeavors, the narrative delves into themes of personal growth, the nature of genius, and the universal search for meaning. The protagonist's life story is a testament to the power of resilience and the indomitable spirit of the creative mind.

    The 1185th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Collected Plays by John Millington Synge

    The Complete Dramatic Works of J.M. Synge

    The book is a compilation of dramatic works by a prominent Irish playwright, known for his significant contribution to the Irish Literary Revival. It encompasses a range of plays that vividly capture Irish rural life, often characterized by their use of the Hiberno-English dialect, lyrical prose, and a blend of realism and symbolism. The plays within this collection explore themes of love, tradition, and the struggles of the Irish peasantry, while also delving into the complex interplay between the individual and the community. The playwright's most famous work, included in this collection, is renowned for its controversial reception at the time, which sparked debates about national identity and the role of the arts in society.

    The 3879th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters

    "Spoon River Anthology" is a collection of short free-form poems that tell the epitaphs of the residents of a fictional small town, Spoon River, which is modeled after the small towns of the author's youth. The poems reveal the honest, often harsh realities of life, as each deceased citizen tells their own tale of love, despair, success, failure, and the human condition. The book is a commentary on the hypocrisy, moral corruption, and societal constraints of early 20th century rural America.

    The 3097th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Hail And Farewell by George Moore

    Ave, Salve, Vale

    The book is a semi-autobiographical narrative that explores the life and experiences of an Irish writer who returns to his homeland after years abroad. Through a series of reflective and often humorous episodes, the protagonist delves into the cultural, social, and literary landscapes of Ireland, encountering a diverse cast of characters along the way. The story captures the tension between tradition and modernity, as well as the personal struggles of identity and belonging, all while offering a rich, detailed portrait of early 20th-century Irish society.

    The 9900th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey

    The Lives of Cardinal Manning, Florence Nightingale, Dr. Arnold, and General Gordon

    "Eminent Victorians" is a biographical work that profiles four influential figures from the Victorian era. The book provides an in-depth look into the lives of Cardinal Manning, Florence Nightingale, Thomas Arnold, and General Gordon, exploring their respective contributions to British society during the 19th century. Through these portraits, the book offers a critical and often satirical analysis of Victorian values, institutions, and moral attitudes, challenging the idealized narrative of the era.

    The 965th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Pelle The Conqueror by Martin Andersen Nexø

    Boyhood

    The novel follows the life of a young boy named Pelle and his father Lasse, who migrate to Denmark from Sweden in search of a better life. They find work on a large farm, where they are subjected to harsh conditions and exploitation by the upper classes. Despite the struggles and injustices he faces, Pelle is determined and optimistic, embodying the spirit of the working class and their fight for a dignified existence. His journey from a poor laborer to a self-made man is a testament to resilience and the pursuit of social justice, reflecting the broader labor movement of the time.

    The 1513th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Tragic Sense Of Life by Miguel de Unamuno

    The book delves into the existential struggle between reason and faith, exploring the inherent contradictions and tensions within human existence. It emphasizes the importance of embracing life's uncertainties and the inevitable suffering that comes with the human condition. The author argues that the quest for immortality and the desire for a meaningful life are central to understanding our tragic sense of existence. Through a blend of philosophy, theology, and literature, the work challenges readers to confront the paradoxes of life and to find personal significance in the face of existential despair.

    The 10035th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Greek Commonwealth by Alfred Eckhard Zimmern

    Politics and Economics in Fifth-Century Athens

    The 9900th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Everlasting Mercy by John Masefield

    The narrative follows the transformation of Saul Kane, a dissolute and violent man, who undergoes a profound spiritual awakening. Through a series of intense and often brutal experiences, Saul confronts his own sins and the darker aspects of human nature. His journey is marked by moments of deep introspection and encounters with both suffering and redemption. Ultimately, Saul's path leads him to a newfound sense of grace and purpose, highlighting themes of forgiveness, the power of faith, and the possibility of personal redemption.

    The 9900th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Seven Men And Two Others by Max Beerbohm

    "Seven Men and Two Others" is a collection of satirical essays that blend fact with fiction, offering a whimsical critique of literary and artistic figures from the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The book profiles a series of eccentric and often outlandish characters, each with their own peculiarities and idiosyncrasies, who are purportedly known to the narrator. Through these vivid and imaginative portraits, the work explores themes of vanity, ambition, and the foibles of human nature, all delivered with a sharp wit and a subtle, ironic humor that both parodies and pays homage to the culture of the time.

    The 4884th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • The Forsyte Saga by John Galsworthy

    The Man of Property

    "The Forsyte Saga" is a series of three novels and two interludes that chronicle the lives of a wealthy, upper-middle-class family in England during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The saga explores themes of social class, wealth, love, and the changing societal norms of the time, with a particular focus on the character of Soames Forsyte and his obsessive desire to possess both people and things. The narrative provides a detailed examination of the family's fortunes, misfortunes, and intricate relationships, offering a critique of the materialistic culture of the era.

    The 245th Greatest Book of All Time
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  • Joseph Vance by William De Morgan

    An Ill-written Autobiography

    The novel is a semi-autobiographical narrative that follows the life of Joseph Vance, a man of humble beginnings who rises through the social ranks in Victorian England. It explores his personal and professional struggles, relationships, and moral dilemmas, offering a rich tapestry of character development and social commentary. The story delves into themes of love, loss, and redemption, painting a vivid picture of the era's societal norms and the complexities of human nature. Through Joseph's journey, the novel provides a poignant reflection on the resilience of the human spirit.

    The 7166th Greatest Book of All Time
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About this list

Literary Digest International Book Review, 13 Books

in 1924 the then prestigious Literary Digest International Book Review picked the best books of the 20th century. A list chosen by experts consisting of 13 books that received at least two votes.

This list was originally published in 1924 and was added to this site almost 2 years ago.

How Good is this List?

This list has a weight of 34%. To learn more about what this means please visit the Rankings page.

Here is a list of what is decreasing the importance of this list:

  • Voters: Voter Count
  • List: only covers 25 years
  • List: only covers mostly "Western Canon" books
  • Voters: are mostly from a single country/location

If you think this is incorrect please contact us.

List Information

Number of Voters:
10
Voter Count Unknown:
No
Voter Names Unknown:
No
High Quality Source:
No
Location Specific:
No
Category Specific:
No