Waterstones' Top 25 Books of the Last 25 Years (2007)

Bookstandard (wayback machine) (2007), 25 Books

Celebrating 25 years as a bookstore Waterstone in 2007 released its Top 25 Books of the Past 25 years, as voted for by Waterstone's customers.

The Big Jubilee Read

BBC (2022), 70 Books

The Big Jubilee Read is a 2022 campaign celebrating the Platinum Jubilee of Elizabeth II by promoting reading for pleasure. A list of 70 books by Commonwealth authors, with 10 from each decade of Elizabeth II's reign, was selected by a panel of experts and announced by the BBC and The Reading Agency on April 18, 2022. The selection process involved a long-list compiled from readers' suggestions, refined by librarians, booksellers, and literature specialists, and aims to engage readers in discovering and celebrating great books. Supported by the Arts Council, Libraries Connected, and the Booksellers Association, the project highlights the joy of reading and its power to connect people. The list includes 19 Booker Prize winners, mainly novels in English, but also features poetry and short story collections, as well as works originally published in Welsh and French.

Ray Monk's Top 10 Philosophy Books of the 20th Century

Ray Monk / Guardian (2001), 10 Books

Ray Monk's top 10 philosophy books of the 20th century.

From the Guardian:
Ray Monk is professor of philosophy at the University of Southampton and is the author of Ludwig Wittgenstein: The Duty of Genius, and Bertrand Russell: The Spirit of Solitude. His most recent book, Bertrand Russell: The Ghost of Madness 1921-1970, focuses on Russell's relationship with his son, John.

"The following list is unashamedly 'unbalanced'. Of the 10 books listed, four are by a single philosopher: Ludwig Wittgenstein. I make no apologies for this. In my view, Wittgenstein towers above all other 20th century philosophers to such an extent that it is surprising to find any books not written by him included in such a list."

75 Books Every Woman Should Read

Jezebel (2008), 75 Books

Jezebel lists the 75 books every woman should read. Here's their description:

We started you off with 20 culled from our editors' suggestions, and you guys took the ball and ran with it. A few notes on the compendium of 75 that you helped us compile below. As we said in the original post, most of the extant rosters of must-read classics are full of old white dudes. So our list is going to be mostly women. Which doesn't mean there are not myriad male-written must-reads! A second note: we're aware that "The Lottery" and "A Good Man is Hard to Find" are short stories. We were referring to the eponymous books that contained those stories as well as several others. Finally, we're in no way implying that this is the final word in amazing, rich, edifying books for women, so please refrain from the "OMG I can't believe you morons forgot X," comments, mkay? The alive 75, in no particular order,after the jump!

Edmonton's Top 100

Edmonton Journal (1998), 100 Books

From the article:
It is often said that to know a person, you simply need to look at his or her bookshelf. With that in mind, it is difficult to discern what exactly this survey of 100 English-language novels of the 20th century says about Edmonton readers. That we have a certain aversion toward totalitarianism and the rule of Big Brother? That we appreciate fairness and abhor prejudice, especially when it is revealed through the eyes of a child? That we have all been emigrants in our trip west, or that politics and poverty have formed much of our character? Or simply that we appreciate good stories well told?

PEOPLE Picks the Best Books From the 1970s

PEOPLE Magazine (2024), 15 Books

description from their website:

In celebration of our 50th year, we're looking back at some of our favorite reads over the decades.

No matter how old you are, we've all got those books that have made a lasting impression on us. Whether it's the book your mom read to you at night when you were a kid, one a beloved English teacher introduced you to or one that opened your mind and heart at an important point, some books really stand the test of time.

In celebration of 50 years of PEOPLE, we polled our staff about the books from decades past that made a difference in their lives or the culture at large. Here are our picks from the 1970s.

Landmarks of World Literature

Cambridge University (2012), 24 Books

This series provides concise and lucid introductions to major works of world literature. It is not confined to any single literary tradition or genre and cumulatively forms a substantial library of textbooks on some of the most important and widely read masterpieces.

Top 10 Fiction Books of the Decade(2010)

Entertainment Weekly (2020), 20 Books

To celebrate the end of the 2010s, Entertainment Weekly’s Must List is looking back at the best pop culture of the decade that changed movies, TV, music, and more (catch up on our list so far, which includes the MCU’s big Snap, Lin-Manuel Miranda’s history-making hit Hamilton, and Beyonce’s iconic Coachella set). Today, we look back on our favorite fiction books of the past 10 years.

The 21 Books From the 21st Century Every Man Should Read

GQ (2015), 31 Books

This list identifies 'The 21 Books from the 21st Century Every Man Should Read' and is curated by GQ, specifically by contributor Daniel Riley. The selection focuses on GQ's most favored works of fiction from the new millennium, emphasizing books they frequently recommend to male readers. The criteria include both personal favorites from the 2000s and works that have been influential or noteworthy over the past thirteen years. The list was developed by carefully narrowing down selections over months and is complemented by recommendations from the featured authors themselves, who suggest overlooked works from the same period. The list is numbered but not ranked, reflecting a qualitative approach rather than a quantitative one.

The 100 Greatest Books Ever Written

Easton Press (1979), 102 Books

Easton Press's selection of the greatest books of the Western Canon.

National Book Award - Nonfiction

National Book Foundation (Yearly Award), 49 Books

The National Book Awards are among the most eminent literary prizes in the United States. Started in 1950, the awards are presented annually to American authors for literature published in the prior year, as well as lifetime achievement awards including the "Medal of Distinguished Contribution to American Letters" and the "Literarian Award". The purpose of the awards is "to celebrate the best of American literature, to expand its audience, and to enhance the cultural value of good writing in America.

who votes?
There are 5 people who vote every year

100 Books to Love

Sunday Times (2013), 100 Books

This list is from a Sunday Times article from 2013. There's not many voter details

10 Great Magical Realism Books to Lose Yourself In

Forbes (2024), 10 Books

This list, titled '10 Great Magical Realism Books To Lose Yourself In,' is curated by Forbes contributor Josh Lora, focusing on the genre of magical realism within literature. The selection criteria emphasize cultural impact, legacy, and the indelible nature of the novels, highlighting stories that use magical elements as metaphors to tell powerful human tales of resilience, hope, and love. The list is independently curated by Josh Lora, a researcher who examines the influence of media on individuals, and published under Forbes' entertainment section. There is no mention of a public voting process or the number of contributors involved in the selection.

Boston Public Library: Top Genre Books of the 2010s

Boston Public Library (2020), 120 Books

The top 10 genre specific books of the 2010s from the Reader Services Department at the Boston Public Library. Please note that this list only includes specific genres: Fantasy, Graphic Novels, Horror, Memoirs, Middle School, Picture Books, Romance, Science Fiction, Self-Help, Social Justice, Thrillers, and Young Adult. Their general Fiction and Non-fiction are in another list.

Powell's Essential List: 25 Essential Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books Isn't Enough: Our 25 Honorable Mentions

Powells' City of Books (2022), 25 Books

Powell's Books has unveiled a follow-up to their celebrated Essential List: 25 Best Sci-Fi and Fantasy Books of the 21st Century (So Far), introducing an "Honorable Mentions" list that spotlights outstanding titles which narrowly missed inclusion. After extensive deliberations and contributions from the entire Powell's team, this list comprises exceptional science fiction and fantasy books that have significantly impacted the genre. Despite focusing on works published after 1999, to maintain a contemporary perspective, the list also acknowledges timeless classics that, due to various constraints, couldn't be featured in their initial selection. This Honorable Mentions list serves as a tribute to the depth and diversity of the genre, including both beloved works from the last two decades and enduring favorites that continue to resonate with readers. Powell's encourages readers to explore these selections and share their own indispensable titles, further enriching the ongoing conversation about the essential reads in science fiction and fantasy.

100 All-Time Greatest Popular Science Books

Open Education Database (2013), 100 Books

OEDB.org made this list of the greatest popular science books. here's their description:

These great popular science books offer accessible science to readers from all levels of knowledge. There's something here for everyone, whether you're interested in environmental science, kitchen chemistry, or just want to try out some fun experiments with your kids over the summer. Check out our picks for the best in popular science, and see how you can use them to better understand and explore our world.

Best Books Written by Mexican Authors

Architectural Digest (2021), 8 Books

A list by Mariana Danis of classics of Mexican literature that every Mexican should read at least once in their life.

Top 50 Masterpieces of Medieval Literature

Medievalists.net (2024), 50 Books

Unlock the rich and diverse world of medieval literature with our list of 50 masterpieces. From epic tales of heroism to timeless romances and spiritual writings, these works from the Middle Ages have shaped cultures and influenced storytelling traditions for centuries.

This list explores the greatest literary works from the medieval period, spanning continents and covering a wide range of genres. Whether you’re interested in legendary heroics, philosophical insights, or allegorical tales of love and morality, this guide offers a comprehensive look at the most important works from Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and beyond. Each entry includes a brief summary of the work, its significance to the field of medieval literature, and how you can read this in English translation.

National Book Critics Circle Award - Fiction

National Book Critics Circle (Yearly Award), 50 Books

The National Book Critics Circle Award is an annual award given by the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) to promote the finest books and reviews published in English.

Warwick Prize for Women in Translation

University of Warwick (Yearly Award), 9 Books

The Warwick Prize for Women in Translation is an annual award honouring works by female authors that have been translated into English and published by a UK- or Irish publisher. Only works authored by a woman are eligible, the gender of the translator is irrelevant.

Who votes: The prize is judged by Amanda Hopkinson, Boyd Tonkin, and Susan Bassnett.

13 of Our Favorite Books On Black Resistance and Revolution

OkayAfrica (2017), 13 Books

This list presents 13 influential books focusing on Black resistance and revolution, curated by Damola Durosomo for OkayAfrica. The selection highlights works that embody revolutionary thinking by Black visionaries, emphasizing their significance in fostering social progress and challenging oppressive systems. The list, published on October 25, 2017, aligns with OkayAfrica's celebration of Black revolution icons and movements, showcasing literature that continues to inspire and spark revolutionary spirit. The criteria for selection include the impact of the books on historical and contemporary movements for racial equality and social justice, with a focus on authors who have played pivotal roles in these areas. The methodology does not involve public voting but is based on editorial choice, reflecting the personal favorites of the curator or publication.

Books That Changed the World

Book (2004), 59 Books

Scholar Robert B. Downs selects the "great works that revolutionized our ideas about the universe - and ourselves".

Modern classics: 11 novels that belong in the classroom

Today.com (2012), 11 Books

When we think of English lit classes, we usually think of Hawthorne, Melville, Austen, Tolstoy, Dickens. But the times, they are a-changin’ and so too are the books we read, both in and out of the classroom. Since the millennium, a lot of good—nay, great—books have been published by masterful authors, all of whom are deserving of a spot on a high school or college curriculum. And as evidenced by these 11 novels, whoever said there were no new ideas didn’t know what they were talking about.

The 50 Best Nonfiction Books of the Past 25 Years

Slate (2019), 50 Books

Slate’s books team selects the definitive works of reporting, memoir, and argument of the past quarter-century.

23 of the Best and Swooniest Romantasy Books

Book Riot (2023), 23 Books

This list, curated by Silvana Reyes Lopez for Book Riot, showcases a selection of 23 notable romantasy books, which are fantasy romance novels. The purpose of the list is to highlight the best and most enchanting titles within this popular sub-genre, which combines elements of romance and fantasy. The selection criteria focus on romantic narratives set in magical worlds, appealing to readers who enjoy epic love stories with fantasy elements. The methodology involves identifying current trends and popular titles in the genre, as romantasy has gained traction through platforms like social media and TikTok, where it garners significant attention and engagement.

100 Best Books of the Decade so Far (2010-2015)

Oyster Books (2015), 100 Books

The “100 Best Books of the Decade So Far” was essentially the work of a single editor, Kevin Nguyen, published April 2015 on Oyster’s literary site. The guiding idea was “books that most powerfully pursue truth” across fiction and nonfiction from 2010-2015. An advisory trio of Roxane Gay, Megan Abbott and Lauren Oliver could comment, but Nguyen made the picks. When Google acquired Oyster in Sept 2015 and the service shut down in early 2016, the original webpage vanished; only mirrors on LibraryThing, Reddit and blogs remain today.

10 Classic Works of Medieval Literature Everyone Should Read

Interesting Literature (2016), 10 Books

This list was compiled by Dr. Oliver Tearle, an English professor at Loughborough University. From the article:

Say ‘medieval literature’ and a few names will spring to mind: Geoffrey Chaucer, Dante, the anonymous author of Beowulf. But where does one start exploring the wonderful and colourful world of medieval writing? Here are our ten recommendations, which give a sense of the rich panoply of medieval literature.

Rather than order this list as ‘worst to best’ and attempt to proclaim one ‘best work of medieval literature’, we’ve avoided putting these ten books in any preferential order. Still, readers will doubtless have their favourites. What’s the best medieval book, for your money?

PEOPLE Picks the Best Books From the 1980s

PEOPLE Magazine (2024), 15 Books

from their website:

In celebration of our 50th year, we're looking back at some of our favorite reads over the decades.

No matter how old you are, we've all got those books that have made a lasting impression on us. Whether it's the book your mom read to you at night when you were a kid, one a beloved English teacher introduced you to or one that opened your mind and heart at an important point, some books really stand the test of time.

In celebration of 50 years of PEOPLE, we polled our staff about the books from decades past that made a difference in their lives or the culture at large. Here are our picks from the 1980s.

Books by Women That Every Man Should Read

The Guardian (2022), 23 Books

Chosen by Ian McEwan, Salman Rushdie, Richard Curtis and more. The description on the website says:

Studies show men avoid female authors. Ahead of the Women’s prize for fiction, chair of judges Mary Ann Sieghart finds out why – and we ask male authors to redress the balance

The Dream of the Great American Novel

Book (2014), 16 Books

Writer Lawrence Buell discusses the primary contenders for the title of the "Great American Novel".

Making Sense of Chinese History

Scholar's Stage (2018), 20 Books

This list, titled "Making Sense of Chinese History: A Reading List," is curated by Tanner Greer and aims to provide an introductory guide to understanding Chinese history through its literature, philosophy, and historical narratives. The selection is divided into two levels based on the reader's commitment, with "Level One" featuring shorter, more accessible works and "Level Two" comprising more comprehensive texts. Greer's intent is not to offer an overview of Chinese civilization but rather to introduce readers to the key figures and ideas that have shaped the "great conversation" of Chinese tradition. This humanist approach emphasizes the importance of understanding historical and literary allusions to engage with modern Chinese discourse. The methodology is personal and subjective, reflecting Greer's perspective and focus on essential readings for grasping the cultural and intellectual heritage of China.

National Book Critics Circle Award - Nonfiction

National Book Critics Circle (Yearly Award), 49 Books

The National Book Critics Circle Award is an annual award given by the National Book Critics Circle (NBCC) to promote the finest books and reviews published in English.

Top 20 Latin American Books To Read Before You Die

Latin Times (2014), 20 Books

Latin Times has put together a list of 20 Latin American themed books you must read before you die. Think of it as your bucket list of books.

The themes and genres of the books on this list range from classic, to modern to biography. Each book was carefully selected and thought to be great reads.

The Best War and History Books of All Time

Telegraph (2014), 35 Books

The Telegraph selects the best war and history books ever written

Top 10 travel books

Guardian (1999), 10 Books

Top 10 travel books, chosen by Gary Younge, who is a Guardian journalist. His book No Place Like Home, which was shortlisted for the Guardian First Book Award, is part travel book, part inquiry into cultural history.

PEOPLE Picks the Best Books of the 2000s

PEOPLE Magazine (2024), 15 Books

from the website:

In celebration of our 50th year, we're looking back at some of our favorite reads over the decades.

The early 2000s was a time of change. A new century brought new ideas, and that was no different within the book world as well.

In celebration of PEOPLE’s 50th anniversary, PEOPLE staffers are looking back on some of their favorite books of the decade. From novels, memoirs and nonfiction accounts, read on to see some of the PEOPLE staff’s favorite books from the 2000s.

Best 25 Irish books of the 21st century: how readers voted

The Irish Times (2025), 25 Books

This list represents the result of a dual-selection process to identify the best Irish books of the 21st century, as determined by both a panel and public readers. Initially, The Irish Times convened a panel of 60 experts from various literary fields, including authors, critics, and academics, to create a ranked list of 100 Irish novels and short story collections from 2000 to 2025, based on the number of nominations each received. Subsequently, nearly 2,000 public votes were collected, allowing readers to express their preferences from the top 25 selections of the expert list. This democratic approach highlighted differences in opinion between the expert panel and the broader public, illustrating diverse tastes and perspectives on contemporary Irish literature.

The 40 best plays of all time

Independent (2022), 41 Books

Paul Taylor and Holly Williams choose 40 brilliant plays to watch, hear or read

10 Filipino Novels You Should Read

Manila Bulletin (2018), 10 Books

10 Filipino Novels You Should Read
BY Madelaine B. Miraflor

The ZORA Canon: The 100 greatest books ever written by African American women

Zora (2020), 100 Books

The ZORA Canon is a distinguished list featuring the 100 greatest books by African American women, marking a first in acknowledging this specific literary group. Rooted in a deep cultural tradition, it spans 160 years of literature, from pre-emancipation times to the present. The selection includes a wide array of genres, such as fiction, nonfiction, plays, anthologies, and poetry, covering a range of topics from historical to personal narratives. This list was meticulously compiled by a panel of experts in African American women's literature. It not only celebrates the contributions of these authors but also serves as a comprehensive reference for readers. The ZORA Canon is a tribute to underrecognized writers and a gateway for exploring the rich cultural and literary history of African American women.

The voters:
The group included Malaika Adero, a former vice president and senior editor for Atria Books at Simon & Schuster; Margo Jefferson, a Pulitzer Prize–winning critic and professor; Ayana Mathis, a professor and New York Times bestselling author; Tressie McMillan Cottom, an author and sociologist; Imani Perry, a professor of African American studies and an author; and Jesmyn Ward, an author and English professor.

The 50 Best Plays of All Time

TimeOut (2017), 50 Books

New York is practically synonymous with theater, and from Broadway to Off Broadway to Off-Off Broadway, there are countless opportunities to see top-notch dramatic works. Of the countless shows that have been produced since the dawn of performance, it’s nearly impossible to choose the best plays. But we’ve done just that with our list of the best plays of all time.

What does it mean to say which plays are the best? Quality, popularity, universality, influence and historical importance all factored into the decision-making process. From Greek tragedies and Shakespearean comedies to Tony Award winners and modern experimental theater, this opinionated list by the late theater journalist and critic and Andy Propst covers some truly excellent works

50 Most Influential Books by Women

The Guardian (2013), 53 Books

This list, curated by Robert McCrum and originally published on The Guardian's platform, aims to present an alternative perspective to a previously male-dominated selection by highlighting the 50 most influential books by women. The list was compiled in response to criticisms of McCrum's earlier work and focuses on the impact of each writer or their work on literary history, noting a shift in the representation of women in literature post-1900 due to societal changes. McCrum constructed the list independently, without consulting any pre-existing catalogues, to address the underrepresentation of women in historical literary discussions.

Daniel S. Burt's Recommended Historical Novels

What Historical Novel Do I Read Next? by Daniel S. Burt (1997) (2003), 353 Books

A list of recommended historical novels from Daniel S. Burt's book "What Historical Novel Do I Read Next?"

Daniel S. Burt is an American author and literary critic.

Great Books of the Western World

Great Books Foundation (1990), 130 Books

Great Books of the Western World is a series of books originally published in the United States in 1952 by Encyclopædia Britannica Inc. to present the western canon in a single package of 54 volume...

Haycraft-Queen Cornerstones

Murder For Pleasure (Book) (1955), 180 Books

A list of "cornerstone" detective novels first published by editor and publisher Howard Haycraft in 1941 book "Murder For Pleasure", and later updated by Ellery Queen in the '50s.

Inteliquest's World's 100 Greatest Books of All-Time

InteliQuest (1993), 100 Books

InteliQuest contacted the literature departments of some of America's top universities and asked for their rankings of what they considered to be the greatest works of literature. We then compiled and analyzed these lists and chose the 100 books mentioned most often. The books in this collection are not presented in order of greatness. They are presented in chronological order

InteliQuest then sold the books on cassette tape

Bram Stoker Award for Novel

Horror Writer Association (Yearly Award), 40 Books

The Bram Stoker Award for Best Novel is a prestigious literary honor presented annually by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) to recognize outstanding achievement in horror fiction. Named after Bram Stoker, the iconic author of Dracula, the award celebrates the best full-length novel in the genre each year.

First established in 1987, the Bram Stoker Award has grown into one of the most respected accolades in horror literature. The award process is unique because it uses a jury and peer-driven nomination system, ensuring that the selections are a reflection of the horror writing community's collective judgment. The award seeks to highlight novels that not only excel in storytelling and creativity but also contribute significantly to the evolution and innovation of horror as a genre.

Caucasian literature: the best contemporary fiction to add to your reading list

New East Digital Archive (2017), 10 Books

A list of the ten best contemporary Caucasian books available in English, by Hannah Weber.

Top 25 Pre-20th Century Classics

The Guardian (2000), 25 Books

An article from The Guardian newspaper from 2000 that lists the top 25 pre-20th century classics.

This article by John Ezard explains what makes a book a classic and how classics are defined by enduring appeal and relevance to the human experience. Classics stay in print for a long time, are discussed in schools and colleges, and capture timeless themes that resonate across generations. The text emphasizes that a classic continues to speak to readers as they mature, providing deeper understanding with age and experience. It excites, diverts, and expands the reader's mind, touching on the most intimate aspects of life, like relationships and love, in ways that feel relevant to different readers at different stages of life.

The list of 25 pre-20th century classics at the bottom was compiled by The Guardian, drawing from popular consensus and timeless relevance. The article mentions that such lists are rare, since they require deep analysis of book markets and literature. It also notes the role of new adaptations (like film and TV) in keeping certain books in the cultural spotlight. However, these titles are considered classics because they capture universal human truths, making them endure beyond any momentary trends. The list was not solely based on bestseller status or immediate popularity, but on the long-term impact and sustained relevance of the works.

Top 10 Books on South African History

Guardian (2004), 10 Books

Saul David's favourite books on South African history.
Saul David is a historian and broadcaster. He specializes in wars of empire and is the author of The Indian Mutiny (shortlisted for the Westminster medal for military literature). His latest book, Zulu: The Heroism and Tragedy of the Zulu War of 1879, is published by Viking