The Greatest Non-Western "Anthologies" Books of All Time

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This list showcases a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books from Non-Western literature. Curated through a specialized algorithm, it amalgamates 300 'best of' book lists to present a definitive guide to essential literary works from Asia, Africa, the Middle East, Latin America, and beyond. This selection celebrates the diverse and vibrant literary traditions of the world, offering readers a window into a myriad of fascinating narratives and perspectives. For more information on how these books are selected, please visit the rankings page.

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Anthologies

Anthologies are collections of literary works, such as short stories, poems, or essays, compiled into a single volume. These books often showcase the works of multiple authors, providing readers with a diverse range of perspectives and styles. Anthologies can be organized around a theme, genre, or time period, and are often used in classrooms or book clubs as a way to explore different literary voices and themes. They offer readers the opportunity to discover new writers and to appreciate the breadth and depth of the written word.

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  1. 1. Fictions by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Collected Fiction" is a compilation of stories by a renowned author that takes readers on a journey through a world of philosophical paradoxes, intellectual humor, and fantastical realities. The book features a range of narratives, from complex, multi-layered tales of labyrinths and detective investigations, to metaphysical explorations of infinity and the nature of identity. It offers an immersive and thought-provoking reading experience, blurring the boundaries between reality and fiction, past and present, and the self and the universe.

  2. 2. Labyrinths by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Labyrinths" is a collection of short stories and essays that explore complex themes of infinity, parallel universes, and the blurred lines between reality and illusion. The narratives often feature protagonists who are scholars or librarians, trapped in surreal, metaphysical landscapes. The author's unique writing style combines elements of magical realism, philosophy, and detective fiction, creating an intricate web of narratives that challenge the reader's perception of reality and fiction.

  3. 3. The Writer on Her Work by Janet Sternburg

    "The Writer on Her Work" is a collection of essays by various female authors who discuss their experiences, challenges, and perspectives on writing. The book explores the complexities of being a woman in the literary world, shedding light on topics such as gender bias, the struggle for recognition, and the balance between personal life and professional aspirations. It provides a unique insight into the creative process, revealing how these women navigate their craft amidst societal expectations and personal obstacles.

  4. 4. Poems, New And Collected, 1957 1997 by Wislawa Szymborska

    This book is a collection of poems written by Wislawa Szymborska from 1957 to 1997. The poems explore a wide range of topics, including love, death, nature, and the human experience. With her unique and thought-provoking style, Szymborska delves into the complexities of life, often with a touch of humor and irony. Through her powerful and evocative language, she invites readers to reflect on the profound and sometimes contradictory aspects of existence.

  5. 5. Dreamtigers by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Dreamtigers" is a collection of short stories, essays, and poems that delve into the realm of metaphysics, infinity, mirrors, and changing identities. The book explores the author's fascination with the dream world and the blurred boundaries between reality and imagination. The narrative is filled with complex themes, paradoxes, and illusions, often inspired by the author's own experiences and his love for literature and philosophy.

  6. 6. Other Inquisitions by Jorge Luis Borges

    "Other Inquisitions" is a collection of essays that explore a wide range of topics including literature, philosophy, and metaphysics. The author uses his profound knowledge of world literature and history to delve into complex subjects such as time, identity, and infinity. He also provides insightful commentary on various authors and their works, reflecting on their influence and significance. The book is marked by the author's characteristic style of blending fiction, reality, and scholarly analysis, making it a thought-provoking read.

  7. 7. The Aleph And Other Stories by Jorge Luis Borges

    This collection of short stories delves into a world of philosophical puzzles, literary references, and metaphysical intrigue. The narratives, often presented as intellectual exercises, explore themes of infinity, reality, and the nature of language and thought. The centerpiece story features a point in space that contains all other points, providing the protagonist with a vision of the entire universe. The other tales similarly challenge the reader's perception of time and identity, weaving together myth, religion, and history into a complex tapestry that defies conventional storytelling and blurs the line between the real and the imagined.

  8. 8. The Rattle Bag by Seamus Heaney, Ted Hughes

    This anthology is a diverse and eclectic collection of poetry, curated with the intention of captivating readers with its variety and depth. It eschews traditional chronological or thematic organization, instead opting for an alphabetical arrangement by title, which encourages serendipitous discovery and juxtaposes poems in unexpected ways. The editors, both acclaimed poets themselves, have selected works that span centuries and continents, including both well-loved classics and lesser-known gems. The collection is designed to appeal to a wide audience, inviting readers to explore the rich landscape of poetry in a fresh and engaging manner.

  9. 9. And The Darkness Falls by Boris Karloff

    "And The Darkness Falls" is a chilling tale that follows a small town plagued by a series of mysterious deaths. As the darkness engulfs the community, a group of unlikely heroes must uncover the sinister secrets lurking beneath the surface. With suspenseful twists and turns, the book explores themes of fear, redemption, and the power of unity in the face of darkness.

  10. 10. Six Centuries Of Verse by Seamus Heaney,Ted Hughes

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection that spans six centuries of poetry, offering readers a rich tapestry of poetic expression from the English literary tradition. Compiled by two of the most celebrated poets of the 20th century, the book serves as both a historical overview and a celebration of the art form, featuring works from the earliest English poets to contemporary voices. Through its carefully curated selection, the anthology highlights the evolution of poetic styles, themes, and the enduring power of poetry to capture the human experience in all its facets. It is an essential volume for both students and enthusiasts of poetry, providing a deep well of inspiration and a broad perspective on the development of English verse.

  11. 11. Or Else, The Lightning God And Other Stories by Catherine Lim

    This collection of short stories delves into the rich tapestry of life in Singapore, exploring the complexities of its multicultural society through a variety of characters and settings. The narratives often focus on the tension between traditional values and modern aspirations, highlighting the personal struggles and societal pressures faced by individuals. With a blend of humor, irony, and poignancy, the stories offer a critical yet empathetic look at the human condition, as characters navigate the intersections of culture, identity, and change within the rapidly evolving landscape of their country.

  12. 12. Short Friday: And Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    "Short Friday: And Other Stories" is a collection of tales that delve into the rich tapestry of Jewish life, both in the Old World and the New. The stories explore themes of faith, love, sin, and the struggle between good and evil. They feature a range of characters, from rabbis and scholars to demons and dybbuks, each grappling with their own moral and existential dilemmas. The narratives are infused with a unique blend of humor, wisdom, and a profound understanding of the human condition.

  13. 13. The Seance and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    "The Seance and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the mystical and supernatural aspects of Jewish folklore. The tales are set in various locations and time periods, from pre-war Poland to contemporary America, and feature a wide range of characters, including rabbis, scholars, demons, and dybbuks. These stories explore themes of faith, morality, love, and the struggle between good and evil, all while maintaining a blend of humor, irony, and profound insight into the human condition.

  14. 14. The Three Hundred Tang Poems by China

    This anthology is a comprehensive collection of 300 poems from the Tang Dynasty, one of the golden ages of Chinese literature. The poems are rich in imagery and emotion, reflecting the diverse experiences of life during that period, including love, nature, war, and the human condition. The collection is renowned for its representation of the poetic forms and styles of the Tang Dynasty, making it an essential read for those interested in classical Chinese literature.

  15. 15. The Dark Country by Dennis Etchison

    "The Dark Country" is a collection of haunting and atmospheric short stories that delve into the depths of human nature and the supernatural. From a man who becomes trapped in a nightmarish town to a woman who discovers a mysterious painting with a sinister secret, each tale is filled with suspense, dread, and a sense of unease. With its masterful storytelling and vivid imagery, this collection takes readers on a chilling journey through the dark corners of the human psyche.

  16. 16. A Book of Luminous Things by Czesław Miłosz

    "A Book of Luminous Things" is a collection of international poetry, curated by a renowned poet himself. The anthology is divided into thematic sections, each prefaced by a brief introduction from the editor. The poems cover a wide range of themes such as nature, love, history, and the essence of human existence. The book serves as a testament to the power of poetry in illuminating the complexities and beauty of human life.

  17. 17. Tales from the Kathasaritsagara by Somadeva

    "Tales from the Kathasaritsagara" is a collection of ancient Indian stories written in Sanskrit. The book is a compilation of legends, folktales, and myths, including tales of gods, goddesses, kings, queens, and commoners, as well as animals and supernatural beings. The stories are filled with wit, humor, wisdom, and moral lessons, offering a fascinating insight into the rich cultural and literary heritage of ancient India.

  18. 18. The Englishwoman's Diary: An Anthology by Harriet Blodgett

    This anthology is a curated collection of diary entries penned by English women over several centuries, offering a unique and intimate glimpse into the private lives, thoughts, and experiences of women from various walks of life. Through these personal writings, readers are transported across different periods of history, witnessing the evolution of women's roles, societal expectations, and personal aspirations. The editor has meticulously selected entries that not only highlight the rich inner lives of these women but also reflect the broader historical and cultural shifts of their times, making it a compelling read for anyone interested in women's history, diary literature, or the social history of England.

  19. 19. A Bag Of Stories by Edla Van Steen

    "A Bag of Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the complexities of human relationships and emotions, exploring themes such as love, loss, and the intricacies of family dynamics. The narrative weaves through the lives of various characters, each story offering a glimpse into their personal struggles and triumphs, often revealing the unexpected ways in which people's lives intersect. With a blend of poignancy and humor, the book captures the essence of everyday experiences, highlighting the profound impact of seemingly ordinary moments and the enduring strength of the human spirit.

  20. 20. Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales by Yoko Ogawa

    This collection delves into the unsettling corners of the human psyche through eleven interconnected stories that explore themes of desire, pain, and retribution. Each tale weaves a haunting narrative where characters confront peculiar incidents and twisted relationships, often finding themselves entangled in situations where the line between reality and the surreal blurs. The stories, set against the backdrop of everyday life in Japan, reveal the quiet horror lurking beneath the surface of ordinary encounters, as the protagonists grapple with the consequences of their dark obsessions and the inexorable pull of vengeance.

  21. 21. A Crown of Feathers and Other Stories by Isaac Bashevis Singer

    "A Crown of Feathers and Other Stories" is a collection of short stories that delve into the human condition, often through the lens of Jewish culture and history. The tales are filled with elements of fantasy and folklore, exploring themes such as morality, love, loss, and the struggle between good and evil. The characters grapple with ethical dilemmas, personal identities, and the complexities of relationships, while the narrative style often combines realism with the supernatural, creating a unique blend of the mundane and the mystical.

  22. 22. Selected Poems of Gabriela Mistral by Gabriela Mistral

    This book is a compilation of selected poems by a renowned Latin American poetess, who was the first Latin woman to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. The collection features a wide range of themes including love, sorrow, nature, and death. Her unique poetic style, often characterized by emotive language and vivid imagery, has made her a significant figure in the world of literature.

  23. 23. The Works Of Thomas Campion by Thomas Campion

    This book is a comprehensive collection of the poetic and musical compositions of a Renaissance English poet and composer, known for his lyrical poems and songs that blend classical and English traditions. It showcases his mastery in the art of verse and his innovative approach to music, featuring both his well-known lute songs and his less familiar, but equally significant, sacred and secular choral music. The works within reflect the author's deep understanding of the interplay between words and melody, offering readers and musicians a rich tapestry of Elizabethan and Jacobean culture.

  24. 24. The Poetical Works Of Robert Herrick by Robert Herrick

    This collection assembles the lyrical poetry of a 17th-century English Cavalier poet known for his carpe diem philosophy and his mastery of the short lyrical form. It includes a variety of poems ranging from amorous verses, pastoral poems, and epigrams to elegies and religious musings. The poet's work is characterized by its wit, classical allusions, and a celebration of the pastoral life, as well as its exploration of the themes of love, nature, and the fleeting nature of human life. His most famous poem, which advises readers to seize the day and not waste time, is emblematic of his ability to blend the sensual with the spiritual, creating a body of work that has resonated through the centuries for its charm, accessibility, and depth.

  25. 25. Poems And Translations by Dante Gabriel Rossetti

    This collection is a compilation of original poetry and translations by a prominent figure of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, showcasing a blend of romantic and medieval influences. The works within reflect the author's fascination with themes of love, beauty, and mortality, often interwoven with mythological and historical references. The translations, primarily from Italian poets such as Dante Alighieri, demonstrate the author's deep appreciation for the Italian Renaissance and his skill in conveying the essence of these classic works to an English-speaking audience. The lyrical and evocative nature of the poems is characteristic of the author's contribution to the 19th-century literary landscape.

Reading Statistics

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If you're interested in downloading this list as a CSV file for use in a spreadsheet application, you can easily do so by clicking the button below. Please note that to ensure a manageable file size and faster download, the CSV will include details for only the first 500 books.

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