The Greatest British, American Books From 1910 to 1919

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 288 'best of' book lists to form a definitive guide to the world's most acclaimed books. For those interested in how these books are chosen, additional details can be found on the rankings page.

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  1. 1. The Good Soldier by Ford Madox Ford

    "The Good Soldier" is a tragic tale of two seemingly perfect couples: an American couple and an English couple, who meet at a German spa and share a nine-year friendship. However, underneath the surface, their relationships are far from ideal, filled with infidelity, lies, and deceit. The story is narrated by the American husband, who is the last to realize the intricate web of affairs and betrayals amongst the group. The novel explores themes of love, passion, and the destruction that can result from suppressed emotions and societal pressures.

  2. 2. My Antonia by Willa Cather

    This novel follows the life of Antonia Shimerda, a Bohemian immigrant to the United States, through the eyes of her childhood friend, Jim Burden. The narrative explores their lives in the harsh environment of the American Midwest, their struggles with poverty, cultural adaptation, and personal growth. Antonia's resilience, strength, and love for life inspire Jim, who moves away for education and career but remains emotionally tied to the woman and the prairie life he left behind. The book is a compelling portrayal of pioneer life, human resilience, and the enduring power of friendship.

  3. 3. Sons and Lovers by D. H. Lawrence

    "Sons and Lovers" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the complex relationships between a miner's wife, her husband, and their two sons. The story focuses on the intense emotional and psychological bonds between the mother and her sons, as well as the struggles they face in their romantic relationships due to their deep attachment to their mother. The novel delves into themes of class, love, sexuality, and the oedipal complex, presenting a vivid picture of working-class life in early 20th century England.

  4. 4. Howards End by E. M. Forster

    This novel explores class relations and conflicting values in turn-of-the-century England. The narrative revolves around three families: the wealthy, capitalist Wilcoxes; the cultured, idealistic Schlegels; and the lower-middle class Basts. As their lives intertwine, the story grapples with themes of wealth, love, and death, and the struggle for personal connection in an increasingly impersonal society. The titular "Howards End" is a country home, and it becomes a symbol of England's past, present, and future.

  5. 5. Of Human Bondage by W. Somerset Maugham

    The novel follows the life of Philip Carey, a club-footed orphan who struggles with his disability and his passionate and unrequited love for a destructive woman. His journey takes him from a strict religious upbringing in England to an adventurous life in Paris where he attempts to become an artist before finally settling into a career in medicine. The story is a powerful exploration of human desire, ambition, and the search for meaning in life.

  6. 6. Winesburg, Ohio by Sherwood Anderson

    "Winesburg, Ohio" is a collection of interconnected short stories that paints a picture of life in a small town in the early 20th century. The book captures the hopes, dreams, and despair of the inhabitants of Winesburg, focusing on a young reporter as he interacts with the townspeople. Each character's story reveals their inner struggles, loneliness, and search for understanding and connection, providing a profound exploration of human nature and the complexities of life in a small community.

  7. 7. The Poems of Robert Frost by Robert Frost

    This collection of poetry showcases the work of a renowned American poet, featuring his signature exploration of rural life, complex social and philosophical themes, and vividly depicted New England landscapes. The anthology includes some of his most famous poems, marked by a mastery of language, precise imagery, and a keen ear for the sound of spoken word. His poems often touch on the beauty of nature, the human condition, and the dichotomy between life and death, demonstrating his profound understanding of the human experience.

  8. 8. The Elements of Style by E. B. White, William Strunk Jr.

    This book is a definitive guide and classic manual on the principles of English language read by millions of readers. The 18 main topics are organized under headings such as Elementary Rules of Usage, Elementary Principles of Composition, A Few Matters of Form, Words and Expressions Commonly Misused, and An Approach to Style. The book's unique tone, wit and charm have conveyed the principles of English style to millions of readers, making it a beloved resource for those who want to write clear, correct and effective prose.

  9. 9. The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

    A young, spoiled and unloved girl is sent to live with her reclusive uncle in a large, lonely house after the death of her parents. Through the discovery and cultivation of a hidden, neglected garden, she befriends a local boy and her sickly cousin, and the three children find healing and transformation through their friendship and the magic of the garden.

  10. 10. Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton

    Set in a bleak New England landscape, the book tells the story of Ethan Frome, a poor, hardworking farmer who is married to a sickly, bitter woman named Zeena. When Zeena's young cousin Mattie comes to live with them, Ethan becomes infatuated with her, leading to a tragic love triangle. The narrative explores themes of passion, duty, and the oppressive nature of rural poverty.

  11. 11. The Rainbow by D. H. Lawrence

    The novel explores the lives of three generations of a farming family, the Brangwens, living in rural England in the late 19th and early 20th century. The narrative primarily focuses on the sexual and emotional maturation of Ursula Brangwen, a young woman who rejects traditional societal norms in her quest for spiritual fulfillment and personal independence. The book is known for its vivid depiction of the English countryside and its frank portrayal of sexual desire.

  12. 12. The Thirty-Nine Steps by John Buchan

    Set on the eve of World War I, the novel follows an ordinary man who becomes entangled in a dangerous plot after a mysterious stranger shows up at his apartment, claiming to be a spy. When the stranger is murdered, the protagonist is falsely accused and becomes a fugitive, fleeing to the Scottish highlands. He must unravel a conspiracy of international espionage and prevent a political assassination to clear his name.

  13. 13. Tarzan of the Apes by Edgar Rice Burroughs

    This novel follows the story of a young boy raised by apes in the African jungle after his aristocratic parents are marooned and later perish. He grows up learning the laws of the jungle and the ways of the wild, eventually becoming the leader of his ape tribe. His life takes a turn when he encounters other humans, particularly a young woman, which leads him to grapple with his dual nature as both man and beast. The book explores themes of identity, civilization versus nature, and the concept of the "noble savage."

  14. 14. Eminent Victorians by Lytton Strachey

    "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.

  15. 15. The Custom of the Country by Edith Wharton

    The book follows the ambitious and cunning Undine Spragg, a beautiful Midwestern girl who marries her way into New York high society. Undine's insatiable desire for wealth, status, and comfort leads her through a series of marriages and divorces, each time climbing higher on the social ladder. However, her ruthless pursuit of success and disregard for social norms ultimately leave her feeling empty and dissatisfied. The novel offers a critique of American society and its values during the early 20th century.

  16. 16. The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists by Robert Tressell, Peter Miles

    "The Ragged Trousered Philanthropists" is a semi-autobiographical novel that explores the lives of a group of working men in the fictional town of Mugsborough, and their struggle to survive in a society marred by poverty and exploitation. The story primarily focuses on a socialist protagonist who endeavors to enlighten his fellow workers about capitalism's inherent flaws and the necessity for social change, all while battling the dire conditions of his own life. The novel is a critique of capitalism and a call for a socialist revolution.

  17. 17. Zuleika Dobson by Max Beerbohm

    "Zuleika Dobson" is a satirical novel set at Oxford University, where the beautiful Zuleika, a conjurer by profession, arrives and captivates the male population, including the Duke of Dorset. The Duke falls madly in love with her, but she remains indifferent to his feelings. In a tragic twist, the Duke decides to commit suicide to prove his love, starting a chain reaction among other male students. The novel is a critique of Edwardian Oxford and the foolishness of falling victim to unrequited love.

  18. 18. Pygmalion by George Bernard Shaw

    "Pygmalion" is a play that explores the transformative power of education and the nature of language and communication. It follows the story of a cockney flower girl named Eliza Doolittle who is taught to speak and behave like a duchess by a pompous phonetics professor, Henry Higgins. Throughout the process, Eliza develops self-respect and personal dignity, challenging the Victorian society's rigid class system. The play also questions the idea of 'making' someone and the moral responsibility that comes with it.

  19. 19. Prufrock and Other Observations by T. S. Eliot

    This collection of poems presents a critique of society through the lens of a disillusioned modern man. The titular character is a middle-aged man contemplating the emptiness and lack of fulfillment in his life. The poems delve into themes of despair, regret, and existential angst, reflecting the disillusionment of the post-World War I generation. The poems are characterized by their innovative use of dramatic monologue, stream of consciousness, and other modernist techniques.

  20. 20. Riders of the Purple Sage by Zane Grey

    "Riders of the Purple Sage" is a classic Western novel that tells the story of a woman named Jane Withersteen, who is persecuted by her Mormon fundamentalist church community in Utah for her friendship with a non-Mormon man. She is protected by a mysterious rider known as Lassiter, a gunslinger who is seeking revenge for the death of his sister. The novel explores themes of religious intolerance, the struggle for personal freedom, and the violent frontier life in the American West.

  21. 21. The Magnificent Ambersons by Booth Tarkington

    "The Magnificent Ambersons" is a Pulitzer Prize-winning novel set in the early 20th century that explores the dramatic changes brought about by the industrial revolution in America. It follows the decline of the once-prosperous Amberson family as their fortune and influence wane with the rise of new money and modern technology. The story is centered around the prideful and spoiled George Amberson Minafer, whose arrogance and inability to adapt to the changing world lead to his downfall.

  22. 22. The History of Mr. Polly by H. G. Wells

    "The History of Mr. Polly" is a comedic novel that tells the story of Alfred Polly, a man dissatisfied with his life and marriage. After faking his death in a fire, he leaves his wife and shop behind to start a new life. He eventually finds peace and contentment working as an assistant to a man who runs a country inn. The book explores themes of self-discovery, the struggle against societal expectations, and the pursuit of happiness.

  23. 23. Trent's Last Case by E. C. Bentley

    In this classic detective novel, the story follows the intelligent and resourceful amateur sleuth, Philip Trent, as he investigates the puzzling murder of a wealthy financier. Initially deemed an open-and-shut case, Trent delves deeper, uncovering a complex web of deceit, love, and betrayal. His sharp wit and keen observation lead him through a series of twists and turns, but his final conclusion is dramatically mistaken. In a surprising twist, Trent falls in love, which ultimately leads to a profound personal transformation and the unexpected resolution of the case, challenging the very nature of detective work and the fallibility of logical deduction.

  24. 24. Ten Days That Shook the World by John Reed

    This book provides a firsthand account of the Russian Revolution in 1917, specifically focusing on the ten days during which the Bolsheviks seized power. The author, an American journalist, presents a detailed chronicle of the events, people, and emotions during this tumultuous period. His narrative is filled with vivid descriptions and passionate portrayals of the revolutionaries, offering an intimate look into this significant historical event.

  25. 25. The Return of the Soldier by Rebecca West

    "The Return of the Soldier" is a poignant story set during World War I, revolving around a British soldier suffering from shell shock-induced amnesia. Upon his return home, he does not remember his wife or his comfortable life of privilege, but instead, recalls his first love and the modest past they shared. The narrative explores the complex dynamics and emotional turmoil experienced by the soldier, his wife, his cousin, and his former sweetheart as they grapple with the consequences of war, memory, and class distinctions.

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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