The Greatest Lebanese, English Books of All Time

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This list represents a comprehensive and trusted collection of the greatest books. Developed through a specialized algorithm, it brings together 300 '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. Black Beauty by Anna Sewell

    "Black Beauty" is a heartwarming and poignant novel that follows the life of a beautiful black horse named Black Beauty. From his early years as a carefree colt to his later life as a loyal and hardworking carriage horse, Black Beauty encounters various owners and experiences both kindness and cruelty. Through his eyes, readers witness the mistreatment of horses and the importance of compassion and empathy towards animals. This timeless classic serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring bond between humans and animals.

  2. 2. The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran

    "The Prophet" is a collection of poetic essays that are philosophical, spiritual, and, above all, inspirational. The central character, a prophet, is about to board a ship which will carry him home after 12 years spent living in a foreign city. Before he departs, he is stopped by a group of people, with whom he discusses topics such as life and the human condition. The book is divided into chapters dealing with love, marriage, children, giving, eating and drinking, work, joy and sorrow, houses, clothes, buying and selling, crime and punishment, laws, freedom, reason and passion, pain, self-knowledge, teaching, friendship, talking, time, good and evil, prayer, pleasure, beauty, religion, and death.

  3. 3. Northanger Abbey by Jane Austen

    "Northanger Abbey" is a coming-of-age novel that follows the story of Catherine Morland, a young and naive girl who is invited to stay with the wealthy Tilney family at their estate, Northanger Abbey. Catherine's imagination is fueled by her love for gothic novels, leading her to create fantastical scenarios in her mind. As she navigates the complexities of society and falls in love, Catherine learns valuable lessons about the dangers of letting her imagination run wild and the importance of distinguishing reality from fiction.

  4. 4. Mary Poppins by PL Travers

    In this beloved classic, a magical and enigmatic nanny named Mary Poppins arrives at the Banks' household to care for their mischievous children. With her peculiar and extraordinary abilities, Mary Poppins takes the children on whimsical adventures, teaching them valuable life lessons along the way. As the family learns to appreciate the wonder and joy in everyday life, Mary Poppins proves that even the most ordinary moments can be extraordinary.

  5. 5. Ghost Stories Of An Antiquary by M. R. James

    "Ghost Stories of an Antiquary" is a collection of chilling tales that delve into the supernatural and macabre. Written by M. R. James, these stories transport readers to eerie settings, where ancient artifacts, haunted houses, and vengeful spirits lurk. With a masterful blend of suspense and atmospheric descriptions, James weaves narratives that leave readers on the edge of their seats, questioning the boundaries between the real and the supernatural. Each story is a haunting exploration of the human psyche and the terrifying unknown, making this collection a must-read for fans of classic ghost stories.

  6. 6. Troilus And Criseyde by Geoffrey Chaucer

    The narrative is a medieval romance that tells the tragic tale of the young Trojan prince Troilus and his doomed love affair with the beautiful Criseyde amidst the backdrop of the Trojan War. After falling deeply in love with Criseyde, Troilus's happiness is short-lived as political circumstances force her to leave Troy and join the Greek camp. Despite her initial vow to remain faithful, Criseyde succumbs to the advances of the Greek warrior Diomedes, leaving Troilus heartbroken and disillusioned. The story explores themes of love, fate, and the capricious nature of fortune, ultimately leading to Troilus's untimely death on the battlefield, as he is unable to reconcile his loss and despair.

  7. 7. The Arabian Nightmare by Robert Irwin

    "The Arabian Nightmare" is a captivating and surreal journey through the dreams and nightmares of a young scholar named Abdulla. Set in medieval Cairo, the book explores the blurred lines between reality and fantasy as Abdulla becomes entangled in a web of magical creatures, mythical beings, and supernatural occurrences. With richly descriptive prose and a deep understanding of Arabian folklore, the story delves into themes of identity, love, and the power of storytelling, leaving readers questioning the nature of dreams and the boundaries of the human imagination.

  8. 8. Death On The Nile by Agatha Christie

    "Death On The Nile" is a thrilling murder mystery set aboard a luxurious Nile river cruise. When a young and beautiful heiress is found dead, renowned detective Hercule Poirot must navigate a web of deceit, jealousy, and hidden motives to uncover the truth behind her untimely demise. As the suspects become increasingly desperate to protect their secrets, Poirot races against time to solve the puzzle before the killer strikes again.

  9. 9. The White Devil by John Webster

    "The White Devil" is a gripping and darkly captivating play that delves into the themes of revenge, corruption, and deceit. Set in 16th century Italy, the story follows the lives of two powerful families, the Brachiano and the Medici, as they engage in a web of treachery and manipulation. As tensions rise and secrets unravel, the characters are consumed by their own desires, leading to a tragic and bloody climax. With its complex characters and intricate plot, "The White Devil" explores the depths of human nature and the destructive consequences of unchecked ambition.

  10. 10. The Blazing World A New World by Margaret Cavendish

    "The Blazing World" is a pioneering work of science fiction and feminist literature that tells the story of a young woman who is kidnapped by a merchant and taken on a voyage to the North Pole, where she enters a parallel universe. In this other world, she becomes the empress of a society inhabited by a variety of hybrid creatures. The empress engages in philosophical discussions with the inhabitants and uses her power to lead a grand intellectual and military campaign back in her own world. The narrative explores themes of power, gender, and the role of science and knowledge, as the protagonist asserts her authority in a world that reflects the author's imaginative and intellectual ambitions.

  11. 11. The Sheep Look Up by John Brunner

    "The Sheep Look Up" is a dystopian science fiction novel that presents a grim and polluted future where environmental degradation and overpopulation have reached catastrophic levels. The story follows various characters as they navigate a world plagued by toxic pollution, food shortages, and rampant disease outbreaks. With a sharp critique of corporate greed and government negligence, the novel explores the consequences of humanity's disregard for the environment and the urgent need for change.

  12. 12. The Jewel Of Seven Stars by Bram Stoker

    "The Jewel of Seven Stars" is a gripping gothic horror novel that follows the story of a young archaeologist who becomes entangled in a mysterious and ancient curse. When an Egyptian mummy is brought to London, strange occurrences begin to unfold, leading the protagonist on a perilous journey to uncover the secrets of an ancient queen and her quest for immortality. As the suspense builds, the protagonist must confront supernatural forces and make a desperate attempt to break the curse before it consumes them all.

  13. 13. Holy Dying by Jeremy Taylor

    The book in question is a Christian devotional work that explores the theme of death and the proper attitudes and practices one should adopt in preparation for it. It serves as a guide for the dying and those attending to them, offering theological reflections, moral instruction, and prayers intended to comfort and prepare souls for their final journey. The text emphasizes the transient nature of life, the importance of repentance, and the virtues of a holy life, aiming to provide readers with a sense of peace and a roadmap for achieving a blessed death in accordance with Christian teachings.

  14. 14. The Changeling by Thomas and William Rowley Middleton

    "The Changeling" is a Jacobean tragedy that delves into themes of love, betrayal, and madness. The narrative centers around Beatrice-Joanna, a young woman who falls in love with Alsemero while being betrothed to another man, Alonzo. Desperate to be with her true love, she enlists the help of her father's disfigured servant, De Flores, to murder Alonzo. However, this act of violence sets off a chain of deceit and horror, as De Flores demands Beatrice-Joanna's virginity as payment for his crime. The play intertwines this main plot with a subplot set in a madhouse, using the setting to explore the thin line between sanity and insanity, ultimately leading to a tragic conclusion where the consequences of the characters' actions catch up with them.

  15. 15. The Poet And The Lunatics by G. K. Chesterton

    "The Poet And The Lunatics" by G. K. Chesterton is a whimsical and satirical novel that follows the adventures of Gabriel Gale, a poet who finds himself entangled in a series of mysterious events. As he navigates through a world populated by eccentric characters and bizarre situations, Gabriel becomes embroiled in a plot involving secret societies, mistaken identities, and the blurred lines between sanity and madness. With his signature wit and clever wordplay, Chesterton explores the nature of art, reality, and the human condition in this delightful and thought-provoking tale.

  16. 16. High Citadel by Desmond Bagley

    In "High Citadel" by Desmond Bagley, a group of strangers find themselves stranded in the Andes mountains after their plane crashes. As they struggle to survive in the harsh conditions, they discover that they are not alone. With danger lurking in every corner, they must work together to overcome their differences and escape the treacherous mountain range.

  17. 17. Women Of Sand And Myrrh by Hanan Al-Shaykh

    The book is a poignant exploration of the lives of four women in a Middle Eastern desert town, where traditional values and modern aspirations clash amidst the oppressive realities of a patriarchal society. The narrative delves into the intimate struggles of these women as they navigate love, sexuality, and friendship while confronting the constraints imposed on them by gender and social norms. Their stories intertwine to paint a complex picture of female resilience and the quest for identity and freedom in a world where their roles are often predetermined by the sands of culture and the scent of myrrh.

  18. 18. Beirut Fragments by Jean Said Makdisi

    "Beirut Fragments" is a poignant memoir that delves into the personal experiences of a woman living through the Lebanese Civil War. The narrative captures the daily struggles, fears, and the resilience of civilians caught in the crossfire of a fragmented city. Through her eyes, readers witness the transformation of Beirut from a vibrant cultural hub to a landscape scarred by violence and destruction. The author's reflections offer a deeply human perspective on the impact of war, the loss of loved ones, and the enduring hope for peace amidst chaos. Her story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit in the face of relentless adversity.

  19. 19. Esther Waters by George Moore

    "Esther Waters" is a compelling novel that follows the life of a young woman named Esther, who works as a kitchen maid and becomes pregnant after a brief affair with a footman. Facing societal judgment and abandonment, Esther is determined to provide a better life for her child. She finds work as a nursemaid and eventually marries a coachman, only to face further challenges and heartbreak. Through Esther's journey, the novel explores themes of love, class, and the struggles of a single mother in Victorian England.

  20. 20. Samarkand by Amin Maalouf

    This novel is a captivating blend of historical fiction and adventure, set against the backdrop of the 11th century Islamic world. It tells the story of the Persian poet Omar Khayyam and the creation of his most enduring work, the Rubaiyat. Through a rich tapestry of intrigue, romance, and political upheaval, the narrative follows Khayyam's life and the subsequent journey of his manuscript through time, including its perilous passage to the modern era. The book not only brings to life a vibrant period of history but also explores themes of love, fate, and the enduring power of poetry. Through its intricate plot and vivid characterizations, the novel offers a window into the cultural and intellectual achievements of a time and place far removed from the contemporary Western world.

  21. 21. The Collected Works by Kahlil Gibran

    "The Collected Works" is a compilation of the most significant writings by a renowned philosopher and artist. It contains a variety of profound and thought-provoking pieces, including essays, parables, and poems, that delve into themes such as love, friendship, joy, sorrow, and spirituality. The book is known for its lyrical prose and insightful wisdom, offering readers a deep exploration of life's most profound questions and universal truths.

  22. 22. The Malcontent by John Marston

    "The Malcontent" is a Jacobean-era tragicomedy that delves into themes of political intrigue, revenge, and moral corruption within a court setting. The play centers around the character Malevole, the disguised and deposed Duke Altofronto, who maneuvers through a web of deceit as he seeks to expose the hypocrisy and villainy of those who usurped his throne. Through a series of satirical and darkly humorous episodes, the protagonist navigates a treacherous court filled with unscrupulous characters, ultimately aiming to restore justice and reclaim his rightful position. The work is known for its biting wit, complex characterizations, and exploration of the human condition, reflecting the moral ambiguities of the time.

  23. 23. I, The Divine by Rabih Alameddine

    This novel presents a unique narrative structure, unfolding through a series of first chapters of an autobiography that its protagonist, a Lebanese woman named Sarah, attempts to write multiple times but never completes. Through these fragmented beginnings, readers explore Sarah's complex life, from her upbringing in a tumultuous Beirut to her experiences as an immigrant in the United States, facing the challenges of identity, belonging, and self-expression. The book offers a rich tapestry of family dynamics, cultural clashes, and personal reinvention, all while showcasing the struggles of articulating one's life story amidst the chaos of historical and personal upheavals.

  24. 24. 'Tis Pity She's A Whore by John Ford

    The play is a tragic tale set in Parma, Italy, centered around the forbidden love between Giovanni and his sister Annabella. Despite societal taboos and the grave moral implications, the siblings embark on an incestuous relationship, which leads to Annabella's pregnancy. As the story unfolds, their secret is threatened by external suitors, family pressures, and societal expectations, resulting in a series of deceitful acts, betrayals, and violent outcomes. The play explores themes of passion, morality, and the devastating consequences of transgressing social boundaries, culminating in a dramatic and bloody conclusion that underscores the destructive power of forbidden love.

  25. 25. The Poems Of Thomas Carew by Thomas Carew

    This collection brings together the lyrical and elegant works of a prominent figure in the early 17th-century Cavalier poetry movement. The poems are characterized by their witty, amorous, and sometimes libertine themes, reflecting the courtly manners and mores of the time. The poet's skillful use of meter and his exploration of the complexities of love and desire are evident throughout the anthology. His verses range from celebratory and pastoral to somber and reflective, offering a rich tapestry of the era's poetic expression and a window into the societal and cultural preoccupations of his day.

Reading Statistics

Click the button below to see how many of these books you've read!

Download

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.

Download