The Greatest Russian, Danish, Spanish 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 305 '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. Petersburg by Andrei Bely

    "Petersburg" is a symbolist novel set in the heart of Russia during the 1905 Revolution. It follows the story of a young man who is given the task of assassinating his own father, a high-ranking government official, by a radical political group. The narrative is a complex mix of politics, family drama, and philosophical introspection, all set against the backdrop of a city in turmoil. The novel is renowned for its vivid and poetic descriptions of the city itself, making Petersburg as much a character in the story as the people who inhabit it.

    The 1048th Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Platero by Juan Ramón Jiménez

    "Platero" is a beautifully written narrative that follows the relationship between a man and his donkey, Platero, in a small town in Andalusia, Spain. The book is filled with poetic and philosophical musings that reflect on the simple and profound aspects of everyday life. Through the interactions between the man and Platero, the author explores themes of friendship, nature, death, and the passing of time.

    The 1486th Greatest Book of All Time
  3. 3. Abel Sánchez by Miguel de Unamuno

    The book is a profound exploration of envy and its corrosive effects on the human soul, told through the lifelong rivalry between two friends. The protagonist, whose artistic ambitions and personal happiness are overshadowed by his obsessive jealousy of his friend's success and innate talent, descends into a destructive spiral of resentment. This dark passion not only poisons his own life but also impacts those around him, leading to tragic consequences. The narrative delves deep into the psychological complexities of its characters, offering a timeless meditation on the nature of envy and the human condition.

    The 1859th Greatest Book of All Time
  4. 4. My Childhood by Maxim Gorky

    "My Childhood" is a poignant and powerful autobiographical account of a young boy's life in 19th-century Russia. The narrative explores the harsh realities of growing up in a dysfunctional family, with a cruel stepfather and an uncaring mother, against the backdrop of poverty and social unrest. The protagonist's struggles, resilience, and observations provide a vivid portrayal of the societal conditions of the time, while also illuminating the human capacity for hope and perseverance in the face of adversity.

    The 2152nd Greatest Book of All Time
  5. 5. State And Revolution by Vladimir Il’ich Lenin

    This seminal political theory text delves into the role of the state in society and the necessity of proletarian revolution to dismantle the bourgeois state apparatus. It argues that the working class must seize state power, dismantle the existing state machinery, and establish a dictatorship of the proletariat as a transitional phase towards the creation of a classless, stateless society. The work critically analyzes the ideas of Marx and Engels on the state, while also addressing the practical aspects of revolution, including the suppression of the bourgeoisie by the proletariat. It serves as a theoretical foundation for understanding the dynamics of class struggle and the path towards socialism.

    The 2241st Greatest Book of All Time
  6. 6. Greguerias by Ramón Gómez de la Serna

    The book is a collection of witty, poetic, and often surreal aphorisms and reflections that blend humor, irony, and keen observation to capture the essence of everyday objects and experiences in a unique and thought-provoking way. These brief, imaginative musings offer a window into the author's playful mind, as he transforms the mundane into the extraordinary with his inventive use of language and metaphor. The work is a testament to the author's innovative spirit and his ability to see the world through a lens of whimsical creativity.

    The 2942nd Greatest Book of All Time
  7. 7. The Dangerous Age by Karin Michaelis

    "The Dangerous Age" is a reflective epistolary novel that delves into the emotional and psychological journey of a middle-aged woman who, upon reaching her forties, confronts the societal pressures and personal disillusionments that come with aging. Through a series of candid letters, she shares her experiences of estrangement from her husband, the challenges of maintaining her identity and desires, and her struggle to navigate the expectations placed upon women of her age. The protagonist's introspective correspondence reveals the inner turmoil and liberation that accompany her quest for self-discovery and authenticity in a world that often marginalizes women as they grow older.

    The 3462nd Greatest Book of All Time
  8. 8. The Twelve by Alexander Blok

    "The Twelve" is a controversial and symbolist Russian poem that weaves together the chaotic and transformative energy of the 1917 Russian Revolution with mystical and religious elements. Set against the backdrop of a blizzard in Petrograd, the narrative follows twelve Red Army soldiers as they march through the city's streets, grappling with their purpose and the violent upheaval of the old order. The poem is renowned for its vivid imagery, complex allegories, and the provocative inclusion of a Christ-like figure amidst the revolutionary fervor, challenging readers to interpret the convergence of spiritual and political themes.

    The 3685th Greatest Book of All Time
  9. 9. Hadji Murat by Leo Tolstoy

    The novella centers on the real-life figure Hadji Murat, a 19th-century Chechen rebel commander who, after a falling out with his own leader, Imam Shamil, defects to the Russians for a chance to avenge his family. Caught between the complex military and cultural conflicts of the Russian Empire and the fiercely independent Chechen tribes, Murat's struggle for honor, survival, and revenge reflects the brutal realities of the Caucasian War. As he navigates the treacherous political landscape, his story becomes a poignant exploration of loyalty, betrayal, and the dichotomies of human nature.

    The 3704th Greatest Book of All Time
  10. 10. A Cloud In Trousers by Vladimir Mayakovsky

    This early 20th-century poetic masterpiece blends revolutionary fervor with intense personal emotions, reflecting the tumultuous era of its creation. The work is a four-part epic poem that delves into the author's passionate and tumultuous love affair, juxtaposing his individual romantic experience with broader social and political upheaval. The poet's innovative use of language, rhythm, and imagery breaks from traditional forms, mirroring the chaotic spirit of the time and the poet's desire for both personal and societal transformation. Through vivid and often jarring metaphors, the poem conveys a sense of disillusionment with love and the contemporary social order, while also expressing a fervent hope for a new and better world.

    The 3768th Greatest Book of All Time
  11. 11. Fallen Leaves by Vasily Rozanov

    "Fallen Leaves" is a collection of philosophical and autobiographical essays that delve into the author's musings on a wide range of topics, including religion, sexuality, and society. The work reflects the author's critical examination of modernity and the decline of traditional values, as well as his personal sense of isolation and disillusionment with the contemporary world. Through a series of fragmented and often controversial reflections, the author grapples with the existential challenges of his time, presenting a candid and introspective exploration of the human condition at the turn of the 20th century.

    The 3786th Greatest Book of All Time
  12. 12. Poems Of Anna Akhmatova by Anna Akhmatova

    This collection presents a poignant anthology of works by a prominent Russian poet, whose verse captures the complexities of life and love against the backdrop of the early 20th century, including the turmoil of the Russian Revolution and the hardships of the Stalinist era. The poems are marked by their lyrical intensity, emotional depth, and personal reflection, often weaving together themes of individual suffering, resilience, and the enduring power of the human spirit. The poet's distinctive voice and masterful use of language have cemented her place as a significant figure in the literary canon, offering readers a deeply moving and introspective journey through her experiences and observations.

    The 4086th Greatest Book of All Time
  13. 13. The Tree Of Knowledge by Pío Baroja

    "The Tree of Knowledge" is a philosophical novel that delves into the life of Andrés Hurtado, a young man who struggles with the meaning of life and the search for truth in a society filled with hypocrisy and superficiality. As he pursues a career in medicine, Hurtado becomes increasingly disillusioned with the human condition and the limitations of scientific understanding. His journey is one of intellectual and emotional turmoil, as he grapples with existential questions and the complexities of love, family, and societal expectations. The narrative is a reflection on the challenges of reconciling the pursuit of knowledge with the quest for personal happiness and moral integrity.

    The 4624th Greatest Book of All Time
  14. 14. The Twelve And Other Poems by Aleksandr Blok

    "The Twelve and Other Poems" is a collection that captures the tumultuous spirit of early 20th-century Russia through a blend of lyrical and narrative poetry. The centerpiece of the collection is a long poem that portrays the chaotic and transformative energy of the Russian Revolution, as seen through the eyes of twelve Red Army soldiers marching through the snowy streets of Petrograd. The work is known for its complex interplay of themes, including revolution, love, betrayal, and redemption, and it employs a range of poetic styles, from the symbolic to the realistic. The additional poems in the collection further explore the psychological and societal upheavals of the time, offering a poignant reflection on a nation in the throes of profound change.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time
  15. 15. In the Land of White Death by Valerian Albanov

    This book is a gripping first-person account of a Russian navigator's survival journey in the Arctic wilderness. After his ship gets trapped in pack ice, the protagonist and his crew embark on a grueling trek across the frozen landscape, battling extreme weather, starvation, and despair. The narrative provides a vivid depiction of the harsh Arctic environment and human resilience in the face of adversity.

    The 8625th Greatest Book of All Time
  16. 16. Physics For Entertainment by Yakov Perelman

    "Physics for Entertainment" is a captivating book that presents complex physics concepts in an engaging and accessible manner. Aimed at both young readers and adults, the book uses everyday scenarios and simple experiments that can be performed at home to explain the principles of physics. Covering a wide range of topics from mechanics to optics, the author demystifies scientific phenomena and encourages a deeper understanding of the world around us through playful yet educational explorations. This work not only educates but also entertains, sparking curiosity and a lasting interest in the field of physics.

    The 8726th Greatest Book of All Time

Reading Statistics

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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