The Greatest Serbian, Roman 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. The Aeneid by Virgil

    This epic poem tells the story of Aeneas, a Trojan who travels to Italy, where he becomes the ancestor of the Romans. It includes a series of prophecies about Rome's future and the deeds of heroic individuals, and is divided into two sections, the first illustrating the hero's journey and the second detailing the wars and battles that ensue as Aeneas attempts to establish a new home in Italy. The narrative is deeply imbued with themes of duty, fate, and divine intervention.

  2. 2. Confessions by Augustine

    "Confessions" is an autobiographical work by a renowned theologian, in which he outlines his sinful youth and his conversion to Christianity. It is written in the form of a long, introspective prayer directed to God, exploring the author's spiritual journey and deep philosophical ponderings. The book is renowned for its eloquent and deeply personal exploration of faith, making it a cornerstone of Christian theology and Western literature.

  3. 3. Metamorphoses by Ovid

    "Metamorphoses" is a classical epic poem that narrates the history of the world from its creation to the deification of Julius Caesar within a loose mythico-historical framework. The narrative is filled with stories of transformation, focusing on myths and legends of the Greek and Roman world. The tales, which include the stories of Daedalus and Icarus, King Midas, and Pyramus and Thisbe, among others, are all linked by the common theme of transformation, often as a punishment or reward from the gods.

  4. 4. Meditations by Marcus Aurelius

    "Meditations" is a collection of personal writings by a Roman Emperor, providing deep insights into Stoic philosophy. The book is a series of introspective reflections on how to deal with life's challenges with wisdom, integrity, self-discipline, and benevolent affection for all mankind. It serves as a manual for self-improvement and moral guidance, emphasizing the importance of accepting things outside of one's control and maintaining a tranquil mind amidst adversity.

  5. 5. De Rerum Natura by Lucretius

    "De Rerum Natura" is a long didactic poem written in the first century BC, which explores Epicurean philosophy and the nature of the universe. The text delves into topics such as the nature of the gods, the atomic structure of the universe, human sensation and thought, and the fear of death. The author argues that understanding the physical world can free humans from superstition and fear, leading to peace of mind and true happiness.

  6. 6. The Golden Ass (Metamorphoses): Or Metamorphoses by Apuleius

    This classic novel follows the protagonist, a young man who is transformed into a donkey after meddling with magic he doesn't understand. His journey takes him through a series of adventures, where he encounters a variety of characters from different walks of life and gets into all sorts of trouble. Through his experiences, he gains a deeper understanding of the human condition and the world around him. The narrative also includes several mythological tales and allegories, including the famous story of Cupid and Psyche. Eventually, the protagonist regains his human form through divine intervention, having learned valuable lessons about life, love, and humanity.

  7. 7. Annals by Cornelius Tacitus

    "Annals" is a historical work that provides a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from the reign of Tiberius in 14 AD to the death of Nero in 68 AD. The author, a senator and historian of the Roman Empire, explores the inner workings of Roman politics, military campaigns, and social culture during this period. The book offers an in-depth look at the political machinations, power struggles, and the moral decay of the Roman elite, providing a critical perspective on the Roman emperors and their rule.

  8. 8. The Odes by Horace

    "The Odes" is a collection of lyric poems by an ancient Roman poet. The poems cover a wide range of themes, including love, friendship, wine, nature, morality, and the human condition. The author's style is noted for its elegance, wit, and mastery of meter. The poems also reflect the social and political context of Rome during the author's lifetime, providing insight into the culture and values of the period.

  9. 9. Lives of the Caesars by Suetonius

    "Lives of the Caesars" is a historical narrative that provides a detailed account of the personal and public lives of the first twelve Roman emperors, from Julius Caesar to Domitian. The author presents a vivid depiction of their character, behavior, appearance, and private lives, as well as their political actions, military exploits, and administrative policies. The book is a valuable source of information about the Roman Empire's early days, offering a unique perspective on the power, corruption, and extravagance of the Roman elite.

  10. 10. A Tomb for Boris Davidovich by Danilo Kiš

    "A Tomb for Boris Davidovich" is a collection of seven short stories exploring the nature of political and personal identity, primarily in Eastern Europe during the 20th century. The stories are interconnected, each focusing on a different character who is caught up in the political turmoil of the time, often meeting tragic ends. The book is known for its exploration of totalitarianism, the nature of identity, and the power of the state over the individual.

  11. 11. The City of God by Augustine

    The book is a philosophical and theological masterpiece, written as a defense of Christianity after the sack of Rome in 410 AD. The author contrasts the earthly city, characterized by pride and love of self to the point of contempt for God, with the heavenly city, characterized by love of God to the point of contempt for self. He argues that though the earthly city may seem dominant in the present age, the heavenly city will ultimately triumph. The book is a profound exploration of history, philosophy, religion, and the human condition.

  12. 12. Letters from a Stoic by Seneca

    "Letters from a Stoic" is a collection of moral epistles written by a renowned Stoic philosopher. The letters provide practical guidance on everything from dealing with adversity and the pursuit of wisdom to the folly of consumerism and the nature of friendship. The author's stoic philosophy encourages peace of mind through understanding and accepting the natural order of the universe, and his letters offer timeless wisdom and insights that are still relevant today.

  13. 13. Histories by Cornelius Tacitus

    "Histories" is a comprehensive account of the Roman Empire from 69-96 AD, a period marked by significant political turmoil. It provides an in-depth look at the reigns of four emperors: Galba, Otho, Vitellius, and Vespasian, along with the social and political upheavals of the time. The narrative also covers the Jewish rebellion and the burning of the Jerusalem Temple, offering a rich historical context of the period. Despite some gaps in the record, it remains a crucial primary source for understanding this era of Roman history.

  14. 14. Dictionary of the Khazars by Milorad Pavic

    "Dictionary of the Khazars" is a metaphysical, historical novel written in the form of a lexicon. The book presents three different versions - Christian, Islamic, and Hebrew - of the history of the Khazars, an ancient people who converted to one of these three religions. The novel, filled with dreamlike narratives and fantastical elements, invites the reader to become an active participant, choosing their own path through the non-linear text, and even solving a murder mystery embedded within the story.

  15. 15. Germania by Cornelius Tacitus

    "Germania" is a historical and ethnographic work that provides a detailed description of the lands, customs, and tribes of the Germanic people in the first century AD. The author, a Roman historian and senator, offers a comprehensive account of the geography, anthropology, social institutions, and military practices of the Germanic tribes, often comparing their culture and values to those of the Romans. The work is considered a valuable source of information about the ancient Germanic tribes, despite its possible biases and inaccuracies.

  16. 16. Titi Livi Ab urbe condita libri by Livy

    This historical work offers a comprehensive narrative of the history of Rome, from its mythical origins to the reign of the Roman Emperor Augustus. The author chronicles the major political, military, and social events of the Roman Republic, including the founding of the city, the establishment of the Republic, the Punic Wars, and the rise of Julius Caesar. The book is a significant source of information about the early history of Rome and is often considered one of the most important works of Roman history.

  17. 17. Garden, Ashes by Danilo Kiš

    "Garden, Ashes" is a semi-autobiographical novel set during World War II, tracing the experiences of a Jewish boy and his eccentric father in Hungary. The narrative weaves between the boy's vivid imagination and the harsh realities of war, as he grapples with his father's unusual behavior and the increasing threat of the Holocaust. The book is a poignant exploration of childhood, family, and the impact of war on ordinary lives.

  18. 18. Poetry by Quintus Lutatius Catulus

    This book is a collection of ancient Roman poetry by a renowned statesman and poet. The poems reflect the author's experiences, thoughts, and feelings about life, love, politics, and society during the Roman Republic era. The author's eloquent and vivid writing style, combined with his astute observations and insights, make this book a valuable resource for understanding Roman culture and history.

  19. 19. Catiline Orations by Marcus Tullius Cicero

    "Catiline Orations" is a series of speeches given by a renowned Roman statesman, which were aimed at exposing and condemning the conspiracy led by Lucius Sergius Catilina. The speeches, delivered in the Roman Senate, are a masterful display of oratory skills and political acumen, as the statesman successfully manages to turn the Senate against Catiline, ultimately leading to his downfall. The book offers an in-depth study of these speeches, providing valuable insights into Roman politics, rhetoric, and the art of persuasion.

  20. 20. Natural History by Pliny (the Elder)

    "Natural History" is an extensive work of literature that provides a comprehensive look at the knowledge of the natural world during the Roman era. The book is divided into 37 volumes, each focusing on different aspects such as geography, anthropology, zoology, botany, and mineralogy. The author's curiosity and fascination with the world are evident in his detailed observations and descriptions. The book also includes discussions on art, sculpture, and various other topics, providing a rich and detailed snapshot of the Roman understanding of the world.

  21. 21. An Analysis Of The Communist System by Milovan Djilas

    The book provides a critical examination of the communist system from an insider's perspective. The author, a former high-ranking official in a communist government, offers a detailed critique of the system's theoretical and practical shortcomings. He discusses the inherent contradictions between the ideology's promises of equality and the reality of a new class of bureaucratic elites that emerge to control the state apparatus. The work delves into the mechanisms of party control, the suppression of individual freedoms, and the economic inefficiencies that plagued communist states, ultimately questioning the sustainability and moral legitimacy of the system itself.

  22. 22. The Consolation of Philosophy by Boethius

    "The Consolation of Philosophy" is a philosophical work written in the 6th century, where the author, imprisoned and awaiting execution, engages in a series of dialogues with Lady Philosophy about the nature of life and human happiness. The author grapples with the harsh realities of his own life, including his fall from favor, his unjust imprisonment, and impending execution. Through these dialogues, the author learns to understand life from a philosophical and spiritual perspective, finding consolation and peace amidst his dire circumstances. The work is a profound meditation on fate, free will, time, and eternity.

  23. 23. On Obligations by Marcus Tullius Cicero

    "On Obligations" is a philosophical treatise that explores the ethical and moral duties of individuals in society. Written in the form of a dialogue, the text delves into the nature of justice, the importance of the common good, and the role of virtue in personal and public life. The author articulates a framework for understanding and fulfilling one's obligations, which he argues are derived from both natural law and human reason. Through a detailed examination of various ethical dilemmas and practical situations, the work provides insights into how individuals should act with integrity and wisdom to uphold both legal and moral responsibilities.

  24. 24. On The Ends Of Good And Evil by Marcus Tullius Cicero

    "On the Ends of Good and Evil" is a philosophical work that explores the ethical theories of Hellenistic schools, including Stoicism, Epicureanism, and the Peripatetic tradition. Through a series of dialogues, the text delves into the nature of happiness and the ultimate end of human action, examining what constitutes the highest good. The author critiques and compares the doctrines of these schools, ultimately defending the Stoic view that virtue is the sole basis of happiness and the ultimate goal in life, while also acknowledging valuable insights from other philosophical traditions.

  25. 25. Autobiografija by Branislav Nušić

    This book is a satirical account that delves into the life and times of its author, a prominent figure in Serbian literature. Through a blend of humor and irony, it explores his experiences from childhood, his education, and his varied professional endeavors, including his time in the civil service and his involvement in the theater. The narrative is marked by the author's keen observations of societal norms and the bureaucratic absurdities of his era, presenting a critical yet humorous critique of the social and political milieu of the Balkans in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Through its engaging prose, the autobiography not only offers insights into the author's personal life but also provides a window into the cultural and historical context of the period, making it a significant work in the canon of Serbian literature.

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