The Greatest 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 273 '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. 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.

  2. 2. 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.

  3. 3. 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.

  4. 4. 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.

  5. 5. 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.

  6. 6. 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."

  7. 7. 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.

  8. 8. 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.

  9. 9. 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.

  10. 10. 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.

  11. 11. Jurgen by James Branch Cabell

    This novel follows the comedic adventures of Jurgen, a pawnbroker who embarks on a fantastical journey through mythical realms after his wife is mysteriously taken from him. With a blend of satire, romance, and philosophical musings, the protagonist navigates encounters with gods, monsters, and legendary figures, all the while wielding his wit and cleverness to manipulate situations to his advantage. The narrative, rich in allegory and literary allusions, explores themes of desire, perception, and the nature of reality, challenging societal norms and the conventions of romantic quests with humor and irony. Through his quest, Jurgen seeks not only to recover his lost wife but also to understand the complexities of life and love.

  12. 12. Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman

    "Herland" is a utopian novel that depicts an isolated society composed entirely of women who reproduce via parthenogenesis. The result is an ideal social order, free of war, conflict, and domination. The story is told from the perspective of a male sociologist who, along with two other men, stumbles upon the society. They are initially imprisoned, but as they learn about the society, they are gradually integrated. The novel explores themes of gender, motherhood, and how environment influences behavior and societal structure.

  13. 13. Twenty Years at Hull-House by Jane Addams

    "Twenty Years at Hull-House" is a memoir that recounts the author's experiences co-founding and running a settlement house in a poverty-stricken, immigrant neighborhood in Chicago. The book details the struggles and triumphs of the community as they navigate social, economic, and cultural challenges, while also offering insight into the author's own evolution as a social reformer. Throughout, the author emphasizes the importance of empathy, understanding, and community engagement in addressing social inequality.

  14. 14. Tender Buttons by Gertrude Stein

    "Tender Buttons" is an avant-garde collection of prose poetry, divided into three sections: "Objects," "Food," and "Rooms." The book is renowned for its experimental, stream-of-consciousness style, and its abstract, often nonsensical language. It challenges traditional narrative and linguistic structures, creating a unique exploration of everyday objects and experiences. The work is a significant contribution to modernist literature and a pioneering example of feminist writing.

  15. 15. O Pioneers! by Willa Cather

    "O Pioneers!" is a novel about a Swedish-American immigrant family's struggles and successes in the great plains during the late 19th century. The story centers on the family's eldest daughter, who inherits the family farm and devotes her life to making it thrive despite the hardships of weather, personal loss, and societal expectations. The novel explores themes of love, gender, land ownership, and the harsh realities of frontier life.

  16. 16. My First Summer in the Sierra by John Muir

    This book is a personal narrative of the author's journey through the Sierra Nevada Mountains in California during the summer. The author, a naturalist, describes in detail the stunning landscapes, flora, and fauna he encounters during his exploration. His deep appreciation for nature and wilderness is evident in his vivid descriptions and philosophical reflections. The book serves as a call to preserve and respect the natural beauty of the environment.

  17. 17. Spoon River Anthology by Edgar Lee Masters

    "Spoon River Anthology" is a collection of short free-form poems that tell the epitaphs of the residents of a fictional small town, Spoon River, which is modeled after the small towns of the author's youth. The poems reveal the honest, often harsh realities of life, as each deceased citizen tells their own tale of love, despair, success, failure, and the human condition. The book is a commentary on the hypocrisy, moral corruption, and societal constraints of early 20th century rural America.

  18. 18. The American Language by H. L. Mencken

    This book is a comprehensive study of the English language as it is spoken in the United States. It explores the unique linguistic characteristics, pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar that distinguish American English from British English. The author also delves into the influences of other languages on American English, the evolution of American slang, and the regional dialects across the United States, providing a detailed and insightful analysis of the American language.

  19. 19. The Titan by Theodore Dreiser

    "The Titan" is a novel that continues the story of a ruthless and ambitious businessman as he expands his empire in the early 20th-century United States. Having conquered the streetcar industry, the protagonist now sets his sights on utilities and finance, using his wealth and power to manipulate stock markets, bribe officials, and crush any opposition. His personal life is equally tumultuous, filled with affairs and scandals that threaten his marriage and social standing. This narrative serves as a critique of the American Dream and the capitalist fervor of the time, exploring themes of greed, corruption, and the quest for power at the expense of ethics and human relationships.

  20. 20. The Warlord of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

    The Warlord of Mars continues the story of a man from Earth who finds himself on Mars, or Barsoom as it's known to the locals. In this installment, he pursues his beloved princess across the planet, battling various Martian creatures and dealing with the complex politics of the Martian races. His journey takes him to the polar ice caps and even into the planet's core, as he uncovers a conspiracy that threatens the entire planet.

  21. 21. The Mysterious Stranger by Mark Twain

    The novel is a dark and philosophical exploration of the human condition, set in a remote Austrian village during the Middle Ages. It follows the story of a group of young friends who encounter a mysterious and supernatural boy named Satan, who claims to be an angel and demonstrates his otherworldly powers through a series of thought-provoking and often unsettling miracles. As the narrative unfolds, the boy challenges the villagers' beliefs and perceptions of morality, good and evil, and the nature of existence, leading to a profound and controversial climax that questions the very fabric of reality and the role of a seemingly indifferent universe.

  22. 22. Lad: a Dog by Albert Payson Terhune

    "Lad: a Dog" is a collection of twelve short stories centered around a rough collie named Lad, who lives with his owners, referred to as the Master and Mistress, at a place called the Place. The stories depict Lad's adventures, his loyalty and courage, and his interactions with other animals and humans. Throughout the stories, Lad proves himself to be an extraordinary dog, exhibiting intelligence, bravery and an unwavering loyalty to his owners.

  23. 23. A Princess Of Mars by Edgar Rice Burroughs

    In this science fiction novel, a Confederate soldier named John Carter mysteriously finds himself transported to Mars, known as Barsoom by its inhabitants. On this alien planet, Carter discovers a dying civilization and becomes embroiled in a complex web of political intrigue, epic battles, and forbidden love. With his newfound strength and agility due to the planet's lower gravity, Carter becomes a formidable warrior and fights to protect the princess he loves and the people of Barsoom from imminent destruction.

  24. 24. Jennie Gerhardt by Theodore Dreiser

    This novel tells the poignant story of Jennie Gerhardt, a young woman of humble origins who, through a series of unfortunate circumstances and societal pressures, becomes involved with two different men of higher social standing throughout her life. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century America, the narrative explores themes of love, class disparity, and the struggle for personal dignity. Jennie's character embodies resilience and moral complexity as she navigates the challenges posed by her relationships and the harsh judgments of society, ultimately highlighting the human capacity for endurance and the quest for happiness amidst societal constraints.

  25. 25. Trifles by Susan Glaspell

    This play is a gripping exploration of gender roles and the dynamics of power through the investigation of a rural murder. Set in the early 20th century, it follows two women who accompany their husbands, a sheriff and a neighbor, to the home of a man who has been murdered. While the men dismissively search for evidence, considering the women's concerns as mere "trifles," the women uncover crucial evidence by paying attention to domestic details overlooked by the men. Through their discoveries, the play critiques societal underestimation of women and subtly explores themes of justice and solidarity, revealing the women's empathy and understanding of the accused wife's plight, leading them to a moral dilemma.

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.

Download