The Greatest Russian, French "Alexandria" 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 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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Alexandria

The "Alexandria" category of books evokes the grandeur and intellectual spirit of the ancient Library of Alexandria, once the largest and most significant library of the ancient world. This genre is characterized by its rich collection of works that span across various fields of knowledge, including history, philosophy, science, and literature. Books under the Alexandria category are typically imbued with a sense of exploration and discovery, offering readers a trove of wisdom and insight that has shaped human thought over the centuries. They often feature scholarly texts, comprehensive anthologies, and critical editions of classical works, appealing to those who seek to immerse themselves in the depth and breadth of human understanding and the enduring quest for knowledge. Whether it's the works of ancient thinkers, the narratives of historical events, or the foundational texts of various cultures, the Alexandria category serves as a modern-day beacon of learning, reminiscent of the storied institution that inspired its name.

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  1. 1. Thaïs by Anatole France

    "Thaïs" is a historical novel set in Egypt during the 4th century, revolving around a beautiful and hedonistic courtesan, and a Christian ascetic monk who becomes obsessed with her. The monk, seeking to save her soul, convinces her to abandon her life of luxury and pleasure to live in a convent as a penitent. However, as she finds peace and salvation in her new life, the monk is tormented by his repressed desires and lust for her, ultimately leading to his own spiritual downfall. The novel explores themes of desire, faith, and the destructive power of obsession.

    The 1193rd Greatest Book of All Time
  2. 2. Alexandrian Songs by Mikhail Kuzmin

    "Alexandrian Songs" is a lyrical work that delves into the themes of love, beauty, and aestheticism through the lens of Hellenistic Alexandria. The poetry collection captures the sensuous and hedonistic atmosphere of the ancient city, exploring the passions and desires of its inhabitants. The poet employs rich, evocative imagery and classical references to convey a world where art and life intertwine, and where the pursuit of pleasure and the celebration of the flesh are elevated to an art form. This work is notable for its open exploration of homosexual love, marking a bold departure from the conventions of its time and contributing to the author's reputation as a pioneering figure in modernist literature.

    The 7168th Greatest Book of All Time

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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